Motability dramatically suspended its Drive Smart black box initiative this afternoon, conceding that the experience for users had fallen short of expectations. The contentious scheme had required all new first-time lessees and those with named drivers under 30 to install the device.
Drivers are now being informed that the devices will be removed from the scheme next week, and that certain steps must be taken before 22nd May.
Motorists had been required to fit black boxes to their vehicles and download an app for every individual who took to the wheel. The technology tracks driving behaviour, including speed and braking, generating a weekly rating of green, amber or red. Should a driver register a red week, both the account holder and the relevant driver would be notified. If the driver continued to exhibit dangerous driving habits for two consecutive weeks despite receiving feedback, or accumulated four red weeks within a 12-month period, they faced removal from the Scheme.
The change has sparked alarm amongst users and prompted questions from MPs. In a statement released this afternoon, Motability said: “We’ve listened carefully to feedback from customers about Drive Smart. We recognise that for some customers, the experience of using the app has not been as it should be and has caused concern. That was never our aim.
“That’s why we’re pausing Drive Smart from Thursday 14 May 2026 while we look again at how we can improve the app experience. Drive Smart helps customers see their driving habits to encourage safer driving and reduce accidents, and that will not change. But we need to make sure this feels fair, clear and right for our customers. We want Drive Smart to support you on the road, and we know we need to get the experience right. “
Drivers under the age of 30 on Motability were told they would have to have a black box fitted (Image: Getty Images)
The operator clarified it had been launched in an attempt to manage expenses – and pointed to a growing number of collisions. It stated: “Insurance is one of the biggest costs in every lease. And 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.”
Customers have been informed that from Friday 22 May 2026, Motability will start removing users from Drive Smart unless they opt to continue using it. It noted: “If you do not want to continue, you do not need to do anything. We’ll remove you from the Drive Smart system. Any journey data we currently have is stored in line with our data and privacy policy. “
People are also being asked to:
- Remove the Drive Smart wedge from your vehicle and keep it safe
- Redeem and spend any rewards before 22 May 2026
- Delete the Drive Smart app
- Ignore any app notifications while we complete this process
If they wish to carry on using Drive Smart they must also take steps: “Some customers have told us they value Drive Smart and want to keep using it, including customers who appreciate the reassurance it can provide for family members. If you’d like to keep using Drive Smart, you can do. You’ll need to let us know by 21 May 2026. You can do this by filling out the form in your email. “
Regarding what comes next, Motability said it is seeking input from users. It explained: “While Drive Smart is paused, we’ll work with you to understand what needs to change so it works better for you and supports affordable, independent mobility. We’ll invite customers who have used Drive Smart to join a new research group in our Headlight Community, unless you’ve asked us not to send you research emails. This new research group will help us understand customer needs and where we need to improve.
“We’ll only bring Drive Smart back when we’re confident the experience better meets your needs. When it does return, we’ll give you plenty of notice if it will still apply to your lease.”
Meanwhile, a parliamentary petition calling on Motability to abandon its changes and criticising the government’s new taxes, has secured more than 46,803 signatures in three months – it needs to reach 100,000 names by 15 July to be considered for a debate in parliament.
To view and sign up to the petition click here.