If you have a driving licence, when you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) you will have had to have informed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The DVLA assess your fitness to drive using the information you have given to them and may ask you to have a medical examination or a driving assessment at a local centre.
Each person with MS will experience different symptoms and the effect on driving will therefore be individual to their set of circumstances. It is possible that you will be given a full licence, a medical review licence (valid for set times), a licence that says which adaptations you need, or you may be told to stop driving.
If adaptations to a vehicle are needed, then you will be able to get support from your local driving assessment centre and they will be able to offer advice and support. There are over twenty main assessment centres across the UK and many other satellite centres. Driving Mobility is a charity that support disabled drivers and accredits the local assessment centres. They have an easy-to-use map of all the centres in the UK.
The Motability scheme helps disabled people by providing cars, powered wheelchairs and scooters that are safe, reliable and affordable. The scheme is overseen by the Motability charity. To be eligible for the scheme you need to be in receipt of either the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Motability can help you lease a suitable car to meet your needs, or you can lease a power chair or mobility scooter.
