Driving & Travel
Driving is one of the many ways we maintain our independence but is also one of the most complex activities in our daily lives. Although symptoms associated with MS can affect the skills necessary for safe driving, adaptive automobile equipment may be an option to help you drive safely.
If you have a driving licence, you have to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you have been diagnosed with MS. They will assess your fitness to drive using the information you provide, and they may ask you to have a medical examination or a driving assessment.
The GOV UK website has more information on Multiple sclerosis and driving
A small loss of muscle control will not necessarily affect your ability to drive a car, but you need to show sufficient dexterity to operate the car controls safely. If you need adaptations to drive, then these will be specified on your licence. You are not allowed to drive a car without them.
Memory and concentration, spatial awareness of the position of things, and clear mental processing of information, are also important to drivers. An assessment at a mobility centre can help identify and address any problems.
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.
The MS Society has more information on driving and the DVLA, including driving with adaptions and the blue badge scheme.
Insurance
You need to tell your car insurance company about your condition and about any adaptations you have.
Holidays
Having multiple sclerosis should not stop you from enjoying holidays with your family or friends. If you have concerns about costs, equipment or accessibility, MS Trust and MS Society can provide some useful information.