Buying an Adapted Vehicle

I have a car dealer I usually buy from. The reason for this is that I use a car to get from A to B, and I trust the dealer. I called them to let them know that I had been granted the certificate. They put me in touch with someone who could do the necessary modifications. They both gave me a quote for the car and the adaptations. If you do not have a dealer, I suggest you ask somebody else who has the Primary Medical Certificate to recommend someone to you. I asked the dealer to order the car and he provided me with the Vehicle Identity Number. Again, this is my experience. You could shop around but I felt very new to the process as it was my first time.

A major decision is if you are going to be the driver or the passenger. It has tax implications and also, you need to decide if the driver or passenger side requires changes. You should fill out the DD1 form on MyAccount on www.revenue.ie. The link provides clear guidance. My husband completed the form through his account as we decided that I am the passenger. He uploaded a scan of my Primary Medical Certificate. We heard back the following day via email containing an Exemption ID. I called my car dealer and gave him the number. He passed it onto the company doing the adaptions. If you are using separate vendors, you will have to do this yourself. The business who does the adaptation will need a copy of the Certificate of Conformity from the Dealer.

It’s important that you keep fuel receipts. I have not claimed yet but will later in the year. The current rate is 60c per litre. My friend Robert has had his Primary Medical Certificate for a while and he is much more experienced in choosing the right vehicle and adaptations. You can find a link containing his blog on things to consider at the bottom of the page. Obviously, there is the issue of finance. The next time I get an adapted vehicle, I will be more prepared! The car dealer can only deduct the VRT and the VAT is claimed from Revenue. Once both invoices (dealer and adaptor) are marked “paid in full”, you will get a National Vehicle Approval Certificate. At this point, I recommend a really long nap and a celebration!

The Nation Wheelchair Association has some really helpful information about driving in general here. If you have any further input, advice or tips about the tax relief scheme, please do let me know? Although I got there in the end, the process was not so clear to me. Safe travels!

For more visit Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland https://www.ddai.ie