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Dementia and Driving – DVLA — SCE Neurology MCQ

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HardNeurodegenerative DiseaseDementia and Driving – DVLASCE Neurology

A 73-year-old with early Alzheimer disease has slow progression, preserved insight and no disorientation, but family members report occasional navigational errors. She holds a Group 1 licence and wants the neurologist to decide whether she may continue driving. Which statement best reflects current DVLA guidance?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — She must notify DVLA; licensing is based on medical evidence and may require a formal driving assessment

A person with dementia must notify DVLA. Dementia is not automatically an absolute bar to Group 1 licensing, but fitness cannot be determined by a single cognitive score or by family agreement. DVLA usually bases the decision on medical reports and may require a formal driving assessment. Poor short-term memory, disorientation, impaired attention, and lack of insight or judgement weigh strongly against fitness. In early dementia with sufficient retained skills and slow progression, DVLA may issue a licence subject to annual review; the treating neurologist supplies evidence but does not issue the licence.

Reference: DVLA, Psychiatric disorders: assessing fitness to drive: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/psychiatric-disorders-assessing-fitness-to-drive; GOV.UK, Dementia and driving: https://www.gov.uk/dementia-and-driving