feel so upset

[loppyloo12]

hi its a bit of a stupid one but I'm a night time care assistant and ive been told that as I have RA in my legs knees and feet its best I don't learn to drive as id be a danger to others I must admit ive kinda got me head round it now but its somat maybe I would of like to do

[Hidden]

Hi loppyloo,

who told you that? Many people with RA drive. You shouldn't drive if you feel that your condition would have an effect on how safe you are but it is not an automatic thing.

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[allanah]

Who said that ? I drive. I find it's the best way to get around.

If you think yourself the clutch or your steering is compromised by driving, then you shouldn't for example drive if you are flaring. By your own choice. I know when I'm sore for driving.

I actually got an automatic car when I was due a new one and it's great.

Do contact Nras Helpline over this .

[SoulmanPaul in reply to allanah]

I echo the 'Who told you that'? question! I did a bit of research before responding and unless it was your Gp or Rheumatologist stating you're unfit to drive/You decide you're unfit to drive/ or you need adaptations made to a car to enable you to drive it, then you dont even need to advise the DVLA. You are obliged to notify your insurer, however I believe due to equality regulations they can't increase your premium.

Hope this puts your mind at rest. Trust me....there are plenty of drivers out there unfit to drive, who don't have RA or any other condition!

Paul

[Gnarli in reply to SoulmanPaul]

And you can't grass them up, if you'll excuse the phrase. I tried

[farm123]

That is not right. I would give it a go and see how you manage before making any decisions. Yes there may be times when driving is uncomfortable and not safe but that is your judgement choice to make but the majority of the time when you are under control there are no issues. You need to choose your car wisely - I did at one point have one with a heavy clutch which we had to change and then bought an automatic also different sitting positions also have an effect - I am better when sitting higher to press down on the pedal rather than pushing away if that makes sense. Farm

[fastball]

Hi i would be lost if i didnt drive. My famil all work so i would be stuck in doors. Im not able to walk far and would have to wait for them to take me shopping. So hay if one of my grand children need a lift and im available then yes i take them . Its only on my terms not theirs.

Think you would feel a lot better in yourself if you could its for your independance.

Chris

[SoulmanPaul in reply to fastball]

Well said Chris. My car broke down 12 months ago and being on ESA I couldn't afford the repair and had to scrap it. I've become very isolated since.

Paul

[Gnarli in reply to SoulmanPaul]

I can't 'like' this SoulmanPaul. No answers, just a virtual hug

[SoulmanPaul in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks J that's kind of you. It's not even that I used it that often, it's more that I've lost the option. I'm luckier than some in that there's a bus stop within 100yds of home. However I don't use it as much as I could as RD has made me feel quite vulnerable in public.

Paul

[Paulajolo in reply to SoulmanPaul]

So sorry Paul that seems so unfair. Hugs.. x

[SoulmanPaul in reply to Paulajolo]

Two hugs in one day! I'm spoiled

[MissMinto in reply to SoulmanPaul]

Make that three! X

[SoulmanPaul in reply to MissMinto]

Well thank you. Gratefully received and returned!

[Downtime]

My RA seems to affect my knees a lot more now and the other day I couldn’t drive because it was agony when I put my foot on the clutch. Decided then and there to get an automatic. Also driving position makes a difference as already mentioned. It’s better to push down rather than forwards.

[Matilda_1922]

I changed to an automatic after diagnosis which helps as my RA has effected my upper limbs. I do drive but not as much as I use to but that’s my choice.

[medway-lady]

I bought an auto Jazz because I have foot problems and love it. Not sure who gave you this info or if its just based on the RA diagnosis or another factor but do ask the DVLA if any doubt as it does just sound wrong.

[Hels1989]

I have it in my knees and ankles and strangely feel less pain when I drive!! Xx

[nomoreheels]

Whoever said that isn't being either truthful or very kind. Of course you can learn to drive, many of us do though I do now drive an automatic to make things easier on my knees & feet. Being able to drive & have your independence makes such a difference too which you'll really notice once you've passed your test, see, a positive, go for it. Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend it because it's limiting but it might be worth considering learning to drive in an automatic. The downside to that is you can't drive a geared car if you learn & take your test in an automatic car. Something to discuss with whichever driving school you choose maybe.

[Damaged]

We loose so many things with this condition but I will continue driving until it posses a risk to me or others. There are times when I know not to get behind the wheel but the same is true of everyone. There is no reason for you not to have a license. Just go for it

[loppyloo12 in reply to Damaged]

Thank u xx

[ThyroidThora]

Hiya,

Who said you couldn't learn to drive?

TT x

[loppyloo12 in reply to ThyroidThora]

Doctor xx

[ThyroidThora in reply to loppyloo12]

Have you checked with the DVLA?

[allanah in reply to loppyloo12]

You need to ask him why then

[Nik8210]

I think if you have ra speak to a driving instructor and have a go the car then you can talk to your dr and consultant about whether you think u can drive or not

[Paulajolo]

What! If you can walk you can drive. Get an automatic car. Bet you can use it most of the time. Just don't use it if you have a flare.

[BoneyC]

Rubbish! I was dx age 6 and learned to drive as soon as I was old enough. Reported RA & stiff neck to DVLA and all they did was write "needs suitably adjusted mirrors" on my licence. Since then I've had THR's and reported these and nothing was put on my licence. I've been driving 34 years now.

gov.uk/health-conditions-an...

As long as every time you sit behind the wheel you can declare yourself fit to drive then its fine. Just remember prescription drugs can cause drowsiness but they should state on the packets.

[Gayle44]

That is bulls**t!!!!(sorry) I have RA for over 10 years all over body and I'm a bus driver the company know occ. health know and dvla know . There is no reason why you can't drive all I can say is if you feel bad then don't drive until you are ok just find a good instructor that is understanding to your needs

All the best

Gayle

[Chalmers]

That is nonsense. Driving makes my life a lot easier, I don't do any great long journeys these days, but I would be lost without being able to drive. I drive a manual too.