10.12.6 Where an existing vehicle is not suitable for modification

If an eligible client’s current vehicle is not capable of having necessary driving devices fitted, or modifications made to it, then DVA can only provide compensation for the cost of the OT recommended modification or driving device. Compensation coverage does not extend to the cost of the vehicle itself. A client may purchase a suitable vehicle at their own cost and be compensated under MVCS for the costs of the approved driving devices or modifications.

This approach is utilised where the client’s current vehicle is assessed as too old, technically unsuitable, not cost effective, or not safe to modify.

Examples

A client has lumbar spondylosis accepted under the MRCA. The client’s vehicle is 12 years old. The driver-trained OT assessment indicates the seating in the vehicle is not suitable for the client’s clinical needs, and recommends ergonomic seating to ensure correct body posture while driving. The OT provides a quote for the recommended ergonomic seating. The assessment confirms it is not feasible to modify the client’s current vehicle to incorporate the recommended seating. The OT recommends specific models and makes of vehicles that include suitable seating for the client’s assessed clinical needs. The full purchase price of one of the recommended suitable vehicles is met by the client. DVA provides compensation to the value of the recommended modification, that is, the cost of the ergonomic seating.

A client has arthritis of the left knee accepted under the MRCA. The client’s current vehicle has manual transmission. A driver trained OT assessment recommends automatic transmission. The OT confirms that the client’s current vehicle is unable to be safely modified from manual to automatic. The client purchases a vehicle with automatic transmission at their own cost. This vehicle is available with both manual and automatic transmission. DVA provides compensation to the value of the difference in cost between the manual and automatic versions of the vehicle.

In both examples, the funding is regarded as compensation for a modification to a vehicle under section 3.1 of the Motor Vehicle Compensation Scheme legislative instrument.