Motability Pauses Drive Smart Tracker Scheme

We’re delighted to be back for another month, and grateful to the team at Mobility in Motion for inviting us once again. This month, we’re looking at an important change for younger drivers on the Motability Scheme.

Motability has recently confirmed it is pausing the rollout of its Drive Smart tracker scheme after widespread concerns from disabled motorists, campaigners and customers across the Scheme.

The Drive Smart programme, which launched in 2025, used a smartphone app and in-car device to monitor driving behaviour including braking, acceleration, speeding and journey patterns. Drivers were given weekly scores based on their driving, with persistent high-risk scores potentially leading to further intervention.

The system was initially aimed at younger drivers under 30 before later being expanded to include first-time Motability customers.

However, concerns around the system quickly grew, particularly from disabled motorists who questioned whether the technology fairly reflected the realities of driving with adaptations or different mobility needs. Some users also raised concerns about accuracy, privacy and how the scoring system could affect confidence and independence.

Motability has now announced that:

• Drive Smart will no longer be included in new Motability leases
• The rollout to additional customers has stopped
• Existing users can choose whether they wish to continue using the system voluntarily
• Current devices will be deactivated during the pause period

Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, said the organisation had “listened carefully to customer feedback” and recognised that the experience “was not where it needed to be.”

Why Many Drivers Raised Concerns

For many disabled drivers, a vehicle is much more than just transport. It provides independence, access to work, healthcare, family and everyday life.

As concerns about Drive Smart grew, many customers questioned whether telematics technology could properly account for adapted driving styles, mobility-related needs or the realities of long journeys and frequent travel.

Some drivers reported issues with inaccurate scoring, while others worried the system could discourage them from using their vehicle as freely as they needed. Online discussions across Motability communities and forums showed strong feelings around privacy, fairness and trust in the system.

Motability has said it will now review customer feedback and real-world data before deciding whether a revised version of Drive Smart could return in future.

Adaptations Continue To Be An Important Part Of Independence

While discussions around Drive Smart have dominated recent Motability news, particularly regarding its impact on motorists who rely on adaptations to drive or access a vehicle, it also serves as a reminder that adaptations remain one of the Scheme’s most important features for many disabled drivers and passengers.

Choosing the right vehicle adaptations can make driving safer, easier and more comfortable, whether that involves hand controls, steering aids, transfer plates, swivel seats or boot hoists, to name a few.

As prices and availability continue to change across the Scheme, many customers are also reviewing the latest costs and options available when ordering a new Motability vehicle.

Mobility in Motion has recently updated its guide to Motability adaptation prices, which includes useful information on common adaptations, pricing updates and what may be available through the Scheme. Explore the latest Motability Adaptations Guide for more details.

What Happens Next With Drive Smart?

For now, the pause marks a significant shift in direction for the Drive Smart programme.

Whether telematics technology returns in a revised form remains unclear, but the response from Motability suggests customer feedback has had a major impact on the decision.

For many customers, the focus will now return to ensuring the Motability Scheme continues supporting independence, accessibility and confidence for disabled drivers across the UK.

For more Motability news, updates and discussions affecting disabled motorists across the UK, visit MotaClarity.