Hi,
I want to find out how anyone else has got on with keeping their driving licence after informing the DVLA of ataxia (I have FA) I have not told them before as I didn't know I needed to, but have now read I should. Did you have to have a driving assessment or just got a restricted licence?
Hi. Tiggywinkles
Glad to hear you have notified DVLA as it is the law. In my case my consultant confirmed I was ok to drive and I had a short term license Then my sight deteriorated and my consultant said she advised me to give up driving and would not be telling DVLA I was safe to drive so I handed in my license. I believe there is a special test you are asked to take which I gather is quite stressful but I gave in before then
Good luck but don't take unnecessary risks if you are in any doubt. Tedq
Hello, when I informed DVLA I didn't have an assessment but was given a 3 year medical licence. When I had to renew it last year it did take awhile waiting for my consultants to reply but was still allowed to drive. Wendygirl x
I told the DVLA about my condition (CA). It took them a while to respond but my licence remained the same and I had no assessment but I feel that you should notify them because if you are involved in any type of accident your insurance would become void. However, this was years ago so I am not certain how they treat it now. I now don't drive (my own choice) but I feel that my independence has been taken away. Good luck in whatever you decide.
Hi glad you let them know. I had my licence revoked BUT I knew I wasn't safe and hadn't driven for a few weeks even before I saw my neuro. I believe it boils down to medication and if you can control your car
Hi, I told DVLA via forms on their website under neurological conditions which I printed then posted. DVLA contacted Neurologist, doctor, the outcome was that I had a driving assessment done in 2007 now drive with hand controls the best decision I made instead of just giving my driving liscence up, no limit on it either what I can see. Good luck with this.
Hello, I too have FA, but if you didn't notified DVLA your insurance may not be valid! In my case my consultant confirmed I was ok to drive and I had a letter from the DVLA saying that they have been notified but no change to my license.
I have sca6 and used the forms on the dvla web site. They asked me to see my GP, who undertook a standard driving test. Actually it was a different doctor in my surgery and when I entered the room he said "I've got to do a driving assessment is that right?" "Yes, I've got ataxia" I replied. "Oh, you're a taxi driver!" He said !!
Test was no problem and dvla have not put any restrictions on my licence. When I told the doctor all I was doing to combat the symptoms and increase my strength he shook my hand, three times!
Want to know what I'm doing? Go to Ataxiafightback.wordpress.com to find out.
Nigel
Thank you all for your replies. I will have to take the bull by the horns and fill in the DVLA form to tell them. I shall hope that I am deemed OK to keep my licence as I would be stuck without it due to where I live.
I have cerebellar ataxia & cervical dystonia. informed dvla as it's law many years ago. Filled in forms from dvla when due for renewal . They contacted my neurologists & GP.. I have nystagmus in eyes so had to go for eye test at test centre. No problem. 3 yearly restricted licence given again. I don't drive much at all but it's there. Choice. Good luck 🤗
I live in Indiana in the US, so things may be a bit different here, but the Department of Motor Vehicles told me that, since the symptoms of Ataxia can vary greatly from one person to another, what they would want would be a very specific statement, from my Neurologist, indicating the physical impairments, related to my ability to operate a motor vehicle, which my Ataxia was presently causing me to experience. They also said that they would want that doctor to give an opinion as to whether they thought that I should have any limitations placed upon my ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Helloee,
You know whether or not you're safe to drive. I decided I wasn't, and stopped it - driving and then the licence. Inconvenient but how will you live with yourself for the sake of convenience and pride, if something happens?
My biggest problem can be identification - I've never wanted or needed a passport!
Regards Ant
Well, I have heard back from the DVLA and ... I have been given a 3 year licence!! Such a relief as I live in a remote location and can't go anywhere without a vehicle. I shall continue to drive whist I feel I am able to. Thanks for all your replies.
both my older brother have cerebellar ataxia none had adcessment but both got 3 year licenses...do you also know your.car insurance company needs informing....depending on which co your with your payments may rise...mine went up but brothers didn't
Driving Assessment
Ataxia and driving 
About Driving
