Check Vehicle Motability Status

🔒 This tool does not identify individuals or store lookups. It exists solely to promote transparency around publicly funded vehicles, not to judge or profile anyone.

💙 We recognise that many users of the Motability Scheme face daily challenges. This site is not intended to question anyone's individual diagnosis or need. We believe in a strong, fair, and transparent scheme that commands public confidence — and this tool exists solely to support that.

UK UK
Please enter a valid UK registration (e.g., BD51 SMR)

Why Some Results May Be False Positives

Our system identifies possible Motability vehicles by checking their status across numerous public sources. However, some vehicles may show as "Likely" even though they weren't purchased through Motability, because they may be:

🏍️ Two‑and‑three‑wheeled vehicles

Motorcycles, mopeds, and quad bikes receive automatic exemptions from various charges, which may trigger false positives in our detection.

♿ Non-Motability disability-exempt vehicles

Vehicles registered by DVLA as disabled tax‑exempt but purchased privately (not through Motability) may appear in public exemption databases.

🚨 Emergency service vehicles

Police, ambulance, fire service and other emergency vehicles receive various exemptions that may create false positive results.

🪖 Military & Ministry of Defence vehicles

UK military vehicles, MoD fleet cars, and official government vehicles may trigger false positives.

⚠️ Potential False Positive Sources

Vehicle Type May Show as "Likely"?
Motorcycles, mopeds, quad bikes ⚠️ Possible false positive
Disabled tax‑exempt vehicles (private purchase) ⚠️ Possible false positive
Actual Motability Scheme vehicles ✅ Correctly identified
Emergency service vehicles ⚠️ Possible false positive
Military/MOD vehicles ⚠️ Possible false positive

Any vehicle matching the above categories may show a false positive status in public databases, potentially causing confusion with genuine Motability vehicles.

Accuracy Information:

Analysis of available data suggests that fewer than 2% of exempt vehicles are false positives (emergency services, military, etc.). The vast majority of vehicles showing as "Likely" are genuinely Motability Scheme vehicles, but this small margin of uncertainty should be considered when interpreting results.

Our Mission: Protecting the Scheme for Those Who Need It

The Motability scheme in the UK plays a vital role in ensuring that disabled individuals have access to safe, functional, and adapted vehicles that meet their specific needs. For many, having a reliable car is not a luxury but a necessity-granting independence, access to employment, healthcare, and a fuller social life. These vehicles often require bespoke adaptations to accommodate complex mobility challenges, and the scheme rightly exists to uphold dignity and equality for disabled people across the country.

However, growing concerns have emerged around misuse of the system. The scheme itself has admitted to thousands of cases of abuse, while investigations and suspensions have revealed that a worrying number of individuals are inappropriately accessing the scheme without genuine need, undermining its credibility. This misuse not only diverts resources from those who truly need them but also fuels public skepticism, potentially threatening the long-term sustainability of a programme meant to empower rather than enrich. It undermines both taxpayers and disabled people who rely on this support for their daily lives.

This website does not seek to demonise genuine disabled people or their carers. On the contrary, it aims to amplify the message that reform is essential to protect the very people the scheme was designed to serve. By shining a light on misuse and calling for fairer, more transparent oversight, we advocate for a Motability scheme that remains strong, respected, and safeguarded against exploitation-ensuring it continues to offer life-changing support to those who truly need it.

Recent Findings: The Need for Reform

Here are some recent, well-documented figures and findings highlighted in the press:

📊 1. Investigations and bans

  • Last year Motability carried out 35,899 investigations into suspected misuse of vehicles, resulting in 5,300 people being removed from the scheme (The Sun, Fleet News).
  • That means on average about 15 cases revoked every day due to misuse (Financial Times).

💸 2. Controversial guidance and unusual cases

  • Media reports have highlighted users obtaining vehicles for conditions ranging from "tennis elbow" and "constipation" to alcohol and drug misuse-numbers include 40 cars for tennis elbow, 20 for constipation, 770 for alcohol dependency, and 220 for drug-related issues (The Sun).
  • Controversial guidance has been shared online showing how to inappropriately access the scheme, with concerns raised about access to high-value vehicles (The Sun).

🚔 3. Vehicles linked to criminal activity

  • Police forces across England and Wales have impounded over 500 Motability-registered vehicles connected to offences like theft, fraud, and drink-driving (e.g., 305 in South Yorkshire, 167 in Wiltshire) (Regit).

These findings demonstrate both the scale of legitimate usage-nearly 860,000 participants-and the growing vulnerabilities in oversight. While the majority of users depend on their vehicles for essential independence, a concerning minority are misusing the system, threatening public trust and diverting resources.

A key systemic flaw lies in the fact that the scheme is automatically available to anyone receiving the enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), whether or not they actually need or use a vehicle (The Guardian). This blanket eligibility risks undermining the scheme's original purpose and adds to the growing public perception of mismanagement.

Additional critical coverage:

The Independent | i news | The Telegraph (BMWs) | Daily Mail (£4bn surplus) | The Guardian | The Sun

FAQ: Why Transparency Matters

The Motability Scheme is a life-changing support system. This website exists to demonstrate just how many Motability vehicles are on the road, and why the scheme must be protected for genuine users. We do not track individuals, publish personal data, or make judgments about anyone's disability.

Yes. All data shown is sourced from DVLA public resources and does not include any personally identifiable information. This tool merely automates and combines data that is already accessible to the public.

No. This site does not and cannot provide ownership details. We strongly oppose any attempt to use this information for harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.

No. The results are based on open data and are indicative only. They may be incomplete, delayed, or contain errors. Please consult the DVLA or Motability Operations for definitive information.

How the Motability Scheme Works

The Motability Scheme allows people with disabilities in the UK to lease a new car (or other mobility vehicle) using their government-funded mobility benefits. Importantly, eligibility is based solely on receiving certain benefit levels (not on any specific diagnosis).

Key Point: To qualify for a Motability car, one must receive the Enhanced Rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or equivalent. It doesn't matter what the disability is, only that the benefit's mobility criteria are met.

Step-by-Step Process

Step Process Key Points
1. Apply for PIP Apply for Personal Independence Payment with Enhanced Mobility component (£64/week). Assessment evaluates difficulties in moving around or going out. No specific "car need" is assessed. Can qualify even without physical disabilities (e.g., needing supervision outdoors).
2. Receive Award Upon successful application, receive Enhanced Rate mobility PIP. Must have at least 12 months remaining on award. No separate Motability means-test. The DWP benefit decision is the only qualification. No financial means test.
3. Choose Vehicle Contact Motability dealer, show PIP award letter. Choose from wide range of new cars. Sign 3-year lease (5 for WAVs). Entire mobility benefit transfers to Motability. Advance Payment: £0 to £several thousand depending on vehicle. Any car can be chosen regardless of disability needs. Includes insurance, tax, maintenance, breakdown cover.
4. Using the Car Car can be used by disabled person or up to 2-3 nominated drivers. Insurance and maintenance included. Mileage allowance ~60,000 miles over 3 years. Main ongoing cost: fuel only. Car must benefit the disabled person, but enforcement is limited.
5. End of Lease Return car after 3 years. May receive £200-300 Good Condition Bonus. Can order new vehicle if still eligible. If benefits stop, must return car within 8 weeks. Transitional support may be available.

Scheme Vulnerabilities

The scheme's core weakness lies in its eligibility criteria: it is benefit-based, not necessarily needs-based. This creates several issues:

  • Broad Eligibility: People with non-mobility-related disabilities can get a car. Children with behavioral conditions like ADHD have qualified because they need supervision outdoors.
  • No Means Testing: Wealthy individuals who receive the mobility benefit are just as entitled to a subsidised car as someone on low income.
  • Vehicle Misuse: Up to 3 named drivers allowed. Some families treat the Motability car as their personal second car, with the disabled person rarely in it.
  • Enforcement Difficulties: With over 815,000 vehicles on the road (2024), catching misuse is challenging. In 2024, Motability investigated ~35,900 cases of potential misuse, resulting in 5,300 customers being removed from the scheme.

Bottom Line: While Motability provides a valuable service to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, because access is tied to a benefit level rather than specific needs, and oversight is limited, the scheme is exposed to misuse. Recent scrutiny has led to promises of tighter controls to balance preventing exploitation with preserving the freedom and independence that genuine disabled users gain from the scheme.

Motability vs Private Finance Cost Comparison

To understand the financial implications of the Motability Scheme, let's compare the total cost of ownership for a typical mid-range hatchback (e.g., Ford Focus or Kia Ceed) over a 3-year period.

Important: Motability users forfeit their Enhanced Mobility component of PIP (£77.05 per week in 2025 = £334 per month). This untaxed income (in the form of a government benefit) goes directly to Motability Operations Ltd.

This comparison includes all costs: purchase/lease, insurance, maintenance, servicing, tyres, tax, and breakdown cover.

Private Car Finance (PCP)

3-Year Total Costs:

  • Initial Deposit: £2,000-3,000
  • Monthly Payments: £280 × 36 = £10,080
  • Insurance: £600/year × 3 = £1,800
  • Servicing: £300/year × 3 = £900
  • MOT (Year 3): £55
  • Tyres/Repairs: ~£400
  • Breakdown Cover: £100/year × 3 = £300
Total: £15,535-16,535
(Plus potential end-of-lease charges)

Note: Does NOT include final balloon payment if you want to keep the car (typically £5,000-8,000)

Motability Scheme

3-Year Total Costs:

  • Advance Payment: £0 (many models)
  • Weekly PIP: £77.05 × 156 weeks = £12,020
  • Insurance: £0 (included)
  • Servicing: £0 (included)
  • MOT: £0 (not needed)
  • Tyres/Repairs: £0 (included)
  • Breakdown: £0 (included)
Total: £12,020
(Minus £250 Good Condition Bonus)

Includes: Brand new car, comprehensive insurance (3 drivers), all maintenance, tyres, windscreen cover

Key Financial Facts

  • Motability Operations reports their leases are ~45% cheaper than equivalent commercial deals (source)
  • A Ford Focus ST-Line and Kia Ceed were available with £0 Advance Payment on Motability in late 2023
  • Example savings: Skoda Enyaq EV via Motability was 53% cheaper (saving ~£14,451 over 3 years) vs retail lease
  • UK car insurance rose ~25% from 2022-2023, but Motability users were protected from this increase

Real-World Examples

One MoneySavingExpert forum member noted:

"Even though the PCP payment was slightly less per month than the PIP amount, once you add insurance, servicing, MOT and tyres it will come out more than Motability"

Another found Motability's price was about half the best PCP price for the same model (before even adding insurance).

Bottom Line

Over 3 years, a Motability customer typically saves £3,500-4,500 compared to private finance when all costs are included. The scheme provides:

  • No credit checks or deposits required
  • Fixed costs with no surprise bills
  • New car every 3 years
  • Adaptations often covered or subsidized

Trade-off: You don't own the car or build equity, but you also avoid depreciation risk (typically 50% loss in 3 years) and all maintenance headaches.

Important Note: The Motability car may be driven primarily by the disabled person's parent or carer, with the disabled person rarely or never using the vehicle themselves.

Sources & References

Motability Cars Awarded by Medical Condition

In June 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions released data showing Motability vehicles allocated by primary medical condition in England and Wales (April 2025). This unprecedented transparency reveals important insights into scheme usage.

Source: Parliamentary Written Question 62284, answered June 24, 2025
View original parliamentary question | Download full dataset (Excel)

Key Findings from the Data

Top Physical Conditions

  • Primary generalised Osteoarthritis: 33,340
  • Fibromyalgia: 29,670
  • Back pain (specific): 20,200
  • Multiple sclerosis: 17,930
  • COPD/emphysema: 17,360

Mental Health & Behavioral Conditions

  • Anxiety and depressive disorders: 32,160
  • Autism: 31,690
  • Learning disability: 29,220
  • ADHD/ADD: 9,090
  • Depression: 7,460

Conditions Raising Questions

The data reveals several conditions where Motability car allocation may seem surprising to the public, potentially undermining confidence in the scheme:

Condition Vehicles Public Perception Issue
Anxiety disorders (mixed) 32,160 Largest single category - may not align with public expectation of mobility needs
Fibromyalgia 29,670 Controversial invisible condition with subjective symptoms
ADHD/ADD 9,090 Behavioral condition not traditionally associated with mobility impairment
Chronic fatigue syndrome 4,580 Contested diagnosis with no objective tests
Asthma 4,870 Common respiratory condition affecting 12% of UK population
Obesity 800 Lifestyle-related condition in many cases
Alcohol misuse 770 Substance abuse issues raise questions about appropriate support
IBS 320 Digestive condition not typically affecting mobility
Drug misuse 220 Substance dependency concerns
Tennis elbow 40 Minor repetitive strain injury
Constipation 20 Common digestive issue
Important Context

While these conditions may seem questionable for mobility support, it's important to note:

  • Many people have multiple conditions - the data shows only the primary condition
  • Mental health conditions can severely impact ability to use public transport
  • The PIP assessment considers individual circumstances, not just diagnosis
  • However, the perception of misuse threatens public support for the entire scheme

The Scale of Mental Health Allocations

Analysis reveals that over 115,000 vehicles (approximately 14% of all Motability cars) are allocated primarily for mental health or behavioral conditions including:

  • Anxiety and depression: 32,160 vehicles
  • Autism spectrum: 34,330 vehicles (including Asperger's)
  • Learning disabilities: 32,650 vehicles (including specific disorders)
  • ADHD/ADD: 9,090 vehicles
  • Personality disorders: 5,120 vehicles
  • PTSD: 6,120 vehicles

This data demonstrates why reform discussions often focus on whether the scheme's benefit-based eligibility (rather than mobility-needs-based) creates unintended consequences and public skepticism.

Disclaimer & Responsible Use

This website simply reports publicly available vehicle information using open data sources. The data shown is already in the public domain and does not contain any personal or identifying details.

Results are probabilistic, may be inaccurate, and must not be used to identify or target individuals. The data shown here is for informational purposes only. It is derived from publicly available sources and may contain errors or omissions.

We do not accept any responsibility or liability for how this information is used. Any actions taken by visitors to this website are entirely at their own risk. We explicitly condemn any misuse of the information provided, including harassment, targeting, or vandalism of any kind.

Terms of Use: By using this site you agree not to use the information to harass, discriminate against, or harm any individual. Any such misuse is strictly prohibited. We prohibit using this information to identify, contact, harass, discriminate against, or damage the property of any person.