Category F - Learning disability
Eligibility for the Category F Travel Pass for those with a learning disability is based on guidelines from the Department for Transport (DfT) under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
When determining if an applicant is eligible under this category, the Department for Transport (DfT) guidance advises that:
“A learning disability is a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning.”
A person with a learning disability is defined as someone who has:
- reduced ability to understand new or complex information
- difficulty in learning new skills
- unable to cope independently
These disabilities must have started before adulthood and have a lasting effect on development. The person should also be able to qualify for specialist services and may have had a special educational provision.
For those individuals that hold an active driving licence (including provisional), you must inform the DVLA of your learning disability. There is no requirement to tell DVLA about learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia).
Please Note: Travel Concession Authorities (TCA) may not be able to consider applications under Category F for Learning Disabilities if you possess an active driving licence (including provisional) – even if only used for identification purposes.
Proving Eligibility
To successfully apply for a Travel Pass under Category F, you will need to provide at least one of the following:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
- 8 points or more for one (not combined) of the following PIP Categories:
- Communicating Verbally
- Reading & Understanding Signs, Symbols and Words
- Budgeting Decisions
- Engaging with Others
- Proof that learning disability started before adulthood - copy of an Education, Care and Health Plan (EHCP)
- Proof from the DVLA that a driving licence has been surrendered after medical advice from a GP
- Evidence from a medical professional clearly demonstrating the severity of learning disability and impact to learning, development or independence
Please Note: A letter from a GP which just states ‘learning disability’ is not considered as sufficient evidence and any document must provide clear evidence that shows the severity of any learning disability.
Additionally, applicants will need to provide proof of where they live in the Merseyside area.
Apply Online
How to Apply Online
- Click the button below to start your application.
- Fill in the Your Information section.
- Choose Category F – I have a learning disability
- Download and complete the supplement questionnaire, then upload this alongside the relevent evidence and documents to support your application.
- Upload a recent colour photo of yourself.
- Upload proof of your address.
- Upload proof of your identity and age.
- Read the declaration.
- Sign and submit your application.
After you submit, please allow up to 6 weeks for us to process your application and send your pass to your registered address.
Other Ways to Apply
You will need to fill out the Disabled Person’s Travel Pass Application Form. Here’s how to do it:
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Download and Print the Form: Get the full Disabled Person’s Travel Pass Application Form and fill it out completely.
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Gather Your Documents: Make sure to attach all the necessary documents to show your eligibility.
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Proof of Residency: Include evidence that you live in Merseyside.
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Passport-sized Photo: Provide a recent, clear photo of your full face.
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Visit a Merseytravel Centre: Bring your completed form and all relevant documents to a Merseytravel Centre, or
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Post Your Form to Us: Post your completed form and all relevant dociments to Merseytravel Concessions, PO Box 1976, Liverpool, L69 3HN
Our team will process your application and review your supporting documents to confirm your eligibility.
You can also collect a printed paper copy of the full Disabled Person’s Travel Pass Application Form by visiting any Merseytravel Centre.
What Happens Next?
Once we receive your application, our team will review it along with any supporting documents you've shared, following the guidelines set by the Department for Transport (DfT) under the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).
We strive to process all applications within 4 weeks.
If we need additional information about your application or if we think an assessment is necessary, a member of our Concessions team will reach out to you directly.
If you qualify for the travel pass, we'll send it to the address you provided in your application. Please allow up to 10 days for it to reach you via Royal Mail.
If you do not receive your travel pass within 10 days, please contact our Customer Services team on 0300 131 2881 so that a replacemet can be arranged as quickly as possible.
Need Additional Support?
If you are having difficulty downloading and completing the application form, or need any additional support with the application process; you can speak to our Customer Services team by email, phone or social media at the following:
- Email us at [email protected]
- Call us on 0300 131 2881
- Send us a message on X using @Merseytravel
- Or face-to-face at one of our Merseytravel Centres
Our dedicated team are available from 7am to 8pm weekdays and 8am to 6pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
