Driving. When to stop

[denise]

Stephen loves to drive and he is an excellent driver. I sit in the front and I should know. His reactions to oncoming traffic I can't fault. This is more than what I can say about some that use the roads. We live in an area where the roads are up, down, narrow and the Romans definitely didn't build straight roads. Huge wood vehicles frighten the life out of me but Stephen just deals with it. He has been attending physio and has been told if he doesn't stop driving they will cancel his physio. I am annoyed and he is very upset. Driving let's him be normal. He was told by a doctor he needs to give up because having mnd his reactions are slower. He's not impressed with the physio it supposed to be urgent physio over 2 months. Not so bad when it was a morning appointment but it's gradually got later and he's finding it exhausting more from waiting around rather than doing anything. What would you do?

[Suefromwakey]

My husband had to give his car up March 19 - his last drive was to trade it in - frightened the life out of me as he couldn't lift his brake leg, my garage is now full of hospital aids, commodes and 2 mobile scooters - it looks very forlorn
Sue

[denise]

The impression Stephen had was he was told he shouldn't drive because he has als/mnd which makes him slow. He can drive perfectly just a few problems like removing the key or taking off the hand brake. I just wanted to know how others decided when it had come to giving up. I don't see how a doctor, not even his own doctor, can say if you drive you can't come to physio.
I wouldn't be in the car with him if I thought he was a threat to himself and everyone else.
he's a better driver than me but I don't have mnd so I'm ok! 🤔

[Suefromwakey]

Perhaps their thinking is that if he can operate the pedals and the steering wheel he has enough muscle strength so dunt need physio? gawd knows

[denise]

You might be onto something. I've just lost the plot again.
I used to say, years ago, pmt was the real me! 😇

[Barry52]

Hi Denise,

Here in the UK we can take a driving assessment if a medical person suggests surrendering your license. I don’t know if you have that facility in Portugal? I assume Stephen is driving on his UK license and therefore he is obliged to notify DVLA who generally issue a 3 year license unless a doctor objected. I don’t wish to pour cold water on the situation but there is an insurance implication. I fail to see how the physio team can refuse treatment unless the rules are different over there.

There are thousands of people with disabilities who drive and many have vehicle adaptations to compensate for loss of function. I personally am dreading the day they revoke my license as driving gives me a degree of independence but I accept that I will know when I am no longer able to control a car. I am fortunate to have a motability vehicle and we can choose a car with all the safety features.

Maybe yet another consideration for moving back to the UK although I accept it is not that straightforward. I hope Stephen is able to sort this out without loss of therapy.

Barry x

[denise]

Thanks Barry
I don't think they have the right to refuse him. Seems rather petty to me.
I'm just tired of everything

[Ellie]

denise If Stephen has a UK licence and intends to drive in Portugal after 31 December, he must swop it for a Portuguese licence. Sorry, I know it's the last thing you need to hear...