Learning to drive can be a big step towards independence. It can give you the freedom to 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-funded driving lessons and driver training. Let’s look at what’s covered and how the NDIS can help you get on the road.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Specialised Driver Training can be funded if you need extra support due to your disability
- You need to get a quote for Specialised Driver Training approved before spending your NDIS funds
- Typically, the quote is sent to the NDIS along with an OT assessment
- Funding for approved driving lessons generally comes under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living in your NDIS Plan
- Standard driving lessons are not covered by the NDIS.
What is NDIS-funded specialised driver training?
Specialised Driver Training is driving instruction delivered by an instructor with experience supporting people with disability. It may include learning to use vehicle modifications, or individual teaching strategies for people who need extra support due to cognitive, sensory or physical disability. If it’s funded, it will be written into your plan.
Getting your learner’s licence.
Before you take to the streets, you’ll 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 let you sit the test online, while others require you to attend in person. If you need help studying or preparing for the test, it may be worth getting your NDIS Plan approved first so you can explore supports for 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 can be 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’ll usually need an Occupational Therapy (OT) Driving Assessment before you begin driving lessons. This is funded through your Improved Daily Living budget. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Get a medical report. Your GP will need to confirm that you’re medically fit to drive and provide details of any medical conditions and medications
- Get your learner’s permit. You’ll need this before you can get behind the wheel
- Complete an off-road assessment. The OT will assess your physical and cognitive abilities, review your medical history and test your road rule knowledge
- Get a quote for driving lessons. If lessons are recommended, you’ll need a quote outlining the proposed number of hours
- Submit the documents to the NDIS. Your OT driving assessment and the quote for driving lessons will need to be submitted to the NDIS
- Wait for funding approval. You can only begin driving lessons once the funding has been approved
- Start driving lessons. You’ll be referred to a specialised driving instructor who can provide lessons in a modified or dual-control car, if needed.
Will the NDIS pay for driving lessons?
The NDIS will fund driving lessons if they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and are value for money. This might mean showing that driving will reduce your reliance on funded transport or support workers, or help you access work, study or your community more independently.
If approved, your funding will cover a set number of hours at the rate in your quote, stated in your NDIS Plan. Make sure the services you use match these approved hours and rates so you don’t end up having to pay extra yourself.
Specialised driving lessons funded through your NDIS Plan must be:
- Delivered by a driving instructor experienced in supporting people with disability
- Focused on using vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment, if relevant
- Based on a recommendation from a driver-trained OT.
Good to know. The NDIS won’t usually fund driving supervision or general practice hours, unless your disability means you need additional, tailored support beyond what family or friends can provide.
Getting your P-plates.
Once you’ve completed your lessons and logged the required hours, you can take your driving test to get your P-plates (provisional licence). The number of hours and rules for progressing to your P-plates differ by state and territory.
Useful links.
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Northern Territory
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory.
Leap in! can help.
Learning to drive is an exciting step towards independence. With the Leap in! app, you can set driving as a goal, track your progress and stay organised, all in one place.
Got questions about NDIS driving supports? Call the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78 or email [email protected].
Further reading.
- How to set and achieve your goals.
- NDIS Capacity Building budgets: A closer look.
- Taxi vouchers and transport support.
Originally published 18 December 2019, updated 11th August 2021, 11th November 2025 and 4 August 2026.
