Motoring with multiple sclerosis (view report contents)
Driving with Multiple Sclerosis
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 inco-ordination will not necessarily affect your ability to drive a car but people are required to show sufficient dexterity and co-ordination 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 DVLA 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.
Report Contents
About
this guide
Driving
with MS
Choosing
a car
Plan
of action
Products
and techniques
Finance
Further
information
Helpful
organisations
