Getting back into life after a Motor Vehicle Injury can include returning to driving. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from changes to your motor vehicle to enable you to access and operate it.

Motor Vehicle Modifications can be provided to support you to return to driving or to travel as a passenger in the car. The Lifetime Support Authority (LSA) may provide the following types of Motor Vehicle Modifications:

  • adapted controls to steering wheel and foot pedals
  • hoists to enable wheelchair access
  • adaptations to park brake, rear vision mirrors, seat belts or indicators.

As per the Lifetime Support Scheme (LSS) Rules (Part 11), the LSA will fund necessary and reasonable costs of modifications to a motor vehicle. This includes Motor Vehicle Modifications to your own motor vehicle, to a motor vehicle that you share with a spouse or family member or, in certain circumstances, a guardian’s or a work vehicle.

As a guide, the motor vehicle to be modified should generally be less than 5 years old or have travelled less than 80,000 km and deemed roadworthy. Consideration will be given to older vehicles on a case-by-case basis, based on the following factors:

  • the vehicle being roadworthy
  • the vehicle being regularly serviced
  • availability of alternative vehicles in the market.

The LSA will fund the reasonable cost of an Automobile Association vehicle check, or equivalent, to support its consideration of funding modifications to an older vehicle.

Motor Vehicle Modifications must be assessed and recommended by a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist and installed by a supplier in line with relevant standards and regulations.

The LSA will only fund Motor Vehicle Modifications that have been approved as necessary and reasonable, that are commercially available and meet the current South Australian legislation.

Suitable alternatives need to have been considered to support driving and travelling in a motor vehicle. Motor vehicles that are modified are owned by the motor vehicle owner and not by the LSA. The owner is still responsible for paying for the ordinary running costs of the car, such as servicing, insurance, and fuel.

If you feel you would benefit from modifications to your motor vehicle, the first step is to ensure you are medically fit to return to driving after your Motor Vehicle Injury.

The LSA will then refer you to a Driver Trained Occupational Therapist who will decide if modifications are suitable for you. The Occupational Therapist will:

  • complete an assessment and work with you to determine your needs
  • advise the LSA of their recommendations.

As part of the Occupational Therapist’s assessment, they may recommend trialing different Motor Vehicle Modifications, and driving lessons once modifications are installed.

The LSA will require confirmation in writing from your doctor or Occupational Therapist of your suitability to return to driving prior to completing any Motor Vehicle Modifications.

  • Motor Vehicle Modifications assessment by a Driver Trained Occupational Therapist
  • training in the safe and correct use of the Motor Vehicle Modifications
  • maintaining, repairing, transferring, and replacing Motor Vehicle Modifications
  • additional insurance costs related to the modifications which are required due to the Motor Vehicle Injury.

  • purchase of a car
  • car registration or comprehensive insurance
  • commercially available features for a motor vehicle (for example, power steering)
  • running costs including servicing costs
  • loss of value to your car as a result of the Motor Vehicle Modifications
  • significant modifications to a motor vehicle to travel as a passenger as well as being able to drive it
  • Motor Vehicle Modifications any more frequently than once every eight years unless there is a change in medical condition related to the Motor Vehicle Injury which prevents the use of the previously modified vehicle.

For more information, please contact your Service Planner  or the Lifetime Support Authority.