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Vehicle modifications

If you have a disability, it may affect your ability to travel in a car. There are a range of modifications that can be made to a car to enable a person with disability to safely drive or travel as a passenger.

Modifying a vehicle

Vehicle modifications range from minor (e.g. grab bar, swivel seat, postural support or transfer board) to major (e.g. mobility aid hoists, ramps or special steering/braking/accelerator control systems). To find out more about modifying a vehicle:

  • talk with a driver-trained occupational therapist
  • visit the JobAccess website
  • contact LifeTec on 1300 885 886.

Transporting mobility aids

There are numerous options to transport collapsible wheelchairs, such as rear-mounted hooks or roof hoists.

Options for transporting a motorised mobility aid (such as a wheelchair or scooter) include ramps, trailers or electrically operated lifters. The vehicle to be modified will need to be large enough to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter (e.g. a mini van, high-roof station wagon or utility).

It is important to safely secure a mobility aid whenever it is being transported.

Vehicle modification regulations

Any modification to a vehicle must comply with the Department of Transport and Main Roads' regulations to ensure the vehicle is safe.

Vehicle Options Subsidy Scheme (VOSS)

The Queensland Government has introduced the Vehicle Options Subsidy Scheme (VOSS) to help eligible people have access to a modified vehicle.

Who is eligible

The scheme is available for people wanting to drive a modified vehicle or be a passenger in a modified vehicle, which is driven by a family member or carer.

There are specific eligibility criteria and anyone interested in the scheme is encouraged to contact their local Disability and Community Care Services service centre.

What is VOSS

The VOSS provides financial support for:

  • a detailed assessment of vehicle modification requirements with a recommendation (prescription) for the best solution
  • the cost of vehicle modifications, the purchase of an already modified vehicle or a vehicle to be modified specifically to match identified needs
  • lessons to learn to drive the modified car.

Successful applicants will need to pay the gap between the subsidy and the full cost of the modifications or purchase price of a vehicle.

More information

For more information about the Vehicle Options Subsidy Scheme, contact your local Disability and Community Care Services service centre or email vossmail@communities.qld.gov.au.

GST exemption on car purchases

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) does not charge GST on newly purchased and leased vehicles for people with disability—providing you can produce evidence that your vehicle is necessary for employment, business or long-term study to gain employment. Visit the ATO website to find out if you are eligible.

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Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated:
22 April 2013

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