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Original poster

Has anyone on here applied to family fund for driving lessons??

17 replies

aSilverLining · 31/01/2010 20:15

Just wondering really as I am about to apply, it would make a huge difference if I could drive. If you did and were successful what was your sitauation and how does it work, ie do they give you a set amount of lessons?

I have the form and will hopefully get chance tomorrow to fill it in.

OP posts:
5inthebed · 31/01/2010 20:19

Me! And I passed in October last year . I failed the first driving test, but only because an arse in an Audi cut me up at a roundabout, 2 minutes away from the test centre on our way back, but passed with flying colours 2nd time round. My instructor was lovely as well, really patient.

It has totally changed my life, although been without a car since I was involved in a crash beginning of January and wmy car was written off. Just waiting for my new one now.

You get 45 hours worth of lessons (with BSM), 2 goes at the theory and 2 goes at the practical test.

Jo5677 · 31/01/2010 20:22

Hi,i did a few years ago,they gave me a set sum of money and specified that i must have the lessons with BSM. Unfortunately i failed my test a few times and haven't tried again since. I was just rubbish at driving i guess .
Best of luck to you though

Original poster
aSilverLining · 31/01/2010 20:28

Oh that's great, good to know people are awarded them!

Hope you were all ok after car wrote off?!

I have started lessons a couple of times but had to abandon them, am determined to get on the road this year!

DS is ASD, I know your's is too 5inthebed as we have spoken before, was your situation similar Jo? I only ask as my main worry was I would be turned down for lessons as DS was 'only' ASD. Hope no one is offended by that can't think of a better way to put it.

OP posts:
5inthebed · 31/01/2010 20:32

We were fine, thanks for asking, luckily the impact was on the other side that me and DS3 were sitting on.

Is this your first time applying? Someone will probably come out to your house, the lady who came to mine was lovely and so reassuring. We got out grant (I think) based on the fact that DS2 is really bad at getting onto unfamiliar looking transport and that he is a bolter as well.

Original poster
aSilverLining · 31/01/2010 20:37

Your DS sounds similar to mine

Yes it's first time applying, didn't know they would come to house - I don't mind but am surprised.

I am thinking of it more now as I have recently had a operation so can't push his maclaren major at the moment (and I can't really walk far, and defintely can't pick him up) and it's really causing issues, we are pretty much grounded. Being able to hop into the car would be bliss!

OP posts:
5inthebed · 31/01/2010 20:45

Yeah I can't push ds2 in his major, but that is because I've got a 14 month old as well and DS2 just won't stand still on a buggy board.

Best of luck!

Original poster
aSilverLining · 31/01/2010 20:58

Thanks

OP posts:
Jo5677 · 31/01/2010 21:21

Hi, i applied as although i do have a son with ASD and GDD i also have a daughter with spastic quadraplegia.
I have 3 'NT' children too.
I find dealing with the ASD just as difficult as dealing with my daughters condition some days though especially often because peoples expectations of him are so much more than they are of my daughter who they can see has a disability.
I think having a child with ASD should mean you're every bit as entitled to help as a parent of a child with another sort of disability.
I hope that this is the case anyway.
Hope it goes well for you and that you're feeling a bit more recovered from your operation shortly, Jo.

Original poster
aSilverLining · 01/02/2010 09:11

Thanks Jo, wow 5 dcs bet your house is a lot of fun I love a houseful of kids (no really, I do!).

Yes DS's ASD is hard in that others expect him to be 'normal' the reality is very far from people's expectations...

I will update thread when I hve heard back from FF and let you all know how I get on.

OP posts:
Jo5677 · 01/02/2010 14:08

Fingers crossed for you [smile}

And yes my house is full of fun....and washing but i wouldn't have it any other way.

Hope you get good news from the FF soon.

electra · 01/02/2010 16:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

anitah21 · 01/02/2010 19:53

Hi

I am in the process of learning to drive now through the family fund, and yes you get 45 hrs and 2 attempts at theory and practical test although I must warn you from me applying in May last year I didnt get a response until November and then started my lessons after the New Year. My daughter has high functioning autism and hypermobility and we we awarded the lessons without any problems, hope this helps and good luck
Anita x

Original poster
aSilverLining · 01/02/2010 20:27

Oh blimey that is a LONG wait!

Have form filled in and ready to post, I knew there would be a wait but didn't realise it would be such a long one.

OP posts:
5inthebed · 01/02/2010 20:32

I would think it differs ASL, depending on if they need any more information.

I applied in January, got a visit in March, grant approved in April and my first lesson was May.

waitingforgodot · 02/02/2010 15:05

I didn't know they came to visit either. Do they only visit certain people or does everyone get a visit?

sugarcandymountain · 02/02/2010 15:59

I was told that they visit some people, but not all, for the first application only. It's just to have a look at the child and look through reports to check eligibility. In the next year you can just apply online. They told me that those on High Care DLA won't need a visit.

waitingforgodot · 02/02/2010 17:31

Hmmm, maybe we will get a visit. First app and DS on middle rate care

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