The Big Event hosted by the Motability Scheme is returning to Manchester’s EventCity in May 2016. The largest of its kind, the event will showcase the most extensive display of vehicles for disabled people in the UK and also offers visitors the chance to take to the wheel with a test drive. We caught up with Molly Polden, a Motability customer who attended The Big Event for the first time last year, to find out more about her test drive experience.

“I had never been to any of the Motability Scheme events before so it was a new experience for me. When I arrived I was met friendly members of staff who sent me off in the right direction to look at some cars.

“At first I spoke to one of the Motability Scheme advisors about what I would need and how my disability affected me. He took me through all of the cars and adaptations that would suit my disability and advised me on what cars would be useful for me to test drive on the day.

“Booking a test drive was really simple, I chose which cars I wanted to try out and they booked me straight in. There’s no need to pre book, all you need is your full driving license and you can arrange it on the day.

“When I turned up for the test drive I was introduced to Peter, a test drive instructor. It was my first time driving with adaptations so I was a little bit nervous but he spent a lot of time thoroughly explaining how they all worked. We didn’t actually go anywhere until I felt completely comfortable operating them myself. I had plenty of time to really get used to the car which helped me decide whether or not I would feel comfortable driving it on a day to day basis.

“I would definitely recommend going to The Big Event; it brought everything that I needed to make a decision on what car I would want to one place. The test drive was a great experience and introduced me to the world of adapted cars and I certainly came away knowing what car I would like to get next.”

The Big Event from the Motability Scheme is taking place on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May 2016 at EventCity in Manchester. To find out more about The Big Event and to watch Molly’s test drive video visit www.motability.co.uk/thebigevent.

For more information on leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 953 7000.