November 5, 2016

‘Do I need to tell my driving authority about my MS?’ 

So went a recent FB discussion.  So it got me thinking, and researching.  Now rules change by country and jurisdiction. And your insurance company may have other notification rules so you need to know what you need to know.

  • In Australia, new medical standards were released by the National Transport Commission and AusRoads Transport on 1 October 2016.  They have been approved by all Commonwealth, state and territory ministers.
  • New Zealand has a full list of conditions, including MS, that requires disclosure.
  • United Kingdom have severe financial and legal penalties for not disclosing.
  • United States differs by DMV, but the National MS Society has helpful advice.

When do I need to do something?

Below is a group of links based on country and State.  Most are common sence.

In Australia, you and your doctor need to know about the standards if you have one of the conditions that ‘may’ impair your ability to drive safely.  These include:

  • blackouts
  • cardiovascular
  • diabetes
  • dementia or cognitive impairment
  • seizures and epilepsy
  • other neurological
  • musculoskeletal
  • psychiatric conditions
  • sleep disorders
  • alcohol and other substance misuse
  • vision and eye conditions

Hmmm, there’s a few of these that some of us MSers tick the box on.

Now, just because you have one of these conditions doesn’t meant your driving licence and independence is over.  It just means you may need to have regular discussions with your doctor and forms to fill in.

Even the Government acknowledges that Multiple sclerosis may produce a wide range of neurological deficits that may be temporary or permanent.

So, if you have heard the words ‘you have MS’, then you need to have a conversation with your doctor and get them to complete a fitness to drive assessment. And then you need to submit it with your driving authority. ​

Australia

New Zealand

The New Zealand Transport Authority does not specifically call out MS in its high level advice to motorists - however there is a full section in its advice for medical professionals which deals with neuromuscular disorders (including Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease).

“Driving should cease where there is doubt of an individual’s ability to control a vehicle in an emergency or other situation in which rapid responses may be needed.  In the early stages of these conditions, it will often be possible to drive effectively, but there will inevitably come a time when driving is no longer safe. The medical practitioner will often have to make a difficult decision in these circumstances, perhaps aided by a relevant specialist. Assessments from occupational therapists with training in driver assessment, as well as practical driving tests, will often be required before making a final decision on fitness to drive. An additional problem is that, in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, there is a variable and intermittent progression with periods of significant remission. It may be necessary to limit individuals from driving at certain periods and allow them to drive only during periods of remission. Licence conditions may include regular reassessments, such as an annual medical report.”

United Kingdom

WARNING:  As at November 2016, you could be fined up to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS if you don’t advise the DVLA that you have multiple sclerosis! The UK website has a full list of conditions that you must advise of.  You can also be prosecuted if you are in an accident and haven’t disclosed your condition.  More information.

United States of America

The National MS Society produced a good booklet in 2016 about driving with MS.  It suggests that you look to your local DMV to find out whether there are special considerations.  But also suggests you driver rehabilitation clinics that can support you work through your driving options.