Driving Again ..

If you have a TIA (transient ischaemic attack) or stroke, you cannot drive for at least one month. After that time, if your GP agrees that you are fit to drive, you may do so. If your GP says NO, you must inform the DVLA and your insurance company and you are still not allowed to drive.

The DVLA will send you a form to fill in and contact your doctor. They will assess your fitness to drive, taking into consdideration:

permanent damage to vision

problems with memory

judgement and concentration

slow reaction in an emergency

spasm in a paralysed limb which cannot be controlled

seizures or convulsions.

Being declared fit is the first step, you may also need some adaptations or alterations to your car to ensure you are safe on the raod.

More information from the Stroke Association. Ask for leaflet S22.
Tel 0845 3033 100

DLC - Mobility
A Disabled (or Independent) Living Centre (DLC) is a place where you can get free and ethical information and advice about products which can increase disabled people's choices about how they live. At a DLC you can see and try out products and explore other solutions. Centres provide free information to people in person, by telephone, letter or email. There are currently 50 centres around hte country.
Tel 0870 770 2866

Motability
Motability can turn your mobility allowance into the travel solution for your needs.
Options

A new car on a three-year contract hire lease.

A new or used car on hire purchase, over a term of two to five years.

A new or used powered wheelchair, or scooter on hire purchase, over a term of one to three years.

A new or used powered wheelchair or scooter on contract hire lease for up to to three years.

For Car Scheme Tel 0845 456 4566.
For publications relating to the Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme
Tel 0845 60 762 60.

Other Contacts:

DVLA Medical Unit. Tel 0870 600 0301.

MAVIS, are a branch of the Department for Transport. Through the Mobility Centre - MAVIS (Mobility Advice and Information Service), provide an information and assessment service to older and disabled motorists.
Helpdesk Tel 020 7944 8300.

Disabled Drivers Motor Club. Tel 01832 734 724.

Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Mobility Centre provides an extensive training programme, a telephone information service, assessments and tuition for disabled people who wish to learn to drive, or are uncertain about the type of car adaptations required, or wish to resume driving, for those with a change of circumstance, such as following a stroke or an accident. Clients can also try a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters. Tel 020 8770 1151

The Disabled Driver's Association. is a self help organisation run for disabled people by disabled people,
Tel 0870 770 3333

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