MS is a life-long neurological condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord.
It can cause a wide range of potential symptoms, including:
Depending on the type of MS you have, your symptoms may come and go in phases or get steadily worse over time.
A small loss of muscle control will not necessarily affect your ability to drive a car, but you need to show sufficient dexterity to operate the car controls safely. If you need adaptations to drive, then these will be specified on your licence. You are not allowed to drive a car without them.
If you have been diagnosed with MS, then the DVLA and your insurance company must be informed. It is essential to ensure your vision is monitored to comply with legal requirements for driving.
Each person will experience different symptoms and the effect on driving will therefore be different. The symptoms may affect your driving in a range of ways difficulty steering, use of pedals, processing information and getting in and out of a vehicle. At a Mobility Centre all aspects of driving and access to vehicles can be assessed. If you use a wheelchair or walking aid the Mobility Centres can also advise about how best to lift equipment into a vehicle.
Yes – and this is a big YES. You must tell the licensing agency that you have been diagnosed with MS, and you must also inform them if your MS gets worse. If you need adaptations to the controls of your car, the law requires this to be specified on your licence too.
They will send you a questionnaire to assess any impact of MS on your driving performance and may need to contact your doctor about your condition. In some instances you may have to be examined by a local medical officer or specialist, or have to take a driving assessment, eye test or driving appraisal. If there is no medical reason to prevent you driving, you will be allowed to keep your licence, but quite often the licence will need to be renewed every three years. Be warned, this can be a lengthy process.
Yes, you will need to tell them about your MS and if your car has any adaptations.
The following organisations and charities can offer you help and guidance when it comes to accessing adapted vehicles:
Driving Mobility (formerly the Forum of Mobility Centres)
A network of independent organisations who offer information, advice and assessment to individuals who have a medical condition which may affect the ability to drive or use a motor vehicle.
Motability
A national UK charity that helps people in receipt of the higher rate Mobility Component of DLA (Disability Living Allowance) or PIP (Personal Independence Payment) to lease an adapted vehicle, including cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs. See motability.co.uk.
Motoring with multiple sclerosis
Information on choosing, adapting and using a car from RiDC, a charity providing consumer research and information for people with a disability. See ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/guides/driving-disability/motoring-multiple-sclerosis