How do other people manage with driving.

[wibblywobbly]

I can't manage to drive for more than about 1/2 hour now as the concentration gives me headaches and I am scared of becoming a dangerous driver. Got my foot stuck under the clutch pedal the other day - was really scary!!! How do other people manage?or do they not?

[Litty]

I loved driving but decided a couple of years ago that I was not safe. I still have my driver's licence and have not told DVLA yet. At first it was very hard relying on the rest of the family but they are relieved because they used to worry when I went out. I have become a great internet shopper and all the delivery men/women know me very well : )

[wibblywobbly]

Think will have to do the same. But I'm def not telling the DVLA. Thanks for replying

[sylviagreenhalgh in reply to wibblywobbly]

I understood that if you did not tell the DVLA and the insurance people if you had an accident your insurance would be null and void you could be in trouble with the \dvla. I have cerebellar ataxia and only drive short distances and use my attendance allowance to pay for cabs

[Litty]

I do not think that you desperately need to say to the DVLA. I thought for a while that in an emergency I could drive (we live in the sticks). My kids have since decided that NO emergency should get me driving! It was VERY hard but we are all different and I knew that my time was up and I did not want to hurt someone. Good luck : )

[silkwood]

I don't drive anymore but I still have my licence for emergencies.I gave up for the reasons stated above.I thought it would be the end of the world but it isn't and I manage.I informed the DVLA and its all down to my doctor now.

[wobblybee]

I was at the mercy of the DVLA because of what has turned out to be a mis-diagnosis

of Epilepsy. This lasted from 1990 until approx a year ago. I was forced to have

lengthy periods off the road, not because I was having seizures but because of the

de ja vu sensations I complained of, these I now feel were related to Ataxia or depression

but were also considered a symptom of Epilepsy.

Keeping to the letter of the law is not easy, I have informed the DVLA that I no longer

take Epilepsy medication, that I have now been diagnosed with Cerebellar Ataxia and

that I have had Nystagmus, and continuing eye problems. Was all this coming clean

the right thing to do, or should I have just kept my head down?

I have mixed feelings and sometimes regret disclosing anything to the DVLA, after years of unnecessary torment. Currently, I've been asked to send the results of a recent eye test,

and then who knows?

[Hidden]

I informed the DVLA of my condition nearly three years ago and I surendered my licence. Since then I had gone through a few tests to find out how I could drive again. I now have my licence back albeit a restricted licence for three years to drive using converted hand controls. I am so happy now. I now feel safe on the road and enjoy driving again.

[HarryB Administrator]

Dear all

You must tell the DVLA if you have a driving licence and you have ataxia, whether you drive regularly, you only drive in emergencies or indeed if you don't drive at all in any circumstance. I have enclosed a link from the 'gov.uk' site.

gov.uk/ataxia-and-driving

Best Wishes

Harriet

[daisyd]

I can't drive because I have epilepsy and Hughes syndrome which affects my memory.

One of the best way i feel, is to think if my family members were using the road at the same time either in the car/bike or walking would you be concerned that they maybe in danger

Really hard to give up independence, I really feel for you

[february]

I am able to drive safely, although I really concentrate! I don't drive long distances, as my husband drives then. My driving is mostly to run local errands. It gets me out of the house, otherwise I'd surely go stir crazy...,ha! If I'm having a bad or tired day, then I don't drive. I would stop driving if I thought It wasn't safe. So far, so good!!!

[jomo50]

Hi Litty

I also gave up driving when I was first diagnosed and I saw myself a danger to both me and others. I now rely on family and friends, who have been very good. I also do a lot of my shopping by internet. It may have many other problems, but for me has been ideal.

John

[jonbon]

Hi wibblywobbly,

I was diagnosed in Oct 2012 with idiopathic CA and my neuro told me do inform DVLA straight away, I left it a few weeks as the thought of maybe losing my licence and independence scared me, but in Nov I wrote to them. They said I would hear in 8 weeks, I'm still waiting! I only drive locally and on roads I'm familiar with. I too find that my concentration goes and I feel very tired after a while so I only drive short distances. On bad days I don't go near the car and I too do a lot of inter-net shopping. My neuro says that he has advised DVLA that I am fit enough to drive but I think I will just know when I no longer feel able or safe. It is a very frightening thought but I suppose it will just be another challenge to adapt to!

Take care.