What vehicle modifications can include
Vehicle modifications are changes that make a car or van work for you because of your disability. They can help you travel as a passenger, get in and out safely, or drive yourself. Examples include:
- Driving controls, such as hand controls, spinner knobs or left foot accelerators
- Wheelchair access, such as ramps, lifts, lowered floors and wheelchair restraints
- Hoists and transfer aids, such as swivel or transfer seats
- Storage hoists for a wheelchair or scooter
- Specialised seating and seat belt systems
What the NDIS does not pay for
The NDIS can only fund modifications and driving supports that relate to your disability. You pay for the vehicle itself, and for registration, insurance, fuel and general servicing and repairs, as any driver would. Buying or leasing a vehicle is not a vehicle modification support.
The NDIS can fund maintenance and repairs of the modifications themselves, such as servicing a wheelchair lift, replacing a customised seat belt system or servicing suspension that was changed to lower the floor.
How to get vehicle modifications in your plan
- Get advice from an occupational therapist. The NDIA needs evidence or an assessment from an OT before deciding. If you want to drive the vehicle, this must come from a driver trained OT
- Your OT can use the NDIA's vehicle modification assessment template. The cost of the assessment is usually paid from your Capacity Building budget
- If the modifications cost less than $15,000, you follow the process for mid cost assistive technology, with written evidence and no quote
- If they cost more than $15,000, you need to send the NDIA a quote to approve before the vehicle is modified
- The vehicle needs to be yours, or one you can use regularly, and modifications must comply with Australian Standards
Driving assessments and lessons
If you plan to drive, a driver trained occupational therapist assesses whether you can drive safely and what controls you need. They often recommend lessons with a driving instructor in a modified vehicle. The NDIS may fund specialist driving assessments and driver training that you need because of your disability.
Buying a car that is already modified
If you are buying a vehicle that already has suitable modifications, the NDIA generally funds the depreciated cost of those modifications if the vehicle is less than 5 years old and has less than 80,000 km on the odometer. The modifications must still relate to your disability, meet Australian Standards and, if you will drive, be backed by evidence that you can drive safely.
Vehicle modifications and the 2026 changes
Home and vehicle modifications are on the government's list of supports that are not affected by the October 2026 funding reset. Vehicle modifications are funded from your Capital budget, so the 50% and 10% reductions do not touch them. The OT time for assessments usually comes from improved daily living skills, which is reduced by 10% at your next plan change.