Your guide to powered wheelchair and mobility scooter assessments

This leaflet contains important information about your upcoming assessment. Please read it carefully before you arrive.

If you have any questions, contact us using the details at the end of this leaflet.

Before You Arrive

Whether you’ve been referred by a healthcare professional or have referred yourself, it’s important to be prepared.

• Vision requirements
  You must be able to read a vehicle registration plate from 12.5 metres (41 feet). If you’re unsure, please book an eye test before your assessment.
• Glasses or contact lenses
  If you use corrective lenses for reading or driving, bring them with you. If you’ve had a visual field test, please bring a copy of the results.
• Medication
  Bring a list of your current medication or a copy of your repeat prescription. If you need medication during your visit, please bring it with you.
• Driving licence
  For class 3 wheelchair and scooter assessments, bring your driving licence and national insurance number so we can check your licence status online.

Where is the centre?

Assessments take place at our main centre in Aylesford. Directions will be included with your appointment letter.

If you have any special requirements or need an interpreter, let us know in advance so we can support you.

During the assessment

You’ll be supported by a PWMS advisor or occupational therapist. The assessment may take up to two hours and could include:

• Health and safety
  A checklist to ensure your safety and comfort.
• Cognitive testing
  Activities to assess memory and information processing. This is not an intelligence test.
• Physical assessment
  A brief check of your movement, strength and coordination. You won’t need to remove clothing. A friend or relative can be present.
• Vision check
  You’ll be asked to read a number plate from 12.5 metres. Up to three attempts are allowed.
• Static testing
  Activities to test steering strength, braking power and reaction times.
• Practical drive
  You’ll drive one of our wheelchairs or scooters, starting indoors before heading out onto local pathways. You’ll follow a standard route with clear instructions. This is not a driving test — we’re assessing safe driving and awareness of others.
• Feedback session
  You’ll receive feedback from the team, with a friend or relative present if you wish. A recommendation will be made, but only the DVLA can revoke a licence. You and your referrer will receive a copy of the final report.

If you’d like to discuss your assessment or our service, ask to speak to the centre manager or a senior team member.

If you’re unhappy with a DVLA decision, you’ll need to contact them directly.

Don’t Be a DNA (Did Not Attend)

We’ve worked hard to reduce waiting times. If you need to cancel, please call us. Late cancellations may result in any fee being non-refundable.