Dementia and driving

A diagnosis of dementia does not automatically disqualify a person from driving or mean a person is incapable of driving safely. Everyone has to be realistic about their driving capability.

However, as dementia progresses driving will become more difficult. Everyone living with dementia experiences the condition in their own way. Knowing when to stop may be hard to pinpoint.

If you are worried about a family member's ability to drive, try talking about the issue early on.

How does dementia affect driving capability?


At some point in the progress of dementia an individuals capability to drive safely will be questioned.
People with dementia may experience:

• Slowed reaction time, difficulty responding to changes in traffic conditions or unable to make quick decisions in unexpected circumstances.

• Problems determining distance between objects such as how far away another car is or the space between parked cars.

• Changes in personality or mood including anxiety, poor concentration, lack of judgement or insight.

Sometimes people with dementia may not be able to make appropriate decisions about their ability to drive well due to lack of insight into their condition. People with dementia may forget they cannot drive.

In extreme cases some carers will resort to hiding the car keys if driving is dangerous and a person still insists on getting in the car. Removing the car from someone as soon as a diagnosis of dementia is confirmed may result in family conflict and anger.

Try easing someone into not driving, find other means of transport to make the transition easier.

When should a person with dementia stop driving?


If you have any doubts about a family member's ability to drive or you are having problems persuading someone to give up driving, encourage the person to get a driving assessment.

People with dementia need regular driving assessments by an occupational therapist. Ask your doctor about a referral or contact your local RTA.

Signs that a person with dementia is having problems driving include:

•  Becoming lost in familiar places

•  Increase in traffic accidents or violations

•  Difficulty determining left and right

•  Problems reading road maps
•  Responding inappropriately to traffic signs
•  Confusing the brake with the accelerator

Organising a driving assessment is the best way to remain safe on the road and ensure the safety of others.

Losing a driving license can be very emotional. Try calling Alzheimer's Australia to talk to a counsellor on The National Dementia Helpline.

Helpful resources

•  Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) in your state
•  The National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500

•  Alzheimer's Australia

Related articles

• Older drivers: Coping with the loss of a driving license
• Tips for choosing an electric scooter

References

Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW
A guide for older drivers
Accessed 2008

Alzheimer's Australia
Driving and dementia
Accessed 2008