A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean you have to give up driving. However, dementia can impair the cognitive functions needed to drive safely – and there is a legal duty to inform the DVLA.
Being diagnosed with dementia can affect many areas of life, including the right to drive. It is essential that both the person diagnosed and their family understand the rules that apply in the UK.
How dementia affects driving ability
Dementia can impair reaction time, attention, problem-solving and spatial awareness – all essential for safe driving. Even in the early stages, a driver may struggle to judge distances, interpret road signs or respond quickly to unexpected situations.
What UK law says
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver diagnosed with dementia has a legal duty to notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) – or the DVA in Northern Ireland. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and may invalidate car insurance.
The person must also inform their car insurance company immediately.
It is the licence holder’s responsibility to notify the DVLA – not the GP, although doctors may disclose information to the DVLA if the person is unable or unwilling to do so.
Does dementia mean losing the licence?
Not automatically. The DVLA reviews each case individually. After notification – using form CG1 (available at gov.uk/dementia-and-driving) – the DVLA will:
- Request a medical report from the person’s doctor
- Potentially ask for a driving assessment
- Make a decision, typically within 6–12 weeks
If the DVLA decides the person can continue driving, they will usually issue a new licence valid for one year, subject to regular review. If driving is no longer safe, the licence will be revoked.
During the review period, the person can usually continue to drive unless their doctor advises otherwise.
Driving assessment
If there is uncertainty about driving ability, the DVLA may refer the person to a Driving Mobility assessment centre. This is carried out by a specialist occupational therapist and advanced driving instructor. Self-referral is also possible; costs vary but average around £70–90.
What can family members do?
Family members are often the first to notice changes in driving ability. Signs that a person may no longer be safe to drive:
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Difficulty interpreting road signs
- Slow reactions in traffic
- Repeated minor incidents or near-misses
Contact the GP and share what you have observed. The GP may advise the person to stop driving.
Giving up the licence – coping with the change
Giving up driving can feel like a significant loss of independence. Alternatives include public transport, community transport schemes, taxis and help from family members.
Read more: What is dementia? – Alzheimer’s disease – Dementia tracker – Early signs of dementia
Sensorem’s safety alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm
Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders and can alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.
