What experiences have you had with your state and getting and keeping your drivers license?
Does anyone have experience with California?
James

I'm in California, have a DMV issued DP placard, but they haven't questioned my license status or required retesting.

James, no idea about U.S. rules for owning a drivers licence. However you'd be wise to tell the issuers of them of the fact that you have P.D.
They may want you to undergo another driving test or send you to one of their Drs or even just ask you to get a letter or signature from your own physician to allow you to drive.
If you've witheld the information on your licence that you have P.D. and you have an accident, especially if you caused it there can be trouble with insurance payment and police.
Charlie, you're a Californian anything to add?
Lee

Isn't it up to the person, family and the treating Dr to decide about ability to drive and safety/risk involved?
To self and others.

I'm thinking along the lines of any condition or even age that could affect driving and safety.

Wouldn't it come down to each individuals symptoms and capabilities?

HEALTH AND EMOTIONS
Your personality affects the way
you drive. Don’t let your emotions
interfere with safe driving. Use all
of your good judgment, common
sense, and courtesy when you drive
and follow all the recommended
safe driving rules.
Discuss poor vision, heart problems,
diabetes, or epilepsy with
your physician and follow his or
her advice. Tell DMV if you have
a condition that might affect your
ability to drive safely.


CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS MUSTREPORT
Physicians and surgeons are required
to report patients at least
14 years of age and older who
are diagnosed as having lapses of
consciousness, dementia (mental
disorders) conditions, or related
disorders. (Health & Safety Code
§103900)
Although not required by law, your
physician may report any other
medical condition he/she believes
may affect your ability to drive
safely.

- 53

I too have a California DL and a disabled persons placard. my driving is affected, but I just make allowances for that. I drive slower, do not follow as closely, etc. I have a clean driving record.
5 Years ago I had an accident where a lady turned in front of me and we had a fender bender. Thats my only incident and my PD did NOT play a role.

I remember AJ Wasson recounting her experience at the DMV when she went to renew her license when she was dyskinetic. As I recall they grilled her about her disability and she had to retake her drivers test.

I assume that DMV knows about my PD, after all thats what I put on my disabled persons placard application.

Here in L.A. Cedars Sinai offers a PWP driving class to see if you are still safe to drive. When I get to that point, I will get tested.

I refuse to give up my mobility til I have to. That would be when I or my family feel as though I am dangerous to myself and to others. My reflexes are good and I see no reason to stop driving in the near future.

Chas

So far the PD hasn't affected my driving, but driving affects the PD!

I find that the stress of driving, especially in rush hour really upsets me, and I end up with a bout of tremors afterwards and arrive at my destination very stiff. I am actually beginning to dread going out of the house now if it involves driving somewhere!

When I get to the point where the PD is affecting by driving, I'll give up my license, but at this point I'm still employed and need to drive. This is, as Charlie says, my independence.

John

I've heard of two cases where drivers with PD notified the DMV of their disease and were turned over to the Driver Safety Branch which then stated that the drivers had dementia (even though their doctor's had reported the people didn't have dementia.) One person said that when he replied that he didn't have dementia the Driver Safety person hung up the telephone.
In these two cases the DMV allowed false information to be placed in the driver's record and went after them to try to revoke their license.
I'm wondering widespread this abusive action is within the DMV.
jazu

Hi all
I am English living near London. I am in my 14th year of living with PD and some years ago voluntarily suspended my driving because my condition had deteriorated to the point that I felt I was not in control of my vehicle. As it turned out it was my medication balance that was at fault and once I had changed from sinemet and Requip to Stalevo, Apomorphine and Amantadine I was able to resume my driving quite confidently. Obviously the DVLA had been told about my PD previously. However my licence came up renewal and my neurologist was asked to submit a report and based on what he said they revoked my licence, That was in July last year (2007) I felt as though I had been gutted.

Since then I have been battling to get my licence back have requested my neurologist if he would write letter to the DVLA to ask them if my licence could be reinstated ( He was surprised that they had revoked it) which he did. I am now to undergo a four hour assessment which includes an hour and a half practical assessment on the road. I am glad it has got this far as now I can prove that I am capable of driving. Anyway my assessment is tomorrow at 11am.

This is really to encourage those of you who are experiencing trouble regaining confidence or losing confidence about driving licences. Remember how indomitable your human spirit coupled with God's Holy Spirit is, you can do anything you want.

God bless you all
Martin

So Anne Wasson, who has a story to tell, can reply to it.

Chas