Older Driver Advice
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More detailed information:
A diagnosis of dementia raises numerous concerns, with the question of continued driving often being paramount.
Whilst your doctor may provide initial guidance, a comprehensive, professional driving assessment is crucial to accurately evaluate your ability to drive safely.
Currently, Driving Mobility offers a valuable service with centres across the UK, employing both Driving Assessors and Occupational Therapists. However, many individuals with dementia find the prospect of visiting one of these centres and being assessed in an unfamiliar car very challenging.
As a result there is a low percentage of drivers with dementia receiving formal assessments, leaving many without adequate support and guidance.
DriveTalk Consultancy's Commitment:
Our mission is to address these challenges by exploring accessible assessment options within the driver's local environment, using their own familiar vehicle.
We are inspired by a successful, long-standing scheme in Hampshire, which for over 20 years, provided vital support to drivers and their families. This scheme facilitated:
· Adherence to legal driving requirements.
· Ongoing monitoring of driving risk as dementia progresses.
DriveTalk Consultancy aims to develop similar initiatives, ensuring drivers with dementia receive the support they need to maintain safety and independence. We understand the sensitive nature of this issue and are committed to providing compassionate, professional guidance throughout this challenging journey.
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If a driver licence expires in this period, the driver may still be legally covered to drive under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which normally applies as long as DVLA have received the correct forms and the driver's doctor hasn't instructed them not to drive.
Section 88 link
Possible affects of driving with cognitive impairment
DVLA guidance recognises that it is difficult to assess driving ability in people with cognitive impairment, as each case can be different, and dependent on other factors.
Medical professionals have the largest role to play in this decision but do not normally see the driver behind the wheel.
To help this process, a judgement can be made by a professional driving assessor who has an extensive understanding of what to look for, who can then report back to the doctor for a final decision on fitness to drive.
In reality, it is often a family member or carer that takes on this responsibility as
it is very unlikely that the driver can make this decision themself.
Considerations include:
1. Poor short-term memory and disorientation. Getting confused about a route or even becoming lost may not, in itself, be a big risk factor. However, this may cause anxiety and stress which can affect decision making and judgement, significantly increasing risk of a collision. It may also lead to driving on a complex road layout which is normally avoided for safety reasons, by mistake.
2. Visuospatial awareness is often compromised when someone develops a cognitive impairment. This may mean the driver cannot judge a safe road position properly and may get too close to obstacles. Safe use of a car park may also be a problem.
3. Multi-tasking skills may be diminished which will not always show up on familiar roads, but will when the situation becomes more complex. Good multi-tasking skills are essential for safe driving, so that the actual driving task can be carried out whilst also operating essential peripheral controls, taking note of road signs and being aware of the actions of other road users.
4. The ability to stay focused on road hazards both in front and behind is also important. Cognitive impairment can potentially affect concentration and focus.
