Session Information
Date: Thursday, June 23, 2016
Session Title: Other
Session Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm
Location: Exhibit Hall located in Hall B, Level 2
Objective: To determine whether routine clinical assessment (motor examination, cognitive assessment and global clinical impression) accurately predicts the ability of People with Parkinson’s (PwP) to drive safely by comparison with outcomes from formal specialist driving assessment.
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) progressively impairs motor and cognitive functions, both of which are necessary for safe driving. Deficits in visuospatial skill, speed of movement, dexterity, dual task ability and swift decision-making may reduce an individual’s ability to negotiate roads safely. UK law dictates that drivers diagnosed with PD must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) who solicit clinical opinion. Where there is uncertainty or concern from clinical assessment alone, the individual, clinician or DVLA may request specialist driving assessment.
Methods: We examined the outcomes of 75 patients referred to the Wales Driving and Mobility Centre between 2012 and 2015. Referrals were made from two specialist South Wales PD services. Comparison was made between the clinical opinion (on ability to drive) of the referring clinician against the recommendations made following specialist driving assessment.
Results: All 75 patients referred were advised to refrain from driving after clinical assessment, pending formal driving assessment. On first formal assessment, 27 (36%) individuals were felt ineligible to drive, but 42 (56%) were considered safe to continue driving (with re-test dates recommended). 5 drivers were advised to return for early retest due to other factors (such as having surrendered their licenses).
Conclusions: Prediction of ability to drive is difficult on routine clinical examination, and clinicians may overestimate functional inability. Many drivers may show task-specific ability to drive despite clinical assessment to the contrary. Clinicians should have a low threshold for referral to specialist driving services in whom there is any uncertainty over driving ability.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
C. Thomas, R. Amin, B. Mohamed. How accurate is the prediction of driving ability in a Parkinson’s clinic setting? [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2016; 31 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/how-accurate-is-the-prediction-of-driving-ability-in-a-parkinsons-clinic-setting/. Accessed June 14, 2025.« Back to 2016 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/how-accurate-is-the-prediction-of-driving-ability-in-a-parkinsons-clinic-setting/