I stopped driving several months ago. I just turned in my license a few days ago.

I was a danger to myself and others. I somehow managed to get trapped on the wrong side of a median. I drove that way for half a mile before figuring out how to get out of the way.

This is just one example. I think you get the idea.

It can become difficult and dangerous as the disease progresses. My husband's reaction time slowed down. His ability to see ahead and understand what he needed to do to respond to changing circumstances slowed down. His spatial awareness changed, so it became harder to stay in his lane or make tight turns without hitting the curb. His sense of how fast he was going also changed. He would often be going too fast or too slow. Some days he was fine, but other times I was constantly having to remind him of what he needed to do, including basic things like turning off the engine or shifting into park. If you find yourself constantly having to slam on the brakes because you aren't able to anticipate the need to slow or stop, you might have a problem.

I still drive, but I ask myself these things.
1st: what meds have I taken? (My doctor has advised me that some of my meds can effect me as much as a blood alcohol of 0.2 or higher)

2nd: do I feel faint or dizzy?

3rd: am I tired?

4th: how well can I see right now? (Have your eyes tested regularly and consider things that might effect your vision each time you plan to dive)

5th: do i have tremors or dysconisia that might effect my ability to control my car?

6th: how is your reaction time.

Although I grew up in the 70s where the man's place is behind the wheel, I find myself more and more asking my wife "honey, can you drive,I just don't feel up to it right now".

Sure, have friends or family who can honestly evaluate your driving.

Personally I wouldn't trouble the folks at that motor vehicle department, you may as well just hand them your license. (That's just my opinion)

🦉

I know that someone will not agree with me and I look forward to hearing from you.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member - Thank you for saying I am a very Special case! I will take that as a compliment. I think it has been easier for me to reteach myself how to drive well living in a fairly low population area than it would be if I lived in a big city. Driving in a dangerous way has such a potential for horrible consequences not only in damage to property but it can kill you or others or cause maiming for life. So I totally respect People with PD who stop driving. There are many questions on
MPT about driving. I chose to answer this one because he asked "Is it HARD? " I wanted to write about what has been hard about driving for me because my answer is Yes, it is hard to drive.

Mentioned Users

A MyParki...

It’s hard for everyone with Parkinson’s. We all have our own version of Parkinson’s, so it’s different for all of us.

In my case, I recently gave my license back to the state. I was a hazard. My major symptoms are cognitive. I’m quite often “out to lunch” while driving, and I’ve gone through red lights, driven on the wrong side of the road, and gotten hopelessly lost.

There was no adjustment I could make for that.

I have no doubt that MountainWoman can observe and adjust as she says and be fine to drive. MountainWoman is a very
Special case. I’m not saying you can’t. I’m saying you should pay very close attention when you’re driving.