Driving and transport
Driving
People with a driving licence who have been diagnosed with MS must tell the DVLA (Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Agency). The DVLA will send a questionnaire to assess the impact of MS on driving performance, and may need to talk to the individual's doctor about their condition. If there is no medical reason to prevent driving, a full license will be retained, or in some cases a three year licence issued, after which there will be a reassessment.
Should adaptations to the controls of a car be necessary, the law requires this to be specified on the licence. The DVLA must also be informed if an individual's MS worsens, and this may require a reassessment
DVLA - (Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Agency)
Drivers need to inform the DVLA if they are diagnosed with MS or if the condition has become worse since their licence was issued. The Medical Rules section of their website explains the procedure.
Motoring with multiple sclerosis
A Ricability publication that explores choosing and adapting a car and driving with MS. Ricability is a national research charity that provides independent information for consumers with a disability. The book can be ordered or downloaded from the Ricability website.
Forum of Mobility Centres
A network of independent organisations who offer information, advice and assessment to individuals who have a medical condition that which may affect the ability to drive or use a motor vehicle. The centres are shown on the map of MS services.
Motability
A national UK charity that helps people with a disability and their families to become more mobile through providing adapted vehicles.
Blue Badge parking scheme
The Blue Badge scheme provides parking benefits for people with a disability who travel either as drivers or as passengers.
Exemption from road tax
People in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) qualify for free road tax. The vehicle still needs a current tax disc, but there is no charge for this.
Transport for people with a disability
Gov.uk
Information on public transport, vehicle tax exemptions, car adaptations, the Motability Scheme and the Blue Badge Scheme.
Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
Download the booklet Information for Disabled and Less Mobile People (pdf 614kb).