William Merritt Centre

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William Merritt Centre

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We provide impartial information, advice and assessment on equipment and adaptations.

30/10/2026

Our Driving School specialises in providing high-quality driving tuition for individuals with physical and learning disabilities.

Our service includes specialised trained Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) and adapted vehicles.

Our Driving School currently serves learners across Leeds, Bradford, Skipton, Ilkley, York, Halifax, Huddersfield, Harrogate, Ripon, and Knaresborough.

Immediate availability in York area

Contact us
https://wmdlc.org/services/driver-assessments/driving-lessons/

28/10/2026

We know that older motorists have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance. However, sight, hearing, reaction time and judgement of speed and distance may not be as sharp as it once was.

Want reassurance that you're driving safely?

The solution… Mature Driver Appraisal

If you're aged 65 or over and live in West Yorkshire, you're eligible for a reduced-price appraisal thanks to funding from West Yorkshire Vision Zero and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Find out more or to book please visit
https://wmdlc.org/services/driver-assessments/mda/

26/10/2026

Our ShopMobility customer's mother said...

“I have a daughter who requires a wheelchair. Most Thursdays I take her to the White Rose Centre for the day and borrow a wheelchair from the William Merrit Centre. I have done this for many years now and have always found the staff to be extremely cheerful and helpful. I would like to say that it is a pleasure to have a chat with the staff each time I go and they couldn't do more to help. I hope that William Merritt has a long and successful time at the White Rose Centre, as I remain a very satisfied customer.”

Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire at White Rose Shopping centre and at home
https://wmdlc.org/services/shopmobility/

22/10/2026

Update from William Merritt Centre

After 15 years of dedicated leadership, our CEO David Blythe will be retiring in 2027. David has played a significant role in shaping and developing WMC, and we are incredibly grateful for his commitment, vision and contribution over the years.

We’re also pleased to welcome Rachel Beverley Stevenson as a new chair of Board of Trustees, bringing new experience and insight to support WMC as we continue to develop our services and plan for the future.

Hear from them both as they reflect on what WMC has achieved and share their plans for the future.
https://wmdlc.org/david-blythe-wmc-ceo-retirement

20/10/2026

Looking to start driving lessons in the York area? We currently have immediate availability.

For added convenience, we can arrange for your driving lesson to start and finish from your home, so you don’t need to travel to our centre.*

Our specialist driving lessons are ideal for people who may benefit from additional support, including those with a medical condition, disability or additional needs.

📍 York area
🏠 Home pick-up available
🚗 Specialist driving tuition
📅 Immediate availability

Ready to get started? Contact William Merritt Centre today to book your driving lessons.

https://wmdlc.org/services/driver-assessments/driving-lessons/

*Home pick-up is subject to location and an additional travel charge.

16/10/2026

Helping young people explore their future options

On Thursday 8 October, we attended The Futures Fair, supporting young people with learning difficulties or neurodiversity as they plan for their future after education or training.

We spoke to more than 200 young people, families, carers and teachers about our specialist Driving School, Theory Test Support, and the wider services available at William Merritt Centre.

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet so many people, answer questions and explain how we can help.

Thank you to everyone who came to chat with us – we hope to be back next year!

More information on driving lessons and theory test support can be found here
https://wmdlc.org/services/driver-assessments/driving-lessons/
https://wmdlc.org/services/driver-assessments/theory-lessons/

14/10/2026

Learning to drive with a medical condition or disability?

Choosing the right driving school can make all the difference.

At the William Merritt Centre Driving School, we specialise in supporting learner drivers with medical conditions, disabilities and additional needs.

Why learn with us?
✓ Specialist driving instructors experienced in supporting a wide range of individual needs
✓ Adapted vehicles with a range of driving controls and adaptations
✓ Occupational therapy expertise available through our wider driving assessment team
✓ Lessons tailored to you – your abilities, confidence and learning pace
✓ Advice on adaptations that could make driving safer and easier
✓ Support beyond driving lessons, including driving assessments and theory test support
✓ Driving Mobility member – part of a national network specialising in driving and mobility
Having a medical condition or disability doesn't necessarily mean driving isn't an option. With the right specialist support and adaptations, we can help you explore your potential to drive safely and independently

Ready to start your driving journey?

Immediate availability in the York area
Find out how the William Merritt Centre can support you.
https://wmdlc.org/services/driver-assessments/driving-lessons/

12/10/2026

Want reassurance that your relative/friend is still driving safely?

Our Mature Driver Appraisal is a friendly, supportive way to review their driving, build confidence and help them stay safe and independent on the road for longer.

The appraisal gives them the opportunity to:

✓ Review their driving skills with an experienced professional
✓ Identify any areas where small changes could make driving safer
✓ Build confidence behind the wheel
✓ Receive practical, impartial advice to support their future driving

And they'll also leave with a handy road safety goody bag, packed with useful information and resources from the William Merritt Centre and our West Yorkshire road safety partners.

Find out more about a Mature Driver Appraisal today.
https://wmdlc.org/services/driver-assessments/mda/

08/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations, Ben! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Ben, who passed his driving test first time in Knaresborough, with just one driving fault! 🚗👏

Ben had previously taken a break from lessons after finding driving difficult, and it’s fair to say he thought he might never pass his test. However, with the support and guidance of our instructor, Sam, Ben worked hard to overcome his nerves and build his confidence behind the wheel.

We’re absolutely delighted to see all his hard work pay off — what a fantastic achievement! 🌟

Well done, Ben 🙌

If you, or someone you know, would like to find out more about learning to drive with our specialist driving school, get in touch with us on 0113 350 8989 or visit www.wmdlc.org.

08/10/2026

📢 WE’RE RECRUITING! – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Are you an experienced Occupational Therapist looking for your next opportunity? We’d love to hear from you!

We’re currently recruiting for:
🔹 Experienced Occupational Therapist – Part Time

If you’re passionate about supporting people to achieve greater independence and want to be part of a friendly, professional team, come and join us.

🔗 Follow the link below to find out more and apply:
https://wmdlc.org/about/?gad_source=1 -us

Please note: closing date 11th Oct 2026

Address

Sim Balk Ln

YO23 2BB

Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday	08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday	08:30 - 16:30
Thursday	08:30 - 16:30
Friday	08:30 - 16:30

Website

http://www.wmdlc.org/

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