Information for people with or affected by motor neurone disease

12A Driving Information for people with or affected by motor neurone disease For many of us driving is a necessary means of getting around and an enjoyable activity. Losing the ability to drive can be difficult, not simply because of the practical issues, but in terms of losing independence. This can be a huge concern for drivers who receive a diagnosis of MND, but a diagnosis does not automatically mean you have to stop driving straight away. This information sheet answers concerns you may have about driving following a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND), including: 1: Can I continue driving? 2: How do I get a Blue Badge? 3: What other schemes can help me? 4: How do I find out more? This symbol is used to highlight our other publications. To find out how to access these, see Further information at the end of this sheet. This symbol is used to highlight quotes from other people with or affected by MND. The MND Association has been certified as a producer of reliable health and social care information. www.theinformationstandard.org 1

1: Can I continue driving? A diagnosis of MND does not necessarily mean that you have to stop driving immediately. However, you will be legally required to disclose the diagnosis and you may need to be assessed. Even if you have permission to continue driving for a period of time, there may be a point where you make your own decision to stop. No matter how difficult that feels, only you will know when driving becomes uncomfortable or you no longer feel fully in control. If you are at all worried or find this a particularly emotional decision, please do speak to your GP or contact your nearest regional Driver Assessment Centre. They will be able to advise about motoring and disabilities. They may be able to help you make an informed decision and reassure you about alternative options, such as adapted vehicles. For guidance on adapted vehicles and Driver Assessment Centres see: 12B - Choosing the right vehicle for you and 12C - Travel and transport Who do I need to inform? Having a medical condition or a disability does not mean you cannot or will not be allowed to drive. However, you must inform the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you are diagnosed with a medical condition that may affect your driving. If you have been diagnosed with MND and have a driving licence, you are required to: inform the DVLA of your diagnosis fill out form CN1 available from the DVLA or from the GOV.UK website (see Useful organisations in section 4: How can I find out more?) answer a medical questionnaire. The DVLA may write to your doctor or consultant for further medical information and you may be asked to attend a medical and/or a driving assessment. Failure to inform the DVLA of a diagnosis of MND is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Note: A diagnosis of MND does not necessarily mean you cannot continue to drive but you will need to discuss with your GP whether you should continue driving whilst you wait for confirmation from DVLA. 2

Once the DVLA has enough information it can decide to issue: an unrestricted licence a licence restricted to a certain number of years a licence restricted to a particular vehicles with adaptations. Car Insurance You must advise your insurance company of any diagnosis or change in your condition that may affect your ability to drive. Failure to do so is an offence and may invalidate your policy. Insurers are not allowed to refuse car insurance to disabled drivers or charge extra unless there is significant evidence to justify the decision. However, they can temporarily increase the price or increase the excess while you are adapting to a recently acquired disability or condition, as long as there is evidence that you represent an increased risk during this period. Insurers can request further medical evidence if they do not have sufficient medical information to assess the risk accurately. Where an individual vehicle has been specially adapted to meet the needs of an individual, premium rates may reflect any likely increase in the cost of repairs to that vehicle. Insurers need to take all reasonable steps to make sure that they do not have practices or procedures which make it difficult for disabled people to use their services. 2: How do I get a Blue Badge? The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking benefits for disabled people who travel either as a driver or a passenger. The scheme operates across the UK allowing badge holders the following parking concessions: free use of parking meters and on-street pay and display bays permission to park on double yellow lines for up to 3 hours except where there is a ban on loading/unloading or other restrictions (there is no time restriction on parking on single or double yellow lines in Scotland). The badge is intended for on-street parking only. Off-street car parks, such as those provided by local authority, hospital or supermarkets are governed by separate rules. Exceptions apply in the City of London, the City of Westminster, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and part of the London Borough of Camden where the scheme may not be fully supported. However, these boroughs do provide specific Blue Badge bays for disabled parking. 3

Do I qualify for the Blue Badge Scheme? You may automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you: receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) receive the enhanced or standard rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement are registered blind. An independent assessor will be used to determine eligibility if you: have a severe disability in both arms have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability or considerable difficulty in walking In the past, many local authorities allowed the applicant s GP to help determine eligibility. Local authorities are now advised to use independent assessors to decide eligibility, if you do not meet the criteria for automatic qualification. This is mandatory from April 2012. How do I apply for a Blue Badge? The Blue Badge Scheme is administered by your local authority. Contact them direct for an application form, or visit their website to apply online. Once you have completed the form send it to your Local Council or submit online, together with: two recent passport sized photographs showing your head and shoulders (name to be written on the back) a fee of up to 10 may be charged (this may be different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) proof of your award for DLA (if you receive it) you may also need to provide proof of your identity and proof that you are a resident in the local authority in which you are applying. New style badges have been used since 1st January 2012, but old style badges can be used until December 2014. The new style badge makes it more difficult to copy, forge or alter the details, to prevent anyone from abusing the system. 4

To use your blue badge, display it face-up on the dashboard or fascia panel of your car, so it can be seen through the windscreen. When not in use for parking concessions you are advised to remove the badge from view for security. If you want to find out where Blue Badge parking is permitted, please contact the local council for the area you are visiting. Please note: when renewing your Blue Badge, you need to apply up to a month before this is due, as the application process can take up to three weeks. 3: What other schemes can help me? What is Road Tax Exemption? If you are a disabled person receiving the higher rate of the mobility component for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or the enhanced rate of the mobility component for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you do not have to pay road tax (also referred to as car tax or vehicle excise duty or road fund licence). If you receive the standard rate for PIP, you qualify for a 50% reduction in road tax, which you claim through the Post Office when renewing your licence (take the PIP award letter with you). Road Tax Exemption is only applicable for cars being used for the purpose of the person who receives the exemption. You will need to claim using the exemption certificate DLA 404, which you can obtain from the DLA helpline. If you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component for PIP, a certificate of entitlement can be obtained from the PIP helpline. See Useful organisations in section 4: How can I find out more? for helpline contact details. These certificates enable you to apply for a free road fund licence. If you have a nominated driver you should ask for their name to appear on the relevant certificate as well. The vehicle in question has to be registered in one of the names that appear on the exemption certificate. If you do not receive the higher mobility rate for DLA, or the enhanced or standard rate mobility for PIP, you will have to pay the normal road tax duty amount. Note: as a general rule, if you become disabled after the retirement date, you will not receive the Road Fund Licence exemption. Full details available on the DVLA leaflet V188. See Useful organisations in section 4: How can I find out more? for contact details. For information on Road Tax Exemption for Scooters and Cars, see: 12B - Choosing the right vehicle for you 5

What are toll concessions? Some toll charges at river crossings, bridges and tunnels, offer a reduced rate for people with disabilities. You may need to be part of the Blue Badge Scheme to qualify, or provide proof of entitlement, or you may need to pay in advance. It is worth checking what might be available on your journey before you travel. To see a list of those taking part in toll concessions, search for medical conditions, disabilities and driving at: www.gov.uk What is the Motability Scheme? If you receive the higher rate of the mobility component for DLA, or the enhanced rate of the mobility component for PIP, you may be able to exchange this allowance towards an adapted car, wheelchair or scooter through the Motability Scheme. For information on the Motability Scheme see: 12B - Choosing the right Vehicle for you The Motability car has given Dad a new lease of life and so much freedom, so the benefits really do outweigh the costs. What is community transport? Many areas have community transport services for people who find using public transport difficult, including: Dial-a-ride, a pre-bookable door-to-door service taxi schemes run by your local council, using vouchers or tokens London black cabs are accessible for disabilities, book through 0871 871 8710 Contact your local authority or health and social care trust in Northern Ireland for information on accessible transport in your area. If you commute to work (short or long journeys), and are unable to drive or find using public transport difficult, the Access to Work scheme may be able to help. You may be eligible for assistance with funds for a taxi service under this scheme. Contact a Disability Advisor at your local Jobcentre Plus. 6

4. How do I find out more? Useful organisations We do not necessarily endorse the external organisations listed here. These have been provided to help you search for further information if necessary. Details are correct at the time of print, but may change between revisions. If you need help to find an organisation, contact our MND Connect helpline (see Further information at the end of this sheet for details about our helpline and how they can support you). Disability Living Allowance helpline Contact this helpline with queries or claims about a road tax exemption certificate DLA 404. Address: Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0YE Telephone: 08457 123 456 Textphone: 08457 224 433 Email: dcpu.customer-services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk DVLA - Drivers Medical Group Find out if your health condition will affect your driving and if you ll be able to keep your licence. Address: Swansea SA99 1DL Telephone: 0300 790 6806 (if you are a car or motorcycle licence holder) Telephone: 0300 790 6807 (If you hold a bus or lorry licence) Fax: 0845 850 0095 Email: eftd@dvla.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical.aspx DVLA - Vehicle Registration and Tax Enquiries For all queries regarding vehicle registration and tax enquiries. Address: Vehicle Customer Services (VCS), DVLA SA99 1AR Telephone: 0300 790 6802 Textphone: 0300 123 1279 Website: www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla Forum of Mobility Centres Details on driving assessments and locations of regional mobility centres, (commonly referred to as Driver Assessment Centres). Address: c/o Providence Chapel, Warehorne, Ashford, Kent TN26 2JX Telephone: 0800 559 3636 Email: mobility@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk Website: www.mobility-centres.org.uk/services/drivingassessment.htm 7

GOV.UK The online government website provides information on road tax exemption and refers you to the correct organisations to deal with specific circumstances, eg the DVLA (see above). Website: www.gov.uk/vehicle-exempt-from-car-tax Motability Details about vehicle leasing or hire purchase through the Motability scheme. Address: City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB Telephone: 0845 456 4566 Email: through the website contact page Website: www.motability.co.uk Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Helpline Contact this helpline with queries or claims about a certificate of entitlement for road tax exemption. Address: DWP PIP1, Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0UZ New Claims: 0800 917 222 Enquiries: 0845 850 3322 References References used to support this document are available on request from: Email: infofeedback@mndassociation.org Or write to: Information feedback, MND Association, PO Box 246, Northampton NN1 2PR Acknowledgements Many thanks to the following, for valued advice and guidance in the development of this information: Jim Rawlings, Motoring Editor, Disabled Motoring Further information You may also find the following information sheets useful: 12B - Choosing the right vehicle for you 12C - Travel and transport 8

We also produce the following guides: Living with motor neurone disease our main guide to MND and how to manage its impact Caring and MND: support for you comprehensive information for unpaid and family carers, who are supporting someone living with MND You can download most of our publications from our website at: www.mndassociation.org/publications or order in print from the MND Connect helpline. The helpline team can also answer questions about this information, and direct you to our services and to other support: MND Connect Telephone: 03457 626262 MND Association, PO Box 246, Northampton NN1 2PR Email: mndconnect@mndassociation.org MND Association website and online forum Website: www.mndassociation.org Online forum: http://forum.mndassociation.org/ or through the website We welcome your views Your feedback is really important to us, as it helps improve our information for the benefit of people living with MND and those who care for them. If you would like to provide feedback on any of our information sheets, you can access an online form at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/infosheets_1-25 You can request a paper version of the form or provide direct feedback by email: infofeedback@mndassociation.org Or write to: Information feedback, MND Association, PO Box 246, Northampton NN1 2PR 9

Last revised: 06/12 Next review: 06/14 Version: 5 10