There are many different types of arthritis that affect people in different ways, this in turn may affect your driving in different ways.
Joint pain and stiffness can make it harder to do basic driving functions like turning your head to look back or check your blind spot, turning the steering wheel quickly, or braking safely.
Some medications used to treat arthritis can cause sleepiness, dizziness, or other side effects that can impair your driving ability.
Mental fog and fatigue from the disease can slow your reaction time and reflexes.
What can people with arthritis do to be able to continue driving safely and comfortably?
Preparation is key when it comes to learning to drive and making driving with arthritis more comfortable, through managing your pain and finding the best driving techniques for you.
Mobility Centres can assess how your condition affects your driving, your comfort and position within the car and how to get in and out of the vehicle. If you use mobility aids or a wheelchair the Centres can advise you how to load your equipment into a vehicle. Some Centres can also assess and advise regarding wheelchairs and scooters.
If you require special controls you must inform the DVLA.