Herts Ability

Herts Ability is a Hertfordshire-based charity and accredited Driving Mobility assessment centre, founded in 1958 and formerly known as the Herts Association for the Disabled. Rather than a retailer, it provides expert advice, assessments and tuition to help disabled and older people keep or regain independent mobility, whether as drivers, passengers, or mobility scooter and wheelchair users.

Its services centre on assessment and advice. They include fitness-to-drive assessments, driving lessons and tuition, vehicle-adaptation assessments, mobility scooter assessments and advice, transfer and vehicle-access assessments, and Bugzi powered-wheelchair assessments for very young children, along with child car-seat assessments and a Mobility Hubs travel-advice service. The team includes occupational therapists and approved driving instructors with many years of combined experience.

As a member of the national Driving Mobility network, Herts Ability offers an impartial, professional service for people whose mobility is affected by conditions such as stroke, acquired brain injury, arthritis, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or spinal injury, as well as learner and returning drivers. Free mobility scooter assessments help people choose and use a scooter safely and confidently.

Herts Ability runs its main centre at Welwyn Garden City, with satellite assessment centres in locations including Stotfold, Watford, Luton, Harlow, Leyton in East London and Leatherhead. For disabled and older people, and their families and carers, who want independent, professional assessment and advice on driving and getting around rather than buying equipment, the charity offers a trusted, long-established service.

At a glance

• Type: Hertfordshire charity (no. 1059015) and Driving Mobility assessment centre
• Founded: 1958
• Services: driving and scooter assessments, driving tuition, vehicle-adaptation and access advice
• Who it helps: disabled and older people, learner and returning drivers, carers
• Centres: Welwyn Garden City plus satellites across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and London
• Network: accredited member of Driving Mobility

Frequently asked questions

What does Herts Ability do?

It is a charity and accredited assessment centre offering driving assessments, driving tuition, mobility scooter assessments, vehicle-adaptation advice and travel support for disabled and older people.

Is it a charity or a shop?

It is a registered charity and assessment centre, not a retailer. It provides advice, assessments and tuition rather than selling equipment.

Where is it based and which areas does it cover?

Its main centre is at Welwyn Garden City, with satellite assessment centres including Stotfold, Watford, Luton, Harlow, Leyton in East London and Leatherhead.

Do they assess mobility scooter users?

Yes. They offer mobility scooter assessments and advice to help people choose and use a scooter safely, alongside driving and vehicle-access assessments.

How do I contact them?

You can call them on 01707 324581 or email driving@hertsability.org.uk to discuss an assessment.