The impact of Parkinson's on driving
Having Parkinson's does not
necessarily mean that your licence will be affected. But if you
intend to continue or begin driving, you must inform the
organisation that regulates driving where you live about your
Parkinson's.
The risk of severe drowsiness or the sudden onset of sleep due to Parkinson's drugs is low.
If you experience any problems with this, you should not drive. And get advice from your specialist or Parkinson's nurse.
This is the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for
England, Scotland and Wales or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA)
for Northern Ireland.
You will need to complete a form detailing your symptoms. In
England, Scotland and Wales it’s a PK1 'Medical fitness to drive',
in Northern Ireland it's a DL1.
You may need to have a further medical
assessment. In most cases, there will be no need to retake a
driving test.
Medicals and driving tests under these circumstances are free
and you would be given priority at a test centre.
Take a look at our information about informing the DVLA or DVA about
Parkinson's.
Parkinson's medication and driving
The side effects that some people may experience from Parkinson's drugs can affect their ability to
drive.
Parkinson's medication 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.
If you experience any problems with drowsiness or sudden
sleepiness, you should not drive and you should get advice from
your specialist or Parkinson's
nurse.
More information about Parkinson's medication can be found in
our free Drug treatment for 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. These 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 get 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.
For more details on who qualifies and how to apply for the Blue
Badge scheme:
Car tax exemption
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:
In this section
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