What a vehicle modification is
You may need changes made to a vehicle so you can drive it or travel in it. We call these changes vehicle modifications. Vehicle modifications can be changes to a car or other type of vehicle you or your family use for your transport. Modifications make sure you can drive the vehicle or be a passenger in the vehicle.
Some common modifications include:
- wheelchair passenger ramps and wheelchair hoists
- modified driving controls
- modified restraints and modified car seats.
What a vehicle modification is for
Modifications funded because of your disability
You might be able to get NDIS funding for vehicle modification and driving supports to help you:
- become as independent as possible when you travel
- travel safely to work or activities.
In addition to funding modifications to your vehicle, you may also be able to have NDIS funding in your plan for:
- assessing your need for a vehicle modification
- extra insurance costs because of your modified vehicle
- maintenance or repairs of your vehicle modification
- help with transport while your vehicle is modified.
Vehicle ownership
You or your family need to own a vehicle that is suitable to modify or have found a suitable vehicle you plan to purchase or lease. If you are going to purchase a vehicle to modify, you should get advice from an occupational therapist with experience in vehicle modifications to make sure you buy the right type of vehicle that can be modified for your needs.
If you don’t own the vehicle, you’ll need permission from its owner to modify and be able to use it most of the time.
Specialised driver training may also be funded
We may also fund a specialised vehicle driving instructor for extra lessons you might need:
- because of your disability
- to learn how to use the modifications in your vehicle.
What we don’t fund
Our rules say what we can fund. Under NDIS rules, we can’t fund things relating to your vehicle like:
- buying or leasing a vehicle
- registration
- insurance
- running costs, like petrol, servicing or repairs
- driving lessons to get your driver’s licence.
How vehicle modifications work
We can only include NDIS supports in your plan if they meet all the NDIS funding criteria.
When you ask for vehicle modification funding, we will consider if it is:
- a support NDIS funds
- related to your disability
- going to help you work towards your goals
- effective and beneficial for you
- value for money
- legal and safe.
We’ll look at vehicle modifications together with all of your transport needs and think about the best funded supports for your circumstances. Funding for vehicle modifications may reduce your need for other supports, for example transport funding.
Talk to your my NDIS contact or health professional
If you think a modified vehicle may help you, you can ask for this funding in your NDIS plan. To decide if we’ll include funding to explore vehicle modification options in your plan, we need evidence or an assessment.
This will usually come from your allied health provider and medical practitioner (GP) and tells us about your need for modified transport. The best way to start this process is to talk to your my NDIS contact or your health professional.
Learn more about how to get a vehicle modified.