DEMENTIA: DRIVING

Question 1

driving and dementia
- pt has mild cognitive impairment (not mild dementia) and there is no likely driving impairment. can they drive

Answer 1

Group 1 and Group 2 may drive and do not need to notify DVLA

Question 2

Mild cognitive impairment (not mild dementia) where there is possible driving impairment - can they drive?

Answer 2

• Group 1 and 2 may be allowed to drive subject to medical advice and/or notifying DVLA
• decisions on licensing based on medical reports
• poor short term memory, disorientation and lack of insight or judgement almost certainly mean not fit to drive
• formal driving assessment may be necessary

Question 3

Group 2 licence and dementia

Answer 3

Group 2 licence - large lorries and buses
A person diagnosed with dementia cannot have a group 2 licence

Question 4

dementia and/or any organic syndrome affecting cognitive functioning - can they drive?

Answer 4

Based on the doctor’s report, medical advisers at DVLA/DVA will decide if the person can keep driving.

There are several possible results at this stage. DVLA/DVA may:
1. renew the person’s licence, usually for one year
2. cancel or ‘revoke’ it straightaway (see section 5 ‘When DVLA/ DVA decides that the person must stop driving’ on page 8)
3. ask for more information, such as more medical details
4. ask the person to take an on-road driving assessment before making a decision (see ‘Driving assessment’ below). This is the least common of the possibilities.