Driving issues
Hi msmetoo
Not wary as such, more like a heightened awareness as to whether or not my driving is still up to scratch. I am on a 3 year medical licence which is due to (fingers crossed) renew in 2026.
Because my left side is affected I know I will be changing to an automatic for my next car.
If I felt that my MS was affecting my ability to drive safely I would surrender my licence immediately.
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You are required to notify DVLA that you have MS. Ditto your insurer, though they tend to abide by the DVLA opinion rather than seeking their own reports. It could void your eligibility to drive and/or insurance if you don’t tell them.
DVLA-driving-medical-conditions
They will issue a form seeking medical input. As per @TheresaB, my 10-year licence was revoked and I was issued with a 3-year medical licence. You will know if you are safe to drive and medical reports will likely say the same.
In my experience, insurance costs don’t go up because of a medical condition.
I too have PPMS diagnosed in 2017. Having informed the DVLA immediately, I have continued driving my automatic car. My insurance didn’t go up.
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Hi msmetoo, I have SPMS and I was on a 3 year licence review, but I gave my licence back about 9yrs a go now, as I didn’t feel safe anymore, I think we owe it to ourselves and others to take responsibilty for this. It was hard not being able to drive, as I always liked driving, but I had to be true to myself and others.
Jean
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My neurologist gave me the best advice ever. If you get in the car and think should I drive, then the answer is always no.
I got in once and had the tiniest worry about being able to do an emergency stop. I made my partner get a taxi to where I was and drive for me. I never drove again.
If you’re asking the question you shouldn’t be driving. If you need modifications to the vehicle to enable you to drive safely you need to arrange for modifications before you can drive. Every other road user and pedestrian has their life in your hands, you really don’t want their blood on your hands.
As per @cymroglyn you must first ask yourself the question.
In my case, I changed my car. Once in the car, I can drive fine and when the time comes to stop driving, it will be more likely because I won’t be able to swing my bad left leg up into the car and climb in rather than an inability to drive. With no problems with eyesight, cognition or coordination (including in my right leg), my limitation is with getting in & out and operating a clutch for any length of time. So I swapped a manual SUV (higher floor) for an auto MPV (lower floor but tall door) with a really low boot lip. With strength still in my arms I can dead-lift my 27kg folding electric wheelchair in & out of the boot unaided, thus preserving my independence. With my current 3-year licence expiring in March 2025, I’m hoping I’ll be good for another 3 years; maybe more.
You could write out your own capability analysis. Setting aside the independence and convenience aspects, you’ll know in your heart when you stop being safe to drive.
Graeme
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