Disabled person's bus pass guide

You can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass if the have one or more of the disabilities listed below.

To be entitled to a Disabled person’s NowCard the disability must last for 12 months or more and you'll have to provide the supporting evidence.

Blind or partially sighted

Evidence:

• certificate of visual impairment
• registration card
• a letter from an eye specialist confirming that you are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)

Severely or profoundly deaf

Evidence:

• audiological report from an aural specialist indicating hearing loss has reached 70 dB HL or in both ears
• registration card

Without speech

This does not cover people whose speech may be slow or difficult to understand, for example because of a severe stammer.

Evidence:

• personal Independence Payment of 8 points or more for communicating verbally
• evidence from a medical professional that you are unable to communicate orally in any language.

Walking disability

To qualify under this category you would have to have a long term and substantial disability which means you cannot walk or which makes walking very difficult.

Evidence needed:

• Personal Independence Payment of eight points or more for the moving around activity of the mobility component
• higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
• War Pensions Mobility Supplement

Without the use of both arms

Evidence:

• medical evidence to support that you are unable to use both arms for day to day tasks

Learning disability

Defined as a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning.  To qualify under this category all three criteria below must be met:

• the disability must have started before adulthood with a lasting effect on development
• a significantly reduced ability to understand complex information and to learn new skills
• a reduced ability to cope independently 

It does not include the following:

• Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or ADHD
• Autistic spectrum disorders unless accompanied by a significant impairment of intelligence
• mental health problems
• conditions which started after adulthood (eg brain injury)

Evidence:

• letter from the manager of the residential home or supported living accommodation where you are a resident
• letter from a medical professional or Social Services stating that you have a learning disability as defined (above)
• statement of special education needs or education health and care plan (stating moderate/severe learning disability).

You would be refused a driving licence due to physical fitness

This covers disabilities which are likely to cause the driving of vehicles to be a source of danger to the public, for example some types of epilepsy, severe mental disorders and dementia.

If you hold a valid driving licence (full or provisional) or your condition is a direct result of the misuse of drugs or alcohol you will not be eligible under this category. 

Evidence:

• recent letter from the DLVA indicating refusal or withdrawal of your licence for a minimum of 12 months
• letter from a medical professional or specialist confirming that you are unfit to drive, detailing the reason and length of time for which you will be unable to drive.