Hello all!
I am currently learning how to drive and have been thinking about how things will be once I pass my test, etc. Just one practical question - have those of you who drive informed DVLA of your medical condition (even if you do not use assistive technology in your car)? Or does it depend on severity of your condition? If you did declare, what happened?
Thanks
I think it’s severity. I was in wrist braces and knew that driving was dangerous. So I didn’t drive (my decision) for a while. I also have an automatic. For those with RA in their feet or knees and it’s painful to brake, I think that would be hugely irresponsible to drive when you aren’t in full control. But saying that, it’s more the conscience of the person. I was never told not to drive by my medical team.
Next time you see them check with your Rheumy team ......I do know driving with any sort of cervical surgical collar invalidates your insurance,& driving with metal inserts in wrist splints is another NoNo...if you had an accident, even if it wasn't your fault you would be on dodgy ground insurance wise.
That said I have never reported I have RA as when I was first diagnosed I could hardly walk, let alone drive, but as soon as my RA was controlled my Rheumy agreed driving was safe for me.
One thing I think most on here would agree with, is to get an automatic car if possible.....it really does take a lot of the stress out of driving.
Good Luck with the Driving Test!
I just took delivery of my first automatic car last Tuesday and would agree it much easier to drive, also try to get a car with a high driving seat, as they are much easier to get in and out of. It's the dualogic, start/stop engine I'm still getting used too !
Oh yes, an automatic literally takes 90% of the stress out of driving doesn't it?
Plus I bought a heated car seat cover that you plug in to the cigarette lighter socket....it's so lovely to have a warm back!
My next car will definitely have heated seats as standard.
Oooh, I'll need to investigate the plug in heated car seat.
RD is not a condition you need to advice DVLC of. I asked the neurologist I was seeing about me continuing to drive with the severe debilitating brain fog, he said it was not necessary, but to check the DVLC website for notifiable conditions and to use my common sense about not driving when I feel unwell.
Like most things in life Mmrr, common sense takes the prize,but I guess if DVLA didn't issue the warning list of notifiable conditions there would always be somebody who drove when they shouldn't.
In the past I have known someone with Epilepsy who drove against medical advise, but thankfully their GP stepped in & talked some of the famous "common sense" in to the person.
You learn somethimg everyday! Thank you, a useful question!
Here's the link to DVLA pages about this. And most things it is only if you have the condition severely enouh to affect your ability to drive. RA isn't a listed condition - but ankylosing spondylitis is (if severe enough).
The answer isn't as easy as the question. I'd advise you ask your Rheumy to be sure because insurance companies tend to look for any little reason or loophole to not pay out should you cause an accident due to anything related to health... or anything else come to that. I've not informed DVLA, RD itself is not a condition you need to inform them of. Unless you've had adaptions made to your car again there's no need. But then if you for example need to wear wrist splints that could be seen as impairing your ability to drive/steer safely. The same with other things like neck braces/collars, they could stop you turning your head (as they're designed to!). Meds too, if any make you drowsy or cause cognitive issues then avoid driving if they're affecting you.
So as you see it's not a straightforward answer so best to seek advice for you personally. It might be useful if you have a look through this & click on the links gov.uk/arthritis-and-driving.
Are you learning in a manual? If you're able to it's preferable. You may know but if you learn & pass your test in a manual you can drive an automatic but the reverse doesn't apply. If you learn & pass your test in an automatic you're not eligible to drive a manual. That said if it's within budget for the car you'd prefer I'd recommend buying an automatic from the get go unless you feel comfortable & confident to drive a manual. It's so much more pleasurable driving an automatic, this is from someone who needed pushing into changing because I really enjoyed driving a manual but my feet, knees & hands didn't agree. I was the same with automatic windscreen wipers, lights etc, I wanted to be in control of what I wanted to do not have a car dictate it but I have everything automatic now & it's brill!
All the best with your lessons & ultimately your driving test.
You are so right NMH about insurance companies-when I had breast cancer I mentioned in passing at a check up that I was off to Florida and I had to arrange travel insurance ....at that point my breast cancer surgeon asked when was I going .....I told him ....he said come and see me the day before (admittedly it was only about 3 months after the surgery)
you fly off.
He said that he knew and I knew I was perfectly fit to travel, but if I fell and broke my leg on holiday the insurance company would move Heaven & Earth to prove it was an after effect of my breast cancer surgery !
Glad to say.......I didn't break my leg!!!
Oh and by the way. If you have a steroid injection that alone will void your insurance if you have an accident. I was only told that when I had my last one in my knee. The doctor was an hour late and I said “oh now I’ve got a 2 hour drive in the dark”. He looked utterly horrified and couldn’t believe I was driving. Said he would seriously advise against it. Oops.
I was told not to drive after my steroid injection into my knee - I thought it was for my own good! I said I wasn't driving but taking the bus and was told not to walk either. How do they expect us to get home? Magic carpet?
Very true .. maybe beam me up Scottie?! Carried out of the hospital to the car on a sedan chair?! LOL. My hospital is only 2 miles where I have my knee injections so a lift or a taxi is the way I get back. Yes I think the fact one is using the knee to drive when immobilisation is always stressed as being most important, is not ideal, but one can't have a two hour taxi ride home etc. I have always done exactly as they have said and not use the leg or move except to the bathroom and kettle for 24 hour after a knee injection and they always work and last a long time for me. However not using the knee and staying still gives me a stiff hip for about a week so .......
Yes I was told that when I had a trigger finger released.....but as I had my car there ...& the doctor's house was in the middle of a field miles from anywhere I just made a quick escape .....saying my friend is waiting for me in the car.
Quite a hairy drive home with a numb hand !!!
Yes, I told DVLA when I applied for my provisional licence as a teenager and, since then I've told them after all my 3 THR's and spinal fusion..... better to over inform than under inform.
Thank you so much for all of your responses! It is definitely quite a complex issue... I am learning manual for the reasons nomoreheels mentioned... it has been good so far but I think that when it comes to getting a car of my own I will definitely consider declaring it (even if no adjustments) just for insurance reasons
I don’t have RA but I have OA. I drove a stick shift for a long time but do to the arthritis in my knees I had to switch to an automatic. If you can get heated seats and heated steering wheel do so. That’s a big plus . In the wintertime I use both a lot and they both help my back and hands as well. Definitely make sure your car has both of those they will help you a lot on those cold winter days.
had to renew my licence in december and declared RA then. GP had to complete a tickbox report 4me and so got 3yr renewal [3yrs at a time if over ?70 or ?75.] new licence arrived with reminder letter to see gp if am having probs driving... but touch wood i don't as hi seat automatic suzuki which is soooo good. can't recall model [in t'rife for a bit of sun]. maybe ignis?? xx
Hmm,
Never really gave it much thought.
Had this disease since I learned to drive and it's never been a question anyone has asked me before.
Obviously if your having a flare up in say your hands or feet then don't drive until your mobility is back is only advise I can give you.
Good luck with your test.
I've just looked on the DVLA website as I seemed to recall someone telling me a while ago that you must declare chronic medical conditions. There is a detailed sub-section/page called Driving with Disabilities and it has a long list of medical conditions and "arthritis" is one, but not specifically rheumatoid, but how many of us have osteo as a result of RA?! It also says if you don't declare your condition you could be fined £1000 if you have an accident. I know it is the motor insurance element that you have to declare your conditions and medications to. Sorry I couldn't see a copy this article option or I would have linked it. Could only see the FB and Twitter options.
Hiya Julie. Just had a quick look on GOV.UK gov.uk/arthritis-and-driving... when you select Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis isn't specified) from the list it says
You must tell DVLA if you use special controls for driving. Fill in form G1 and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.
Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure if your arthritis will affect your driving, or if you must tell DVLA about it.
So, it's still not crystal clear. Seems it's whether your doctor considers you capable (I would think that would be Rheumy not GP).
NB My h has had to inform the DVLA when he's gone back on insulin, he's had to do it twice now as he trialled tablets again but permanently on insulin now... just extra info for anyone who's also on insulin.
Will try later to copy the paragraph/page I just read, NMH. I think you do have to declare everything actually to DVLA. As you need motor insurance to drive, that's where have to declare your medical issues and meds. Or it is voided if you have an accident. x
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