Driving Advice & Issues
Pd can affect the ability to self evaluate and it is advised that driving be discussed with family members and your doctor. They may have a different perception of your skills.
In the early stages of Pd, drivers often modify their driving habits to address the changes outlined. This may be achieved by driving shorter distances, and avoiding both peak hour traffic and night driving.
However, with the progression of the condition, problems may develop which could result in impaired driving performance.
These may include:
• Reduced physical reaction time
• Impaired problem solving
• Reduced reaction time
• Fluctuations in physical symptoms
• Tremor
• Fatigue
• Difficulty attending to dual/multiple tasks eg radio, passengers, traffic
• Problems with concentration
• On/Off phenomenon.
Driving and Medications
When driving it is necessary to be alert and able to react quickly to changes on the road. Some medications can affect driving ability. It is not always possible to predict whether a medication will affect driving. Reactions to medications vary between individuals, therefore you may not realise that a medication will affect your driving.
When commencing a new medication check with the Pharmacist and Doctor that it is safe to drive. Some warning signs are:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Dizziness, light headiness and fainting
- Unclear thoughts
- Unsteadiness
- Change in mood, eg aggressiveness
- Nausea
Insurance Regulations
It is your personal responsibility to report to your insurance company any changes in medical status. In some cases failure to disclose this information may result in invalid insurance.
It is preferable that you inform your insurance company of your diagnosis of Pd (it is not mandatory). Contact your insurance company for further details.
Mandatory Self Reporting
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) demands that Pd be reported. The penalty for non-reporting is $500.00. Notifying the Dpi does not necessarily mean that you will lose your driving licence. For further information contact:
Department of Planning and Infrastructure
Driver Assessment Section
Phone 1300 852 722 or (08) 9216 8382
www.dpi.wa.gov.au
What Happens if the Doctor's Advice is Ignored ?
If you continue to drive despite your Doctor's advice and you do not report your condition to the driver licensing authority, you are not fulfilling your legal responsibility. If you are involved in an accident under these circumstances and it is found that your health condition was a contributing factor you may be prosecuted and your insurance may not be valid. If your Doctor is aware that you continue to drive, and feels that this poses a risk to yourself and other road users, he may feel obliged to notify the driver licensing authority directly.
Assessment Requirements for Driving
Visual Assessment:
Initial licence, ages 75, 78, 80 and annually thereafter.
Medical Assessment:
Ages 75, 78, 80 and annually thereafter (earlier if medical condition changes).
On-Road Test:
Initial licence, age 85 then annually or as directed.
Following Mandatory Reporting:
As requested
Specialised Driver Assesment and Retraining Services
People with Pd are encouraged to consult specialised Driver Assessment Services to assist them to continue to drive as long as safely possible. In WA this service is provided by:
Driver Access
124 Loftus Street
North Perth WA 6006
Telephone: 9228 0166
Recommendations may include:
- A refresher course to update driving skills to compensate for deficits associated with the medical condition
- Conditional licences such as driving in daylight hours, non-peak conditions or within a restricted distance.
- Further information is available from your Doctor or Occupational Therapist.
Alternative Transport Options
Your Social Worker can direct you to specific services in your area. Some options include:
- Taxi Users' Subsidy Scheme (9216 8068)
- HACC Transport (9309 7000)
- Local council (contact your local shire)
- People Who Care - Volunteer Transport (9379 1944)
- Repatriation Transport Scheme (enquiries 9366 8391 or 1300 550 455)
Compiled by Sharon Summers (Occupational Therapist) and Brenda Dee (Social Worker), Osborne Park Hospital. Reviewed by Laurel Hocking (Driver TrainingOccupational Therapist), Dr Andrew Granger (Consultant Physician) and Janet Doherty (Parkinson's Nurse Specialist), Parkinson's Western Australia Inc.