Driving with a disability

The brain controls nearly everything we do which means that an acquired brain injury (ABI) can have significant impact on our ability to function and drive. 

An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body, such as an arm or leg. If you have had an amputation and you intend to drive you must inform the DVLA.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints. The most commonly affected joints are those in the hands, spine, knees and hips.

Cerebral palsy affects the brain with many people experiencing movement and co-ordination difficulties and a range of other problems which may affect speaking, vision and learning. Each person is unique and difficulties, which can affect driving safety may present in a variety of ways.

Driving relies on a mix of mental abilities which need to be undertaken quickly, safely and consistently. In the early or mild stages of the condition, the person may still be able to drive safely as driving is a well learned skill.

Having a visual or hearing impairment does not necessarily mean retiring from driving. There are, however, minimum eyesight requirements which must be met by all drivers.

MS is a life-long neurological condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. MS is one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults and women are more likely to experience the condition than men. More than 130,000 people in UK are living with MS.

Parkinson’s is a medical condition affecting parts of the brain. Therefore this condition can present in a variety of different ways which may affect your driving.

It may or may not be possible for people with special educational needs to learn to drive to the required standard, and an assessment is recommended to explore this further.

The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is made up of a thick bundle of nerves. The nerves carry messages from our brain to the rest of our body. These messages help us to move our body, feel pressure and control vital functions like breathing, blood pressure, bladder and bowels.  When the […]

Some people who survive a stroke are left with long term changes caused by the clot or bleed on the brain and this can, in some cases, affect the ability to drive safely.