Motor vehicle alterations
A person who experiences a physical disability can still have the opportunity to drive a vehicle.
The vehicle can be adapted (consider the following):
- Hand controls: In order to convert a vehicle to be hand controlled it needs to be automatic
- Ramp: to make the car accessible for a wheelchair
- Self-loading car-top carrier
Buying a car
People with a physical disability are eligible for a rebate when buying a car. A rebate is a discount given on the total cost of a car when purchasing. The government will give a rebate on a vehicle to a person who experiences a physical disability, one only needs to apply. Contact the 'National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa' (NCPPDASA) for more information and to obtain the forms. The number is provided in the support and guidance section under transportation.
If a new vehicle needs to be bought then the following procedures can be followed in order to get a new vehicle with a discount:
Applying for the rebate entails:
- Choosing a vehicle. The vehicle must be automatic and has to be made in a foreign country. It must not be made in South Africa
- Once the vehicle has been chosen get a quote from the vehicle company for the vehicle.
- Then get a quote from the company that will be supplying the hand controls. Numbers are provided on the support page
- Fill out the rebate forms from the government
- Hand in the rebate forms and quotes for the vehicle and hand controls to the government.
- The government has to ensure that the person who is applying for the rebate has a physical disability. This is done with an interview. Book an interview with the government and once you have had the interview wait for the certificate.
- Once the certificate has been received, hand the certificate to the vehicle company so that the discount can be given.
- Inform the company who supplies you with the car that you need to get hand controls. They can help by taking the car to the company who will install the hand controls so when you pick up the car it is ready to be driven.
View Help & Guidance Directory to find companies and numbers
