Can a person with Parkinson’s drive?
Yes, it is possible to drive safely, but with some considerations.
2 min
Driving is an important part of everyday life, as it may help maintain independence, autonomy, and quality of life ¹, ²
It is important for individuals to think about how their motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as medication side effects and timing, could impair driving ability ¹, ², ³ . A doctor can advise on whether an individual is fit to drive ¹, ², ³. Using special mobility equipment or driving cars with more space, power steering or automatic functions can make driving easier for people with Parkinson’s ¹. There are also legal and/or insurance obligations to consider¹.
1- Driving. EPDA. Available at: www.epda.eu.com/living-well/wellbeing/travel-and-mobility/driving. Accessed October 2023.
2- Holmes JD, Alvarez L, Johnson AM, et al. Driving with Parkinson’s disease: exploring lived experience. Parkinsons Dis 2019;2019:3169679.
3- Crizzle AM, Classen S, Uc EY. Parkinson’s disease and driving: an evidence-based review. Neurology 2012;79:2067–2074.
UK/BIAL/2023/032i
Date of preparation: October 2023