Motoring with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Having a car means you can be independent and travel to work, shops and leisure activities when you please. A car is one of the most expensive items you are likely to buy, so it is important to choose one that is going to suit you for some years. This booklet is for people with multiple sclerosis and outlines some of the key things to consider when choosing or adapting a vehicle.
We tell you about useful features on standard cars then the specialist products and techniques that might suit you. Product prices should be used as a guide only. If you can, shop around and talk to different firms as prices vary. At the back there are contact details for sources of expert advice.
More detailed information on choosing and using a car can be found in the Ricability guides below.
- Choosing a car
Things to think about if you have a disability; details of features that may help you; ways of adapting a car to suit you..jpg)
- Car controls
In depth information on types of adaptations and how to get them. It covers simple and more complex conversions
- Getting a wheelchair into a car
A run down of equipment to help you stow or carry a wheelchair, including hoists, racks and trailers
- Getting in and out of a car
Techniques that may help as you get older; helpful equipment and details of various lifting systems if you need more help
Driving with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable and can affect people in many ways. Some symptoms are common but people will experience different symptoms. In addition, MS symptoms themselves can vary from being mild to severe, and they may be temporary or permanent. Some common MS symptoms that may affect driving include the following:
- sensory (touch) problems such as numbness or tingling hands and feet
- visual problems such as blurred or double vision, or a temporary loss of sight caused by optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
- fatigue - an overwhelming sense of tiredness making physical or mental activity difficult
- loss of muscle strength and dexterity
- problems with walking, balance and co-ordination
- muscle stiffness and spasms - tightening or rigidity in particular muscle groups (known as spasticity)
- cognitive problems (difficulty with memory and thinking).
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will consider a person's fitness to drive by assessing a number of different factors. For example, the law sets standards of vision that drivers must meet, like the ability to read a standard size number plate (with glasses or lenses if necessary) from 20.5 metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet) where narrower characters are used.
Minor degrees of uncoordination will not necessarily affect your ability to drive a car but people are required to show sufficient dexterity and coordination to manage car controls (steering, brake, accelerator and other controls). See below for the wide range of adaptations available that can help with some of these. Memory and concentration, spatial awareness of the position of things and clear mental processing of information are also important to drivers. Assessment at a Mobility Centre can help identify and address some of these problems.
You must tell the DVLA and your insurance company when you are diagnosed with MS and whenever your ability to drive changes significantly. You must also tell the insurance company of any car adaptations you have.
For further information, go to www.dvla.gov.uk or get What you need to know about driving licences (D100) from a post office. For more information on MS, contact the MS Society.
Remember that many people with MS carry on driving confidently and safely for many years.
Tips
Advice from drivers with MS:
- Try out a car and any adaptations on one of your worst days, not when you're feeling well.
- Be prepared to compromise but don't omit your 'must have' features.
- Get advice from an independent Mobility Centre.
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next page: Choosing a car