Driving and Dementia: What You Need to Know
Recently, I had the privilege of giving a talk on a crucial subject – dementia and driving. It’s an area that many people find difficult to navigate, and it is important to understand how dementia can impact a person’s ability to drive safely.
A Diagnosis of Dementia and Driving: The Basics
A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t automatically mean that someone must stop driving. In fact, one in three people with dementia continue to drive. However, dementia affects essential skills needed for safe driving, such as concentration, judgement, and quick reactions. These skills, which are required to avoid accidents, can be impaired over time.
Driving is a complex task that involves several mental abilities, including:
Focus and attention: Switching between tasks while observing the road.
Visuospatial skills: Maintaining proper speed, distance, and position on the road.
Problem-solving: Dealing with diversions, obstacles, or road closures.
Judgement and decision-making: Predicting the actions of other road users.
Memory: Remembering routes, signs, and landmarks.
As dementia progresses, these abilities can become impaired, making driving increasingly difficult. Eventually, most individuals with dementia will no longer be able to drive safely, but how quickly this happens varies.
For example, those with Alzheimer’s disease may need to stop driving in the middle stages of dementia, while other types, such as dementia with Lewy bodies or frontotemporal dementia, can lead to early symptoms like visual hallucinations or impulsive behaviour that prompt an earlier end to driving.
Other Health Conditions That Affect Driving
It’s also important to note that many older adults have additional health conditions such as vision or hearing problems, arthritis, and muscle weakness, all of which can further affect driving ability. Certain medications, especially those for sleep or depression, may also impair driving. Therefore, it’s crucial for people with dementia to regularly consult their healthcare provider about their ability to drive.
The Law on Driving and Dementia
In the UK, the law is clear. If someone is diagnosed with dementia, they must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in England and Wales or the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
In addition, individuals with dementia must inform their car insurance provider, as failure to do so can result in a void policy, leaving them uninsured. The DVLA/DVA will assess whether the person is safe to drive, based on medical reports and possibly a driving assessment.
In some cases, individuals may choose to voluntarily surrender their driving licence, which is known as “voluntary surrender.”
What If the Person Cannot Accept Their Diagnosis?
One of the most challenging aspects of dementia and driving is when the person does not recognise how their condition is affecting their ability to drive. This can result in a reluctance to stop driving, even when it is unsafe. In such cases, it may be necessary for family members, healthcare professionals, or even the doctor to step in and encourage the person to stop driving. If all else fails, the doctor may be required to report the person’s condition to the DVLA/DVA.
Steps for Those with Dementia Who Want to Keep Driving
If a person with dementia wants to keep driving, there are clear steps to follow:
Tell the DVLA/DVA: The first step is to inform the licensing agency about the dementia diagnosis. This can be done by post, phone, or online.
Complete the Questionnaire: The DVLA/DVA will send a questionnaire and request a medical report from the person’s doctor. Once the form is returned, the DVLA/DVA will contact the doctor.
DVLA/DVA Decision: Based on the medical report, the DVLA/DVA will decide if the person is safe to continue driving. Possible outcomes include renewing the licence (usually for one year), revoking the licence, or requesting further information, including a driving assessment.
What Happens If a Person Is Asked to Take a Driving Assessment?
If the DVLA/DVA decides that the person should take a driving assessment, the individual will be asked to undergo an on-road evaluation. This is a less common decision but is made to ensure the person’s safety on the road.
How to Reduce Risks When Driving
If someone with dementia is still able to drive safely, it is important to reduce potential risks. Here are some helpful tips:
Stick to short and familiar routes during quiet times of the day to reduce confusion and avoid heavy traffic.
Always drive during daylight and in good weather conditions for better visibility.
Avoid distractions, such as the radio, to maintain focus.
Only drive when feeling fully awake and well-rested.
Even if someone with dementia can still drive, it is essential to plan ahead for the time when they may need to stop driving completely. Discussing this with family members and considering alternative transportation options can make the transition easier when the time comes.
Let’s keep the conversation going and share insights on how we can support individuals with dementia to make the right decisions about driving.
