Wheelchair and scooter facts
You don’t need a licence to drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you may have to register it with DVLA.
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs come in 2 categories:
- ‘Class 2 invalid carriages’ - these can’t be used on the road (except where there isn’t a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph
- ‘Class 3 invalid carriages’ - these can be used on the road, and have a maximum speed of 4mph off the road, and 8mph on the road
You don’t need to register a Class 2 invalid carriage.
Class 3 invalid carriages need to be registered with DVLA.
You must be 14 or over to drive a Class 3 invalid carriage.
Rules for Class 3 invalid carriages
Because Class 3 invalid carriages can be used on the road then they must have the following features:
- a maximum unladen weight of 150 kilograms
- a maximum width of 0.85 metres
- a device to limit its speed to 4mph
- a maximum speed of 8mph
- an efficient braking system
- front and rear lights and reflectors
- direction indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signal
- an audible horn
- a rear view mirror
- an amber flashing light if it’s used on a dual carriageway
Eyesight requirements
There is no legal eyesight requirement to drive mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs, but you should be able to read a car's registration number from a distance of 12.3 meters (40 feet)
Vehicle tax, registration and insurance
You do not have to pay vehicle tax for any mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you still need to register Class 3 invalid carriages.
To register a Class 3 invalid carriage (mobility scooter or powered wheelchair) completer form V55/4 for new vehicles or V55/4 for used vehicles.
You can get the forms from DVLA's online ordering service.
Send the completed form to: DVLA Swansea, SA99 1BE
Traning
If you feel like you need some training on your scooter or powered wheelchair please contact Driving Mobility to arrange an appointment at your nearest centre.
