10.9.1 Motor Vehicle Modification Requests
This topic describes the flow of motor vehicle modification requests under section 39 of DRCA and section 212 of MRCA.
| If a client has ... | Then ... | And will be required to ... |
|---|---|---|
an accepted DRCA/MRCA condition which is impacting on their driving capacity; or ability to be driven in safety and comfort | they may be eligible for assistance for motor vehicle modification/s | undergo an assessment of their driving needs by a Driver Trained Occupational Therapist, which will be organised by DVA. This will also need to confirm that the client will derive benefit from any modification/s being recommended. |
Note: While waiting for the assessment to occur, clients should not anticipate the outcome of the assessment and proceed with the purchase or installation of a modification, or purchase a vehicle which they feel may meet their needs. Costs incurred prior to DVA approval are generally not reimbursed.
Scenarios
The following table provides guidance about certain scenarios of motor vehicle modification requests.
| What is likely to happen if ... | Answer |
|---|---|
a client does not have a motor vehicle to be modified? | No assistance can be considered. These provisions refer to modifying an existing vehicle. Other rules apply for requests made by significantly impaired or severely injured clients. |
a client’s vehicle is assessed as being too old, technically unsuitable, or not safe to modify? | If a client agrees to purchase a suitable vehicle which has the modifications (at their own expense), consideration may be given to meet the cost-difference between that vehicle and a similar model without the modifications fitted. If a client purchases a vehicle with the required modifications for less than the trade-in of their existing vehicle, there would be no cost difference or evidence of an actual cost incurred for any payment to be approved. |
a client proceeds with the purchase of another vehicle with the required modification/s prior to an assessment being undertaken? | The assessment is undertaken on the vehicle that a client is currently driving or is being driven in. If a client’s vehicle is assessed as suitable in terms of meeting their needs, there would be no requirement to undertake any additional modifications to the vehicle and no payment could be approved. |
the assessment identifies that a client’s car requires modification/s and it is possible to modify the vehicle? | A DVA delegate will review the Driver Trained OT Assessment recommendations. If the modifications are approved, a rehabilitation service provider or the Driver Trained OT will organise the quotes, purchase, installation and any training in the use of the modification/s. |
a client proceeds and has the assessed modifications installed in their vehicle? Can they claim for the cost of the modifications and their installation? | The assessment would have identified the specific modification/s, but the DVA delegate may request three quotes be obtained for the modification/s and their installation. Any payment would be based on the quote considered most reasonable. |
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/rehabilitation-policy-library/10-alterations-modifications-aids-appliances-and-motor-vehicle-assistance/109-provision-motor-vehicles-or-motor-vehicle-modifications/1091-motor-vehicle-modification-requests