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What the NDIS Covers
Getting to work, attending appointments, visiting friends, or simply enjoying your community, transport is a significant part of everyday life. But for many people living with disability, getting from point A to point B isn’t always simple. That’s why the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) includes funding options for transport and, in some cases, even driving lessons. These supports can enhance independence, increase access to opportunities, and help participants lead more connected lives.
This article examines the nature of transport support under the NDIS, how to access it, and why many participants may be missing out on valuable mobility options.
How Transport Supports Work Under the NDIS
The NDIS provides transport funding under Core Supports, specifically for participants who are unable to travel independently due to a disability. This support helps cover the costs of taxis, rideshare services, community transport, or other forms of travel to and from essential activities.
There are three primary levels of transport funding:
- Level 1: This level is for participants who are not working, studying, or attending day programs but wish to build their community access.
- Level 2: For working or studying up to 15 hours per week.
- Level 3: For participants working, studying, or attending day programs for more than 15 hours per week.
The level of funding you receive depends on how regularly you need to travel and how central transport is to your goals.
To learn more about goal setting and how it connects to your plan, visit our article: What Are NDIS Support Services? A Simple Guide for Participants.
Driving Lessons as a Capacity-Building Support
Sometimes, the NDIS may fund driving lessons as part of Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. This support is available to participants whose goals include obtaining a driver’s license and who require disability-specific instruction or support.
To be eligible, you’ll typically need:
- A clearly defined goal in your NDIS plan related to learning to drive
- A functional assessment or recommendation from an occupational therapist
- A quote or service agreement from a driving instructor with experience in disability support or adaptive vehicle training
This is particularly relevant for participants with mobility issues, neurological conditions, or intellectual disabilities who need specialised support to learn how to drive safely and confidently.
What’s Often Missed
Despite the clear benefits, transport and driving supports are among the most overlooked NDIS inclusions. Some reasons for this include:
- Participants or carers don’t mention transport challenges during planning meetings
- Confusion about whether transport is covered under the NDIS or other government programs
- Lack of understanding about how to connect transport to life goals
Many participants rely heavily on family or informal supports for transport without realising they may be entitled to funded alternatives. Others who could benefit from driving lessons often never request them because they are unaware that they can be included with the correct documentation.
For a deeper look at commonly missed NDIS opportunities, see our article: NDIS Support Services Explained: What You Might Be Missing.
How to Request Transport and Driving Support
If you believe transport or driving supports should be part of your NDIS plan, here’s what you can do:
- Prepare evidence: Get a letter or report from your GP, support coordinator, or therapist that explains why transport assistance or driving lessons are essential.
- Define your goal: Your plan should include goals related to independent travel, employment, or social participation.
- Request at your next plan meeting: Whether it’s a scheduled review or a plan reassessment, discuss your need for transport support and how it helps you achieve your goals.
Our team can guide you if you’re unsure how to phrase your goals or what evidence to gather. We also offer resources on Community Access and Participation, which often tie directly into transport needs.
Final Thoughts
Transport and driving support can be life-changing. They offer freedom, confidence, and access to the most important people and places. Yet, they often go unnoticed during planning conversations or are left out of plans altogether.
If you think you could benefit from NDIS-funded transport or driving lessons, don’t wait. Please speak with your support coordinator or contact our team at My Care Living. We’re here to help you connect the dots between your goals and the supports that can get you there—literally and figuratively.