Understanding Named Drivers on Your Motability Lease
- You can have up to three named drivers on your Motability policy.
- These drivers may include yourself, a friend, a family member, or a carer.
- If you need to manage the drivers on your lease, you can do so online, or by calling Direct Line Motability.
Did you know you can have up to three named drivers on your Motability lease? That means, if you cannot drive or do not want to, you can nominate a trusted person to drive on your behalf.
Read on to learn more about who can drive for you, and how you can manage this process.
Who can drive my Motability car?
Named drivers are people you choose to drive your Motability vehicle. You can have up to three drivers on your policy, insured through Direct Line Motability (DLM). Any driver on your policy must be approved by DLM and named as a ‘permitted driver’ on your Certificate of Motor Insurance.
Some key points to note:
- Drivers with comprehensive insurance on another vehicle can only drive a Motability car if they're added as a named driver.
- Individuals under 25 can only drive petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars with an insurance group of 16 or lower and a power output of 120bhp or less. For electric cars, they can drive vehicles up to 140bhp or with an insurance group of 21 or lower.
- Only one driver can be under 21 years old on the policy. This individual could either be the disabled person or another driver residing at the same address.
- Provisional driving licence holders can learn to drive in a Motability vehicle. They just need to meet set criteria outlined by the Scheme.
- Drivers must hold a full UK driving licence. If they have a non-UK licence, Motability will need to run a few additional checks.
- Individuals with certain disqualifications within the last five years can't drive Scheme vehicles.
- The Motability vehicle must be used to benefit the disabled individual. If none of the named drivers live at the disabled person’s address, a tracker may be fitted to the car to ensure it is being used for the right purposes.
Open insurance
For those who rely on multiple caregivers, an open insurance policy may be beneficial. This allows different caregivers to access the vehicle. It is often used with individuals who live in a care home, nursing home, or school, or those who need 24-hour care.
How to change a driver on my policy
If you need to manage your drivers, the easiest way is through your Motability Scheme online account. Simply go to the ‘Insurance’ section, which will guide you to the DLM insurance portal. Alternatively, you can call DLM on 0300 037 3737 and speak to an advisor who will assist you.
You will need to have a few details on the proposed driver, including:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Driving licence number
- Any motoring convictions
- Any previous insurance claims
DLM will also need to contact the proposed driver as part of this process.
What if one of my named drivers can no longer drive?
If one of your drivers is no longer able to drive, consider replacing them with another driver on your policy. You must inform DLM immediately if one of your drivers is convicted of a motoring offence. Additionally, if one of your drivers experiences issues with their health or mobility, you must inform the DVLA.
Can I add temporary drivers to my policy?
Yes, you can add temporary drivers to your policy by switching out an existing driver. Temporary drivers can be added for up to 30 days, which can be useful for holidays or when visiting friends and family. If you need a driver on numerous occasions throughout the year, it's best to have them listed as a permanent driver. Again, you can manage this via your online account or by calling 0300 037 3737.
We’re here for your Motability needs
Visit Macklin Motors to find your next Motability vehicle. Our Motability Specialists will assist you with everything you need for your lease - including your drivers. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask - we are here to help! You can also view a full list of driver criteria on the Motability Scheme website.
Looking for the perfect Motability vehicle to suit your lifestyle? We have a wide range of models available from leading manufacturers. These include estates, saloons, hatchbacks, 4x4s, and MPVs. Start your search today and see how we can help.