The Department for Work and Pensions and Motability Operations have announced the scrapping of a planned rule change from next week. Motability has confirmed it will be discontinuing the Drive Smart scheme's black boxes, which were introduced in September 2025.
What was the Drive Smart scheme?
The service combined a smartphone app and an in-car device to monitor driving behaviours. Under the initiative, motorists received a weekly score, with those deemed at higher risk of accidents potentially facing penalties. However, after significant backlash from claimants, the technology is set to be removed.
Benefits affected
Motability is available for people receiving any of the following seven DWP benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult Disability Payment
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Child Disability Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
Motability's statement
Motability stated that the scheme needed to feel "fair, clear and right for our customers." They added: "Insurance is one of the biggest costs in every lease. A rising number of insurance claims means it has increased significantly in recent years. Telematics helps to reduce accidents, and we've already seen this with Drive Smart, which keeps the roads safer and costs down for everyone."
What happens from May 22?
From Friday 22 May 2026, Motability will begin removing customers from Drive Smart unless they choose to keep using it. If claimants do not want to continue, they do not need to take any action. Motability will remove them from the system, and any journey data currently held will be stored in line with their data and privacy policy.
From 14 May 2026, customers can remove the Drive Smart wedge from their vehicle and keep it safe. They can also redeem and spend any rewards before 22 May 2026. The Drive Smart app can be deleted, and app notifications can be ignored while the process completes. For those with a fitted box, no action is needed; Motability will deactivate the device from Friday 22 May.
Opting to continue
Customers who wish to keep using Drive Smart must notify Motability by 21 May 2026 by filling out the form provided in their email.
