Dementia and driving: Will the driving license be revoked? 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In the United States, a person may lose their driving license if it is not safe for them to continue driving. Driving requires a person to think clearly, remain alert, and make important decisions quickly. A person who has received an early diagnosis of dementia may be able to continue driving safely for some time. However, dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that it worsens over time. A person’s cognitive ability will decline, which can make it harder to drive safely. This article explains what will happen to a person’s driving license if they receive a dementia diagnosis. It also looks at how dementia affects driving, how to approach the topic, and alternative travel methods. Will a person s license be revoked if they receive a diagnosis of dementia Share on PinterestWathna Racha/EyeEm/Getty ImagesAccording to the Family Caregiver Alliance, people who have early stage or mild dementia may still be able to drive. Those with moderate or severe dementia should not drive, and their license may become invalid. In some states, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will automatically revoke a person’s license if they receive a diagnosis of moderate to severe dementia. Other states may give the person the chance to take a behind-the-wheel driver re-examination to ensure that it is still safe for them to be driving. Why a person s driving license might be revoked if they have dementia Driving safely requires various skills, which include:focus and attentionproblem-solving skillsreaction skillsmemorydecision-making and judgmentvisuospatial skills, which means that a person is able to keep the correct speed and position on the road Dementia causes cognitive impairment that often worsens over time. As a result, a person’s ability to practice the above skills and safely manage a motor vehicle can also decline. Next steps after receiving a dementia diagnosis When a person receives a diagnosis of dementia, they or a caregiver should speak with the doctor about activities such as driving. Some states also require people to report the diagnosis to the DMV. At this point, a person may need to take the behind-the-wheel driving re-examination. However, this can vary from state to state. Dementia driving and the law The laws surrounding dementia and driving can vary from state to state. Some states require a doctor to send a report to the DMV after diagnosing a person with dementia. The person in question may then need to take the behind-the-wheel re-examination to ensure that they are still safe to drive. If they pass, they may need to retake the test regularly, such as every 6 months. This is due to the progressive nature of dementia. Other states may revoke a person’s license immediately after a diagnosis of moderate to severe dementia. A person or caregiver should contact their state’s DMV for information on the laws surrounding driving and dementia. Signs that a person may not be safe to drive Caregivers can look for warning signs that a person with dementia may no longer be able to drive safely. These can include:two or more traffic ticketsincreased insurance premiumsnew dents or scratches on the carrecommendations from a doctor that a person needs to modify their driving habitscomments about their driving from neighbors or friendsspeedingsudden lane changesconfusion between the brake and accelerator pedalschanges in vision or hearing abilities What to do if a person is unwilling to stop driving In some cases, a person may be ready or willing to give up driving without much convincing. However, taking away a person’s ability to drive can result in emotional challenges. The loss of driving may represent a progression in their condition, a loss of freedom, or other issues that can be hard to accept. When it becomes apparent that a person should stop driving, a caregiver may wish to try:having a conversation with the person about their concernsasking the doctor to talk with the person about their drivingtaking the person for a driving assessment The National Institute on Aging suggests that a caregiver could consider hiding the keys to the car if the person has moderate to severe dementia and may pose a threat to their own safety or that of others if they were to drive. Alternative ways to travel Depending on where a person lives, they may have easy access to public transportation in the form of taxis, buses, or trains. Those who live in more rural areas may have to rely on alternative transportation options. These may include:family and friends with a cardrive share serviceshospital or clinic transportation servicesveteran services, which may provide transportation for veterans with dementiasenior transportation services When traveling, caregivers may wish to consider providing the person with a personal safety bag. According to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, a travel kit should include all of the following items:clearly visible identificationfare card or money required to travel and get homethe address of where they are goinga list of emergency numberstheir prescription medicationsa cell phonetheir eyeglasses, if necessarya change of clothesa water bottle or snacksa jacketa book, puzzle, or another easy-to-carry activity to pass time Summary Dementia can make it unsafe for a person to continue to drive, but that does not necessarily mean that they will automatically lose their license. If a person has early stage dementia, they may be able to continue driving. However, as the condition progresses, it may become more difficult for them to drive. Some states may require a person to give up their license at the time of diagnosis or take a behind-the-wheel re-examination. Caregivers should consider the emotional challenges surrounding a person’s loss of ability to drive. It can represent a loss of freedom and be a sign that their dementia is progressing. Last medically reviewed on August 16, 2022Alzheimer's / DementiaNeurology / NeuroscienceSeniors / Aging 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. (n.d.). https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/cognitive-impairment-dementia-alzheimers-diseaseDementia and driving. (n.d.). https://www.caregiver.org/resource/dementia-driving/Dementia, caregiving and transportation. (n.d.). https://www.nadtc.org/wp-content/uploads/Dementia_Caregiving_and_Transportation.pdfDriving and dementia. (n.d.). https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/driving-dementiaDriving safety and Alzheimer's disease. (2020).https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/driving-safety-and-alzheimers-diseaseFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP — By Jenna Fletcher on August 16, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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