Driving

[Lythgoe81]

Hi,

not long been diagnosed & still waiting for my coordinator to get in touch-I have very little information on life with MND, one thing I’m unsure of is driving-am I still able to drive at the moment, will this be assessed?

any information would be great

thanks
mark

[Doug Carpenter]

Hi Mark

Welcome to the forum.

You must notify the DVLA of your diagnosis.

You should tell your insurance company too. They're usually quite relaxed about it.

Doug

[Shaun]

They will ask for a report from dr, and if okay will give you a 3 year licence, only need assessment if dr has concerns.
Yes you can still drive, assuming you physically can ,
not sure about flying helicopters though
s

[GaryM]

Mark, I informed the DVLA last October (that I had CIDP at the time) and they gave me a three year licence. No assessment needed. Insurance company just noted it. I don't think they're allowed to change your premium as it counts as discrimination. Having said that, I gave up driving in May as my left arm was almost useless by then. I didn't get diagnosed with MND until July.

[Jeanette Pearce]

Hello ... Lythgoe81 Mark I realised my right leg was not 100% reactive after my diagnosis in June this year and made the decision not to drive. I took the initiative to surrender my licence a week ago...

[Mary C]

Hi Mark ,like Jeanette I was diagnosed in June this year .My left leg was getting cramps and right leg is weak too. Plus I get cramps in my hands when I grip something at times. I also decided to surrender my licence as don't want to put myself and other other drivers at risk .Not easy as thats another loss. Happy that I have a husband who is willing to drive me anywhere without complaining. Plus we were able to get a wheelchair access vehicle on the motability scheme for when I get to the stage of having to travel in the wheelchair.Its amazing how we adapt to change.I was told by GP I must notify DVLA about MND diagnosis.DVLA then requested medical information from consultant of GP about fitness to drive.I decided to stop driving at that point.

[shrew]

We bought an automatic (vauxhall mokka) for Mick, sadly he only drove it twice. He found it difficult, mainly head movement, checking to pull out of junctions etc. I kept the car after he passed away

[Lynne K]

Hi Mark, I got a 3 year license too but don’t drive now. My willing husband Steve drives my wheelchair assessable vehicle (which I got on the Motability Used Wheelchair Assessable Vehicle scheme). Lynne

[GaryM]

Is there any advantage to surrendering your licence, as I still have mine? I don't have any intention of driving, but thought it might be useful as a form of ID.

[Banned]

Easier to pull a stunt like this Gary...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1HTQkbDmaI

[jd58]

[GaryM]

Easier to pull a stunt like this Gary...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1HTQkbDmaI

Thanks Graham. That gave me a good laugh.

[Jeanette Pearce]

Giggle !

[Jacquij]

When I got my diagnosis back in January I did not feel safe to drive because of my legs, but did ask my OT to refer me to the local driving assessment centre, who were fabulous in assessing my needs and exploring options and adaptations. Because of covid and breaking my arm I was not able to make the most of it, but it is worth considering a referral. Also they can offer good advice & make other recommendations about types of vehicles if you have accessible issues. They also do reports for the DVLA. Here is their website link https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/

[denise]

Stephen has been told that he should stop driving because his reactions are slower. He does have problems with his hands which creates problems with using keys or taking off the hand brake. Other than that I wouldn't say there is a problem with his reactions I feel completely safe. I haven't been driving in the last 15-20 years but never surrendered my licence. I think it's always handy to have as id. I think I'm going to have to get driving again 😐