Modified and non-standard vehicles

Vehicle modifications for drivers with a disability

Modified vehicles can help some people with a disability drive safely.

If you have a disability, you may need to modify your vehicle in order to drive it safely.

Vehicle modifications to help driving with a disability can be:

  • minor, such as grab handles, or simple steering aids attached to the steering wheel
  • major, such as ramps, or alternative steering and braking systems.  

Common modifications include:

  • steering aids  
  • left-foot accelerators
  • custom hand controls
  • extended or additional mirrors.  

You might need to complete an occupational therapy assessment as part of a medical review. The medical review might require you to get vehicle modifications. If so, these will be listed in your licence or learner permit as a condition, and you will only be allowed to drive a vehicle with the specified modification.

Getting your vehicle modified

Vehicle modifications can be expensive and they need to comply with modification and approval standards. Before you modify your vehicle, we recommend you:

  1.  get help from an occupational therapist, who:
  • can recommend modifications that suit your needs
  • may be able to provide advice on approval standards and your funding eligibility
  1. check your modifications meet modification and approval standards
  2.  research vehicle modification providers and compare costs. Find out if you're eligible for financial help through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or compensation through WorkCover or the TAC.  
  3. check if you need a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) approval certificate for get your proposed  modifications approved by a VASS signatory  as some modifications require this a VASS Approval Certificate.
  4. let VicRoads know once you've made changes to your vehicle.

Driving a modified vehicle with a disability

You may have a learner permit and need to drive a modified vehicle to suit your disability. You must:  

You may have a current driver’s licence and want to learn how to drive a modified vehicle that suits your disability. You must:

  • get advice from your occupational therapist to plan customised driving lessons.
  • be accompanied by a fully licensed driver (who has had their licence for two or more years) while you’re learning.  

We recommend you display a ‘driver under instruction’ sign on your vehicle while you learn.  

Get support

Find out where you can get practical and financial support.