Helpline: 0808 800 0303

Driving and Parkinson's

Having Traffic lights on greenParkinson's can have an effect on many drivers, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you will be stopped from driving.

When you are diagnosed with Parkinson's, you must contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in England, Scotland and Wales or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland.

Take a look at our information about informing the DVLA or DVA about Parkinson's.

These organisations make every effort to ensure people with health problems can stay as mobile as possible and are safe to do so.

You may need to have a medical or driving assessment.

Assessing your ability to drive

Once the DVLA or the DVA has assessed your ability to drive, it will decide one of the following:

  • to give you a licence without any restriction
  • to give you a licence for 1, 2 or 3 years
  • to refuse or withdraw your licence
  • to restrict your licence to particular vehicles with adaptations

If you have your licence refused or taken away on medical grounds and then become well enough to drive again, you can reapply for your licence.

If the DVLA or the DVA is happy after their medical enquiries, you can be issued with a new licence.

For more information about driving when you have Parkinson's, take a look at our Driving and Parkinson's booklet or browse the pages below.

In this section

Direct and confidential help and support