32 Dementia - Driving a Motor Vehicle - a Tough Decision for All [Update 5 - 14/10/14]

Introduction
There is no doubt that for many with living with dementia voluntarily giving up driving a car is a painful decision. In some instances the individual concerned will fight tooth and nail to maintain his or her status quo. A diagnosis of dementia has legal consequences. 

Following Formal Notification of Diagnosis
Diagnosis of dementia does not necessarily mean that the individual has to give up driving. He or she must, however, inform the DVLA of the condition by completing Form CG1 (five pages). Hardcopy or online means are available. [See  https://www.gov.uk/dementia-and-driving ]

The authorities may require the individual to undertake an formal assessment of their driving capability. In Kent we have South East Drive Ability who accept self-referrals and other referrals.[See  http://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/home/our-services/south-east-driveability/driving/ ]

Impact
For the family, friends and principal carer the person's gradual decline in driving capabilities is likely to have become apparent - hopefully without a crisis. However, if the driving is such as to be dangerous, self-reporting is essential: otherwise a family member or carer may need to take action. Normally, the person's GP would be able to advise. [See http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20100413/when-should-dementia-patients-stop-driving ]

Important questions arise for family members, carers, employers and the person with dementia, namely:

• who makes the decision
• when is the decision imperative
• if no action has been taken and a possible liability in law arises, who is responsible.  

Of course, happenings like the following may occur to anyone who is not paying attention, etc. If a persistent pattern arises concern may be engendered. Typical happenings might include:

• not recognising a familiar place or a turning 
• getting lost on a journey - not reaching the destination on a formerly well known route
• getting lost on a jouney - perhaps a little more serious, is not returning home or to a place of work
• driving the wrong way against the flow of traffic   
• not being able to correctly interpret traffic signs
• an accident involving injury or death - here a prosecution may result. 

Employment

Where an individual's employment involves driving, it is certain that the employer will need to know of a diagnosis of dementia. Reasons will include:

•  the need for an assessment of performance of duties
•  insurance concerns.

It is important that the employer have in place policies for assisting the employee to continue driving, subject to appropriate safety. concerns.