The impact of Parkinson's on driving
Having Parkinson's does not
necessarily mean that your licence will be affected, but you must
inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your
Parkinson's if you intend to continue or begin driving.
You will need to complete 2 forms detailing your symptoms. You
may be required to undergo further medical assessment and possibly
retake the practical part of the driving test.
Medicals and driving tests under these circumstances are free
and you would be given priority at a test centre.
Parkinson's medication and driving
The side effects that some people may experience from Parkinson's drugs can affect their ability to
drive.
Dopamine agonists can cause
drowsiness, which sometimes can be severe.
However, the risk of severe drowsiness or the sudden onset of
sleep due to Parkinson's drugs is low.
Should you experience these problems, stop driving and seek
advice from your doctor.
The advantages and disadvantages of dopamine agonists and a full
list of generic names and brand names, can be found in our free
Drug treatment of Parkinson's
booklet.
Mobility centres and driving assessment
Mobility centres provide information and advice on driving for
any person with a disability who uses a car, as a driver or a
passenger. They also offer assessments on your ability to
drive.
Information and advice is free, but centres charge for
assessments and tuition.
There are a number of mobility
centres in the UK which vary in size and the services they
offer.
Priority parking and the Blue Badge Scheme
You may qualify for parking concessions if you have a severe
disability and qualify for the higher rate of the mobility
component of the Disability Living
Allowance.
The Blue Badge Scheme enables people who have certain
disabilities to park closer to the shops and services they need to
get to.
The badge applies whether they are the driver or a passenger in
any vehicle.
The
DirectGov website has more on who qualifies and how to apply
for the Blue Badge Scheme.
Disabled tax class
If you qualify for Disability Living Allowance or the War
Pensioner's Mobility Supplement you may also be eligible for a car
tax exemption.
Find out more about taxing your vehicle in the disabled tax
class, including application forms and contact addresses, on the
DirectGov website.
Also in this section
Direct and confidential help and support
- email
-
Share