DriveAbility Scotland

22/11/2025

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25599751.unique-charity-opens-headquarters-glasgow-due-demand/

A unique charity has opened its new headquarters in Glasgow.

21/11/2025

We were delighted to welcome a very special guest to the opening of our new centre - Colin Barnett, whose contribution to DriveAbility Scotland's story cannot be overstated! 👏

After retiring as CEO of RDAC, Colin stepped into the role of Project Manager here at DriveAbility Scotland, working alongside Barbara Hatton right up until our current CEO, Andrew Swain, took over in June of 2023. Colin was absolutely integral to the initial formation of DriveAbility Scotland and to setting it up for the success it enjoys today.

During the event, we proudly unveiled our brand-new training room, named in Colin’s honour, recognising his pivotal role in our development. Colin was extremely delighted with the tribute. It was a fitting way to acknowledge the time, leadership and dedication he invested in helping DriveAbility Scotland grow from its earliest stages to the thriving service it is now.

The opening of our new centre marks an exciting step forward and it felt only right to celebrate someone who helped lay the foundations we continue to build on today. 💙

20/11/2025

🚗 DriveAbility Scotland Opens New Glasgow Headquarters

We’re proud to share that DriveAbility Scotland, the only Driving Mobility accredited centre in Scotland, has opened its new Glasgow headquarters — expanding access to clinically led driving and mobility assessments for people with disabilities.

The new premises, funded by the Motability Foundation, feature enhanced facilities, including a state-of-the-art driving simulator. This move will help the team support more clients across Scotland, including those in Inverness, Aberdeen, and rural communities.

🔗 Find out more about DriveAbility Scotland: https://vist.ly/4f77q
🔗 Find your local driving assessment and outdoor mobility centre: https://vist.ly/4f77p

14/11/2025

DriveAbility Scotland has officially opened its new Glasgow headquarters - and the launch was a fantastic success! 👏

Key decision makers, partners and supporters from across the accessible driving community joined us to celebrate a major step forward for independent mobility in Scotland!

Founded in 2021, DriveAbility Scotland is Scotland’s only Driving Mobility accredited centre and the only service reaching people in the Highlands and Islands.
Now operating as an independent charity, the team has moved into an expanded, grant-funded centre (thanks to the Motability Foundation) to keep up with growing demand.

Our new HQ gives us even more capacity to deliver clinically led fitness to drive assessments, vehicle adaptation assessments, passenger access checks and specialist driving school services.
Visitors were especially impressed with our state-of-the-art vehicle simulator, designed to give learners and returning drivers a safe and supportive environment to build confidence.

Andrew Swain, CEO, shared:
🗣 “Today couldn’t have gone better. We’ve welcomed partners, stakeholders and service users, all seeing our facilities for the first time, including our new simulator. This centre is vital for Scotland, helping us offer more equal access and reduce the travel barriers that vulnerable individuals face. This is where independence begins.”

Among the attendees was Gavin Thompson, COO at Motability Operations, who added:
🗣 “The opening of DriveAbility Scotland’s new headquarters is a great step forward for accessible mobility. Hearing from drivers who’ve regained their independence shows just how life changing this work is. These new facilities will make that possible for even more people.”

Did you know? 🤔 Some of the most powerful moments came directly from our service users!

William Hendry, 71, shared:
🗣 “I’ve been able to continue driving thanks to the amazing team at DriveAbility Scotland. After more than a year off the road my confidence was low, but they lifted so much pressure off my shoulders. Their support has reopened my life.”

Iain Powrie also attended, saying:
🗣 “Being back on the road is incredibly freeing. My adapted Motability vehicle has let me reconnect with family, friends and colleagues again. I can now drive to see my brother in Oban regularly, it’s all about freedom.”

In conclusion, Chelsea Fleming, Programme Director at the Motability Foundation, said:
🗣 “We’re proud to have funded this fantastic facility. It will help disabled people travel independently and access the journeys they choose. DriveAbility Scotland provides an invaluable service, and these new premises will open doors for so many more.”

DriveAbility Scotland continues to seek Scottish Government support to ensure its essential services can be sustained and expanded, helping even more people across Scotland gain the independence they deserve! 💙

Driving Mobility
Transport Scotland
Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living
Motability Foundation
Motability Operations
Police Scotland
simfit2drive
Mobility and Access Committee Scotland
Motor Schools Associations Scotland

👉 Want to learn more about how a driving or mobility assessment could help you stay independent? Visit our brand new website driveabilityscotland.org.uk, call 0141 648 8470, or email info@driveabilityscotland.org.uk 👈

13/11/2025

Happy from the DriveAbility Scotland team! 💙 Kindness is powerful - it costs nothing, yet it can change everything. Every small act of kindness helps make the world more inclusive, supportive, and full of opportunity.

At DriveAbility Scotland, we believe that mobility is more than just getting from A to B - it’s about independence, confidence, and the freedom to live life your way.

We’ll leave you with these words of encouragement:

Don’t let your wheels become your anchor;
Let them become your wings.
An accessory to your circumstances -
The voice inside you sings...

Today and tomorrow, the world’s gonna know,
All the beauty that you bring!

👉 Want to learn more about how a driving or mobility assessment could help you stay independent? Visit our brand new website driveabilityscotland.org.uk, call 0141 648 8470, or email info@driveabilityscotland.org.uk.

11/11/2025

Let us come together to honour the courage, service, and sacrifice of all who served in the First World War and in conflicts since. Gone but never forgotten - we will remember them. DriveAbility Scotland stands in quiet reflection today and every day, grateful for the dedication of our armed forces, past and present. To those who gave everything, we offer our deepest thanks.

We will remember them.

07/11/2025

👁️ Is Your Vision Roadworthy? 👁️
As the clocks go back and the nights draw in, road safety starts with clear vision. In 2024, 13 people lost their lives in crashes involving drivers with defective eyesight - that’s 13 lives too many.

We’re proud to support the campaign (running until 9th Nov 2025) - reminding every driver of their legal responsibility to ensure their eyesight meets the required standards every time they drive.

🚗 Why vision matters:

🔹 90% of the information you use while driving is visual.

🔹 Poor eyesight means slower reactions, missed hazards, and danger for everyone on the road.

Did you know? You must be able to:

✅ Read a number plate from 20m away

✅ Have at least 6/12 vision on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contacts if needed)

✅ Have an adequate field of vision

Failing to meet these standards could mean a £1,000 fine, 3 penalty points, or even losing your licence under Cassie’s Law.

💡 Top Tips for Roadworthy Vision:

👁️ Test your eyesight regularly (try the 20m number plate check!)

👁️ Book an eye test every 2 years

👁️ Always wear your prescribed lenses

👁️ Keep lenses clean + scratch-free

👁️ Avoid tinted glasses at night

👁️ Keep your windscreen + lights clean and clear

At DriveAbility Scotland, we help people drive safely, confidently, and legally - whatever their circumstances. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision or just want reassurance, our specialist Driving Assessments can help!

👁️‍🗨️ We assess visual and cognitive ability, recommend vehicle adaptations, and work closely with your optometrist, GP, and the DVLA to help you stay safe and independent.

🚘 Drive Smart. Drive Safe. Drive with Clear Vision. Poor vision costs lives - but it doesn’t have to!

📅 Book your assessment today:

📧 info@driveabilityscotland.org.uk

📞 0141 648 0847

05/11/2025

✨ Celebrating Occupational Therapist Week (3-9 November) ✨

At DriveAbility Scotland, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible Occupational Therapists who help people stay independent, confident, and safe behind the wheel.

This week, we’re proud to celebrate Fiona Clarke and Claire Forlow - two amazing OTs whose passion and dedication transform lives across Scotland!

🚗 Building Success in Aberdeen & Inverness

Fiona and Claire have worked tirelessly to expand our outreach services, forming strong partnerships with local healthcare teams, police, schools, and community services. Their efforts have brought nearly 70 driving assessments in under a year, giving countless people the freedom to drive safely and independently.

💡 Why We Love Our OTs

Fiona’s 35-year career supporting young people with complex needs now continues at DriveAbility, where she helps clients problem-solve vehicle adaptations to stay independent.

Claire joined us in 2021 after a career in NHS and social care, embracing a new challenge to help adults regain confidence behind the wheel.

She says: “Knowing I’ve played a part in someone’s journey to drive safely - that’s what makes this job meaningful.”

👏 Thank You, Fiona & Claire!

Your expertise, empathy, and energy embody the spirit of Occupational Therapy and DriveAbility Scotland. You make independence possible every day - and for that, we’re truly grateful!

👉 Call us on 0141 648 8470 or email info@driveabilityscotland.org.uk to book your appointment with Fiona or Claire 👈

03/11/2025

It’s Trustees’ Week! (3-7 November 2025)! This week we’re celebrating the incredible contribution of trustees across the UK - nearly one million people who dedicate their time, skills, and energy to helping charities thrive! 💙

Here at DriveAbility Scotland, we’re especially proud of our amazing team of five super trustees who guide our charity with strategic direction, hands-on support, and endless enthusiasm.

A huge THANK YOU to each of you for everything you do - your commitment keeps us moving forward and ensures we can continue supporting people with safe, independent driving and mobility solutions.

Want to learn more about the brilliant people behind the scenes?
Meet our trustees here: driveabilityscotland.org.uk/about/meet-the-team

02/11/2025

Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference! Join us this for daily tips and inspiration to help you explore new paths and feel happier! 🧡

01/11/2025

🧑‍💻 Hello November! New Month, New Website! 👩🏽‍💻
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website: DriveabilityScotland.org.uk!

At DriveAbility Scotland, our mission has always been simple - to help people of all abilities stay mobile, independent, and confident on the road.

Whether you’re exploring driving options with a disability, looking for expert advice on vehicle adaptations, or supporting a friend or family member through the process - we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our new website has been designed with you in mind, offering:

✅ Simpler navigation - Find the information you need quickly and easily.

✅ Full accessibility - Built to be inclusive, with accessibility at the heart of every page.

✅ Helpful resources - From practical guidance to assessment booking details, everything’s in one convenient place.

✅ A fresh new look - Modern, clear, and reflective of the people and communities we support.

We’re incredibly proud of how far DriveAbility Scotland has come. This new website marks another big step forward in making our services more accessible, user-friendly, and inclusive for people across Scotland!

If you or someone you know could benefit from expert support with driving, vehicle adaptations, or mobility independence, we’d love for you to explore our new site and share it with your network.

👉 Visit us today at www.driveabilityscotland.org.uk
and discover how DriveAbility Scotland is driving forward independence, inclusion, and confidence on the road!

31/10/2025

🎃 Wishing you a frightfully safe and fun Halloween from everyone at DriveAbility Scotland! 🎃

We’re shifting gears into spooky season, and nothing gives us pumpkin to talk about like a night full of frightful fun and ghostly good vibes! 👻

We’re keeping the wheels turning up here in Scotland - helping people ghoul places with confidence and independence!

Whether you’re learning to drive with adaptations, need support post-injury, or just want advice on driving safely, our team is here to make mobility spook-tacularly accessible.

🕸️ Fangs for supporting DriveAbility Scotland - we’re dead serious about empowering every driver to hit the road with confidence.

📞 Call us on 0141 648 8470

📧 Email: info@driveabilityscotland.org.uk

🧹 And remember - if the broom fits, drive it!