PIPs, Ataxia and driving

[KiwiBob]

I have just been turned down for the renewal of my PIPs. I will have to go though the appeal process like last time. They have said, because I can drive a car I have, I quote “the activity of driving a car is itself a multi tasking activity requiring significant physical function in terms of grip, power and upper and lower joint movements in conjunction with substantial cognitive powers of thought, perception, memory, reasoning, concentration, judgment and coordination”.

What they don’t under stand is, if I stay seated, rested and I am not looking at a computer screen I can manage my condition which lets me drive.

Do any of you drive a car and get PIPs ?

[DeniseLB]

I am amazed that you can get insurance. I doubt I will ever drive again unless I can get a specially adapted car! If you look up our condition it will tell you that we have to inform the DVLA and it is likely that they will take your driving licence away! My next assessment with PIP is next year and I think I might get it taken away purely because I walk more than when they first assessed me. Sorry on this one, but I think you are lucky!

Denise

[KiwiBob in reply to DeniseLB]

I am on a unrestricted medical driving licence. It gets renewed every 3 years.

If it is unrestricted the insurance companies are not bothered.

My Ataxia mainly effects me when I am on my feet or setting in front of a computer trying to multi task jobs.

This is were the problem is for me. I work in I.T. and I need to be able to walk about a large building.

If I am rested i.e I am setting on my bum watching tv, I don’t have any systems until I stand up and start moving about.

[DeniseLB in reply to KiwiBob]

well that is good to know! Sorry then they should not have turned you down and you need to appeal.

Denise xx

[KiwiBob in reply to DeniseLB]

I am, the same people who did my appeal last time are on the case. By law the condition only has to effect you 50% of the time to get PIPs.

[DeniseLB in reply to KiwiBob]

I didn't know that either so thank you, I think I am about 30% of what I once was. The whole PIP thing is pretty harsh and the only thing that really stuck in my head is any walking you can do they almost hold it against you! I hope you win!

Denise xx

[madbpm]

I went to Thetford driving school The DLVA Took my licence away. I had a mark 3 Corsa with

5 spoke Wolfrace Wheels, a pipercross air filter, Remus exhaust system and new front disc brakes with green stuff and an uprated stereo. It all sold for £800.

[KiwiBob in reply to madbpm]

I got main new last year. I would lose money on it if I had to sell it.

[Cuds]

Hi

Yes i drive, and drove myself to the assessment and i still got my PIP. Hopefully you will have alerted the dvla of your condition - some ataxias need to have a limited licence that gets renewed medically every 3 years. This shows you have a condition limiting your abilities. PIP assessme.ts are frustrating as they say they are and independence payment bit really they are looking at how 'dependent' you are. Lots of people with spinal injuries had their mobility allowance taken away by PIP assessors and they have fougjt to get that back (showing how ridiculous the system is). Present your case with their words...i.e. without a car what could you do mobility wise and would it be harder or could you do things in a timely way compared to someone without a disability. Focus on the assistive elements of being seated (as you have said) and how stabilizing your core allows you to have better fumctional movement of your upper and lower limns. If possible get an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to add an assessment outcome to your appeal showing the difference in ability and fatigue management between using a car and not.

Good luck!

[Philbridge]

I drive a car and get PIP, DVLA have been informed and I got a letter from them saying I can still drive with no restrictions or time limit. Phil

[KiwiBob in reply to Philbridge]

That’s good to know. It just shows there at it.

[KiwiBob]

I was told over the phone on Thursday evening that I have been awarded my PIPS.

I am getting the higher rate for daily living allowance and the basic rate for mobility.