HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Safe driving with dementia
Te inu haumaru i te orokohanga mate korongenge
Being diagnosed with dementia doesn't necessarily mean that you need to stop driving straight away. Many people continue to drive safely for some time after their diagnosis.
When you eventually do have to stop driving, it can be challenging to adjust to life without a car.
Warning signs that dementia may be affecting your driving include:
- becoming lost on a familiar route
- not being able to make sound judgements about what is happening on the road
- ignoring traffic lights and signals
- driving too slowly.
Your GP may refer you to an occupational therapist for a free off-road assessment of your driving ability. The occupational therapist may then refer you for an On-road safety test.
If you're worried about someone else's safety to drive
If you're worried that a friend or relative isn't safe to drive, talk to them about your concerns. They may recognise that they're beginning to place themselves and others at risk.
If they do not recognise the risk and do not believe they need to stop driving, talk to their general practice team or other healthcare professional about your concerns. They will be able to assess the person's ability to drive and take action if necessary. Read the New Zealand Transport Authority leaflet below.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- New Zealand Transport Agency – Dementia and driving factsheet
This leaflet explains what signs might indicate someone is no longer safe to drive and what friends and family can do about it.
- University of Wollongong – Dementia and driving: A decision aid
This workbook helps someone who has been diagnosed with dementia work through whether they should continue driving and what other options are available. It has been customised for New Zealand drivers.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed August 2022.
Sources
See also:
Review key: HIMLD-33325
