Learning to drive can be a big step towards independence. It can give you the freedom to do things like visit friends, travel to work or study, or enjoy more of your community without relying on someone else.
At Leap in!, we often receive questions about NDIS driving supports and learning to drive. So, let’s look closer at what’s covered and how the NDIS can help you get on the road.
Learning to drive and the NDIS.
Learning to drive is a common personal goal. Like all NDIS funded supports, it needs to pass the ‘reasonable and necessary criteria to be funded.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Standard driving lessons are not covered by the NDIS
- Only Specialised Driver Training can be funded and this is only if additional supports are needed due to disability
- You need to have funding for NDIS funded driving lessons approved in your plan
- A quote for Specialised Driver Training needs to be submitted to the NDIS and approved before spending your NDIS funds on this support
- The quote is typically supplied to the NDIS with an OT assessment.
- Funding for approved driving lessons generally comes under Capacity Building – Assistance with Daily Life in your NDIS Plan.
Getting your learner’s licence.
Before you take to the streets, you will need a learner’s permit. Each state and territory has its own process and age requirements, so check with your local licensing authority.
Some states allow you to sit the test online, while others require you to attend in person. You’ll usually need to complete an online course or read a printed handbook to learn the road rules.
If you need help studying or preparing for the test, it’s a good idea to get your NDIS Plan approved first so you can access supports to assist with the learning process.
Medical fitness requirements.
All drivers in Australia need to pass medical fitness requirements before they can drive legally. This includes:
- Vision and hearing
- Attention, decision-making and reaction time
- Muscle strength, coordination and physical mobility.
Your GP will assess your fitness to drive if necessary using the national Assessing Fitness to Drive medical standards. This step is required before beginning driver training or vehicle modifications.
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments.
If you have a disability that may impact your ability to drive, you might need an Occupational Therapy (OT) Driving Assessment. The OT driving assessment is completed by a driver-trained occupational therapist (OT) and usually funded through the Improved Daily Living budget. Here is what the process looks like:
- Get your learner’s permit. You’ll need to have this before you can get behind the wheel
- Get a medical report. Your GP needs to confirm you’re medically fit to drive and provide details of any medical conditions and medications
- Complete an off-road assessment. The OT will assess your physical and cognitive abilities and other driving-related skills, review your medical history and test your road rule knowledge. So, if you’re a little rusty, it pays to brush up first! If the assessor finds you meet the requirements, you can start driving lessons
- Driving lessons. If you’re ready, you’ll be referred to a specialised vehicle driving instructor who can deliver lessons in a modified or dual-control car if needed.
Will the NDIS fund driving lessons?
The NDIS will only fund driving lessons related to your goals, that represent value for money and relate to your disability support needs.
Where funding is approved, it will be for a specific number of hours and usually at the rate outlined in the quote. It is therefore important that services are engaged in line with the approved hours/rate, to ensure that you’re not left out of pocket..
The NDIS may also cover other related items, such as learning to use a modified vehicle or additional lessons if required due to your disability.
Specialised driving lessons funded with your NDIS Plan must be:
- Delivered by a driving instructor with experience supporting people with disability
- Focused on teaching you to use vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment, if relevant
- Based on a recommendation from a driver-trained OT.
Important: The NDIS won’t usually fund driving supervision or general practice hours unless your disability means you need additional, tailored support.
Getting your P-plates.
Once you’ve completed your lessons, logged the required hours and your OT deems you ready, you can take your driving test to obtain your P-plates (provisional licence).
The number of hours and rules for progressing to your P-plates differs by state and territory.
Leap in! can help.
If learning to drive is part of your independence journey, the Leap in! app can help you stay organised. Set driving as a goal in your plan, track progress and prepare for your plan meeting all in one place.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play or use the web app.
Got questions about NDIS driving supports? Call the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78 or email [email protected].
Originally published 18 December 2019, updated 11th August 2021 and 1st August 2025.
