The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new rule for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants regarding the Motability Scheme. A Friday deadline has been set for those who wish to continue using the black box device. Motability Operations has announced that drivers may be able to keep using the scheme if they act quickly enough.
Black Box Rule Paused After Backlash
Following a significant backlash from drivers, the Motability Scheme will scrap compulsory black boxes for its users, many of whom are PIP or DLA claimants receiving DWP benefits. The black boxes, which monitor driving habits, will begin being switched off from May 22. However, anyone who does not mind the new rule and wishes to continue using their device must contact Motability by May 21.
How to Keep Using Drive Smart
Motability Operations stated: "Some customers have told us they value Drive Smart and want to keep using it, including customers who appreciate the reassurance it can provide for family members. If you'd like to keep using Drive Smart, you can do. You'll need to let us know by 21 May 2026. You can do this by filling out the form in your email."
Motability added: "We'll invite customers who have used Drive Smart to join a new research group in our Headlight Community, unless you've asked us not to send you research emails. This new research group will help us understand customer needs and where we need to improve. We'll only bring Drive Smart back when we're confident the experience better meets your needs. When it does return, we'll give you plenty of notice if it will still apply to your lease."
How the Black Box System Works
Black boxes monitor driving habits and provide a weekly rating graded using a traffic light colour scheme. A green rating could mean cheaper insurance, but more than four red ratings over a period of 12 months could see drivers removed from the Motability scheme. Motability said it would continue to review the programme and was also creating a new customer panel to allow users to help shape how Drive Smart develops.
