If a person has a medical condition which affects thought processing skills and/or has associated physical deficits then a driving ability assessment will be offered. These are undertaken, in the UK, at Driving Mobility Centres. The driving assessment is clinically led by a clinician with extensive knowledge of medical conditions usually in conjunction with an Approved Driving Instructor.
Assessment includes an interview with the assessor and will usually involve assessment of physical ability, visual assessment (ability to read a standard number plate from a distance of 20 metres and peripheral field screening), cognitive assessment (looking at the way the brain processes information) and a practical on-road assessment. Some centres have an off-road facility for those people who do not have a valid driving licence.
Factors considered
Testing of reaction times
Medical conditions: assessment to ensure no medical contraindications i.e.– faints , fits, dizziness
Vehicle modification/adaptation
Physical assessment
Practical on road assessment
Behavioural changes
Visual field assessment: also ensuring there is no evidence of clinically apparent visual inattention
Cognitive assessment
Factors NOT considered
Where you usually drive: This will be taken into account but will not influence the assessment
Number of passengers: If previously drove a public service vehicle, this would need to be considered separately 1 year after a stroke.
Page last reviewed: 18 May 2021
