Driving query

Does anyone know the rules regarding driving if you have FND. Has anyone specifically asked the doctor/consultant if they can still drive or should they stop? Any info would be good please.

[MONIREN]

My gp used to stop me from driving because the left side of my body doesn't have very good response time, very slow. But when my neurologist reviewed me, he said, you might not be able to walk straight, but you have good enough grip, he said to drive as long as I can. The registration branch who looks after licence has his report and its no problem. My cardiologist has stopped me from driving out of town, he only let me continue driving because my husband is so sick, and I need to get to appointments. If you can check with neurologist, but hard to get appointments. All the best. Moni

[Hidden in reply to MONIREN]

Thank you for this info. Hopefully we will have an appointment with a neurologist soon so will be able to ask them.

[Jofisher]

You have to let the dvla know and then they may require to assess you, and then decide if your safe to still drive. You have to do this otherwise your not insured or you won’t be covered if you were to have an accident etc

[Van604]

I think the rules are different depending on where you are and what your symptoms are. I'm in Canada and I was having collapsing episodes. My neurologist told me to surrender my licence and I was ok with that because I really wasn't safe driving.

[maeveblue]

I would expect the rules vary depending on where you live and what the legislation is. My pain and rehabilitation specialist notified the governing body that issues licences in my state. I then had to be assessed by an occupational therapist. I had to do an off-road assessment and then when I passed this I had to do an on-road driving assessment. Based on the results conditions may be put in place or modifications. FND causes me gait issues and so they were assessing motor reactionary speeds.

[Hidden in reply to maeveblue]

Thank you for your comments

[Yani09]

It will depend on how FND effects you. Some folks have seizures.. I don’t have seizures but haven’t driven for a year. I self excluded because weakness in limbs.. brain fog.. is a safety hazard. I can’t use a self propelled wheelchair so driving is out of the question for me. I also doubt my reaction time is the same.. eek.

[Hidden]

Thank you for your comments.

[Brokendeer]

Hi you must inform the Driving Authority who issues your driving licence if you have a Neurological condition (or indeed any other medical issues that might affect your competency to drive).

However, like other posts have stated, you must really consider if you feel able to drive and are safe to both yourself and others? Best to have some kind of assessment by a medical professional, so that the Driving Authority has some evidence of your abilities.

My Motor FND mainly focuses on lack on coordination/control of my legs - so I went the whole way privately and got disability driving centre tested, Driving Centre Physio assessed and had driving lessons for awhile. Then I could change from driving a normal manual car to a hands-control automatic car - the DVLA were okay with this when all the reports/actions were sent to them and just added a few restrictions on my licence to match my required adaptions.

Although bear in mind, at time of Driving Licence renewal (and they will set the dates for that sometime short; sometime standard intervals) they do seem to want all the same information yet again, even if your condition has not changed- which causes massive delays.

Good luck

Look for the calm in the Storm!

[Hidden]

thank you

[mermaid-680]

As others say have an assessment request via the DVLA but at present long waits for them to arrange( no charge ) if you have a condition that warrants a driving assess Or you can book your own assessment at one of the centres but it’s not cheap and still have a waiting list as tge DVLA use the same centres

Your GP can assess your fitness to drive re upper body and or lower limbs ..doesn’t have to be your consultant ..

If you want to adapt the car to steering wheel controls you don’t need permission from the DVLA if it’s just your lower limbs

You don’t have to have an assessment to adapt your car if you feel that’s all you need

Just inform DVLA you’ve done it and the date

You can give tge DVLA your consultants details and they will contact them to ask more info re upper body etc

You may want to look at sports seat for driving as It hugs you and gives better postural support for driving than a standard front seat ..if you have better postural support esp at the sides your arms will work better too.

If you have good hand grip for stealing wheel an OT can assess this for you

Hope this helps

Maybe a steering wheel ball ? This can be a big help too..

X

[Hidden in reply to mermaid-680]

Many thanks for that detailed reply. Definitely new information.

[mermaid-680]

No problems ..I only had that info from what I went through last year Your Gp and consultant should support you

DVLA can issue licences at intervals for set periods with a review at end of each term

After they have considered all info put to them

I would give them as much as possible that includes clininc letters and appointments you’ve had to date , they still need the official stuff from the drs but no harm in giving extra and a statement from yourself as to why you want your licence back /new one . How it will impact on your life if you don’t . They are human too and a,though they have strict rules , regardless of the underlying cause they have to assess everyone the same ...if yiu can get physio and OTinput also they may have details that the drs don’t .

😀

[Myfnd]

One of my neurologists banned me from driving, the other said it was alright