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Website Statement

It is with immense sadness and regret that we inform you that Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) will commence a wind down programme from 11th November 2025.  

This process is expected to take 28 days to allow time for alternative placements to be found for residential clients at our Care and Rehabilitation Centre, and to honour commitments to other clients to the best extent possible.  

At the end of this period, QEF intends to file for administration.   

We have worked tirelessly over the last year to try and save the charity, exploring numerous options to improve its finances, but unfortunately there wasn’t a viable solution that met all the necessary requirements to overcome the challenging financial situation QEF faced. 

It has been our privilege to support disabled people for over 90 years, providing expert services that have changed many lives, and we are deeply saddened that it cannot continue. 

Our priorities right now are to work with funding bodies to ensure clients find suitable alternative placements and to support our remarkable staff during this difficult time.

Older Driver Assessments

Assessments for those who wish to learn to drive, or return to riding after illness or injury.
Older Driver Assessments

Spend individual time with an Occupational Therapist and specialist Approved Driving Instructor, who will assess and advise you on how your medical condition or disability affects your ability to drive safely, and recommend any required adaptations. You will also receive independent advice on the most suitable product choices for you.

This assessment is carried out by an Occupational Therapist and an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) who will assess and advise you on how any medical conditions may affect your ability to drive safely and recommend any required adaptations.

The assessment gathers and records

  • Reason for attending
  • Medical conditions which would affect driving ability
  • Medication and eyesight details
  • Type of vehicle driven
  • How often, how far and where driving takes place
  • Opportunity to discuss any difficulties when driving
  • General driving knowledge

Currently we are experiencing high demand for our services and our waiting times are longer than usual. Please expect a wait of 5 months for your appointment. We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes you. 

Vision

All drivers are required to read a standard car number plate from the relevant distance according to the Road Traffic Act. If unable to do so, will be advised to have further investigations with an optician, and the assessment cannot be completed.

In-car Assessment

The assessment will take place in one of our vehicles. We have a large fleet of both manual and automatic cars; many are fitted with a variety of adaptations. All have dual control.

During the assessment, the assessor will be assessing the older driver for the following:

  • Observation, alertness and hazard awareness
  • Attitude and behaviour to other road users
  • Vehicle control and handling
  • Type of vehicle driven
  • Appropriate use of mirrors and signals
  • Manoeuvres including parking, reversing and emergency stop
  • Junctions including left and right turns, roundabouts, traffic lights and crossroads
  • Variable speeds from 20mph to 60mph
  • Ability to follow the rules of the road and knowledge of road signs
  • Decision making and negotiating
  • Positioning the vehicle on the road

The standardised route taken by each driver is consistent and covers all the relevant aspects to make an informed decision.

Concluding Interview

The driver is informed of the assessors’ decision regarding ability to drive safely, and if the driver has been referred by the DVLA they will make the final licensing decision.

We always recommend that the client does not drive themselves to an assessment. In the event of a driver being considered unsafe to drive home after the assessment, they would need to make alternative arrangements to get home.

Cost

For self-referring private individuals, we are able to offer a subsidised assessment for £375.

All other enquirers, including all public and private sector organisations, please ask your client to contact us directly.

Want to speak to a member of the team?

Complete our client enquiry form or call us today
Enquiry Form
Or call us on 0208 770 1151

Make an Enquiry

Get in touch with a member of one of our teams
Enquiry Form

Contact by Telephone

If you would prefer, you can contact the team via telephone on 0208 770 1151