“Can I still drive?”
This is one of the first questions you may have when you first receive a diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or Corticobasal Degeneration. The idea of gradually losing your sense of freedom can be very daunting, especially to drive and get out and about. However, there are ways to travel and go out, with a few adjustments and planning. In this episode of the PSPA Podcast, we sit down with our Helpline Care Navigator, Dionne Ward, to dive deeper into this important topic. We discuss what a diagnosis of PSP or CBD means for driving, how to inform the DVLA, and the many ways you can stay mobile and independent even if driving becomes difficult.
Mobility Challenges and Driving with PSP & CBD
Loss of mobility is one of the biggest challenges faced by people living with PSP & CBD. It often makes you feel isolated and unable to enjoy daily activities, including driving to go shopping or meet friends and family. But as Dionne explains in the podcast, a diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean your driving licence will be taken away.
The first step is to notify your insurer and the DVLA about your diagnosis. The DVLA may request a medical report from your GP or consultant to assess whether it is still safe for you to drive. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may still be able to continue driving for a period of time. However, it is essential that you regularly review how symptoms such as balance problems, slowed movement, or changes in judgment could affect driving safety.
What Can You Do Next
Being asked to give up driving can be a difficult thing to accept. It may feel like you are losing your independence.
In the podcast, we discuss what happens if there are disagreements about driving fitness. For example, if your GP recommends that you stop driving, here are some steps you can take:
- Seek a second medical opinion.
- Request a driving assessment at a mobility centre.
- Allow the DVLA to make the final decision regarding your driving licence.
While it may be challenging to accept such a decision, it is essential that you follow their advice, for your safety as well as that of others on the road.
What Kind of Support is Available
Even when driving becomes difficult with PSP or CBD, there are many ways you can stay mobile and connected.
We explore several helpful schemes and resources in the podcast, including:
- Motability Scheme – It allows people receiving certain disability benefits to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. The scheme can also support vehicle adaptations to make driving easier.
- Driving Assessment Grants – These may help cover the cost of mobility driving assessments and vehicle adaptations if you are not a Motability customer.
- Blue Badge Scheme – This allows people with severe mobility issues or certain hidden disabilities to park closer to their destinations. You can apply for this scheme even if you’re not the driver.
The key thing about all these schemes is to apply early, as that can make a big difference later when it really matters.
Dionne also highlights several alternatives that can help you stay active within your communities:
- Community transport services.
- Volunteer driver schemes.
- Accessible taxis or private drivers.
- Disabled bus passes.
- Disabled Persons Railcard discounts.
Occupational therapists can also recommend practical support options to make travel easier and improve comfort when travelling, such as:
- Swivel car seats.
- Support handles for getting in and out of vehicles.
- Rollators or wheelchairs for longer distances.
- Vehicle hoists or transfer aids.
How Can PSPA Support You
If you have been diagnosed with PSP or CBD, just know that you don’t need to navigate these decisions and processes alone. PSPA is here to support you at every step. Our people have experience and knowledge to help you understand the conditions and the support available.
The PSPA Helpline team supports people living with PSP or CBD, their families, and healthcare professionals. We can help you understand the GP’s or DVLA’s decisions regarding driving, access local transport schemes, and explore practical solutions for staying mobile.
PSPA may also be able to provide financial aid through our Support Grants, which provide up to £300 towards equipment that helps with movement and improves daily living.
You can get in touch with our Helpline on 0300 011 0122 or email us at helpline@pspassociation.org.uk regarding any questions about driving, mobility aids, or travel support.
To hear Helen and Dionne discuss driving, independence, and mobility in detail, listen to the full episode of the PSPA Podcast.
