Driving

Over time, Parkinson’s symptoms or medication may affect your driving, however the extent and timing of this varies for each person. Fortunately, most people can continue to drive safely for many years after diagnosis, often with the help of specialised driving aids and compensatory strategies. Advice on how to manage the effect of Parkinson’s on driving is listed under the following topics:

• Am I fit to drive?
• How does Parkinson’s affect driving?
• How can I make driving easier & safer? (Aids & Strategies)
• Disabled parking permits
• How can I get around if I give up driving?

Am I fit to drive?
If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you need to notify VicRoads as soon as possible. There are a number of steps you need to take to make sure you are fit to drive.

For a step-by-step guide, download our making sure you are fit to drive (PDF file 30KB).

If you are declared fit to drive, your licence will be subject to periodic review. The timing of this review may be suggested either by VicRoads or your doctor. If you notice any changes in the future that may affect driving, you need to inform your doctor, VicRoads and your insurance company.

How does Parkinson’s affect driving?
Following is a list of common Parkinson’s driving challenges to help you identify and understand some potential problems so you can work out how to overcome them. Speak to your doctor or OT driving assessor if you have any concerns.

Common Parkinson’s Driving Challenges (from Beth Kirkwood (PDF file 578KB), OT):

• Difficulty doing more than one thing at a time, especially in situations requiring precise motor responses e.g. when making right turns, changing gears or performing u-turns in traffic.
• Longer reaction times due to slowness of movement and rigidity – could be dangerous in an emergency situation.
• Upper body stiffness affecting head checks and rotating when reversing.
• Tremor and reduced awareness of the limbs can affect handling and control of the vehicle.
• Medication challenges:

Drowsiness is a side effect of a range of medications, particularly dopamine agonists. In some rare cases, sleep attacks can occur. If you experience any of these problems you should stop driving and seek advice from your doctor.

How can I make driving easier & safer?
Driving aids and strategies can help overcome some of the common driving challenges.

Note! OT driving assessors (PDF file 49KB) are best qualified to recommend driving strategies or prescribe the right aids for your needs.

You may find that a driving rehab program operated by a hospital or movement disorder clinic will have lower fees than a private OT.

Driving Aids

Automatic transmission and power steering are a good place to start. Some other helpful features might include: more room inside the car, steering, braking and accelerating aids, swivel seats, simpler hand controls and automatic functions e.g. electric windows or windscreen wipers that automatically come on when it rains (Bridget McCall, 2008 (PDF file 1.74 MB))

Remember! Everyone’s needs are different, so be sure to get your OT driving assessor to prescribe the right aids for you.

Also see the RACV advice on choosing a safe vehicle.

Driving Strategies
Your OT driving assessor is best qualified to give you advice on driving strategies. Other helpful services and resources are listed below.  

Specialised driving programs can help provide:

• An update on your driving skills
• An independent assessment of your driving ability, or
• Help with general driving confidence

A few of these programs that we know about are the RACV’s Senior Driver’s Program and Melbourne Driving School’s refresher lessons.

Other driving resources include:

• The Kingston Centre Movement Disorders Clinic’s list of strategies and suggestions (PDF file 512 KB) for safe driving, and
• RACV’s Road Safety advice.

Disabled parking permits
A Disabled Parking Permit can make parking more accessible. Victoria’s disability parking scheme includes two permit categories with varying levels of concession.

Permit 1 holders are entitled to park in disabled parking bays for the specified time or in ordinary parking bays for twice the specified time.

Permit 2 holders may park in any ordinary bay for twice the specified time.

To apply, you and your medical practitioner need to complete an application form. These forms are available from your local municipal council.

Hint! See information on accessibility and parking in the city of Melbourne.

How can I get around if I give up driving?
Giving up driving can be a very difficult transition. Often the challenges that force people to give up driving also make it difficult to access public transport. This, in turn, compounds the challenges facing individuals, carers and families.

To assist, RACV provides a resource brochure on this topic called Getting around if you no longer drive. They also recommend planning ahead for this stage in your life.

Find more information on alternative transport options in our public transport & taxis, community & medical transport and rural transport sections.