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Can you drive if you have a dementia diagnosis?
Dementia causes many lifestyle changes, including potentially giving up driving. Here, we explore how cognitive decline can impact driving, and the legalities of driving with dementia.
How might dementia affect driving?
A dementia diagnosis doesn’t always mean an immediate stop to driving, but it may prompt more questions about your ability behind the wheel. Dementia can cause symptoms like memory loss, confusion, slower reactions, and difficulty judging distances, all of which are key skills for safe driving. Those with dementia may become disoriented on familiar routes, struggle to make fast decisions, or deviate from lanes.
Sometimes a doctor will instruct them to stop driving immediately, or to stop temporarily until they have more tests. If not, they must still inform the DVLA about their diagnosis. Dementia progresses gradually, so it is crucial to have regular reviews and honest discussions with family to identify when it’s time to hang up your keys.
Are you legally allowed to drive if you have dementia?
In the UK, a dementia diagnosis does not mean you must automatically stop driving, but you are legally obligated to let the DVLA and your car insurance provider know about a dementia diagnosis straight away. The DVLA must check if you are still fit to drive, taking into account your stage of dementia and other factors. Your doctor may need to provide your medical information to help them assess this.
Once the DVLA reviews your case, you will either be told you can continue driving, that you must take a driving assessment, or that you must get a shorter licence, typically valid for one year. Avoiding disclosure of your dementia diagnosis can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. You can easily contact the DVLA by phone on 0300 790 6806 or online.
What transport alternatives do people with dementia have?
If you need to give up driving due to a dementia diagnosis, thankfully, the UK has many alternative options for people with this condition who cannot drive themselves places, including:
- Public transport such as buses or trains
- Private taxis
- Local community transport services, such as dial-a-ride or accessible taxis
- Volunteer driver schemes
- Discounted or free bus passes through the local council for older or disabled people
- Help from family and friends
- Help from professional home care providers
Those who are still driving with dementia may be safest driving only:
- In daylight and during quiet hours
- On familiar routes
- Short distances
- Without distractions like the radio
- With a passenger to help navigate
- With regular assessments of their driving ability
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Get in touch How to support a loved one with dementia with safe travel
A survey published by Alzheimer’s Society found that 65% of respondents think people with dementia should stop driving, but when this happens, extra support is needed as they adjust to their new normal. It may help to:
- Accompany them on trips
- Provide clear instructions on how to reach transport hubs and use services
- Give them a GPS device in case they get lost
- Arrange transport for them if they need help, like taxis
- Ensure they carry contact information, medications, and mobility aids if needed
- Encourage them to allow extra time for travel
- Engage the help of a professional caregiver to support them on public transport journeys
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You may learn more in our articles:
Why Home Instead?
Professional home care can provide valuable support to older adults with dementia by:
- Monitoring their driving ability and reporting concerns to family
- Helping with safe mobility and finding accessible travel routes
- Arranging alternative transport
- Assisting with routines to support their independence
- Providing reassurance and companionship during travel to reduce anxiety
At Home Instead, our Care Professionals provide person-centred dementia care in all forms. We use a programme that is City & Guilds Assured, and we are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk. Plus, many of our locations are deemed “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can rest assured that your loved one is safe with them, whether driving or taking public transport.
