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Disabled person's bus pass guide

When you can apply for and where you can use a disabled person's bus pass. How to apply for a disabled person's companion pass and an All Day 24/7 NoWcard if you need to travel before 9.30am or after 11pm.

When you can apply for a disabled person's bus pass

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)
  • Blue Badge issued

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
  • Blue Badge (valid for at least 12 months)

Without the use of both arms

Evidence:

  • Blue Badge (valid for at least 12 months)
  • 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.