DLA and SDA advice please regarding driving

I am on IB & DLA and am able to drive, my motability car has been adapted with hand controls, I am comfortable about it and won't be hiding it when I go for my re-assessments when ever that is.

I am only able to drive for short periods as having MS I get tired fairly quickly and it affects my concentration, I try to be sensible and not drive when I know I'm not up to it.

I did think about applying for driving jobs in the past but doubt I could handle a full time driving job ( or part time for that matter).

I used to enjoy long driving trips to the seaside with my children but these days it's not a good idea for me to do that, so I limit my driving to short trips to the shops or hospital appointments.

I can only drive automatics and they must be suitably adapted.With the way things are now it wouldn't surprise me that being able to drive could affect my benefits entitlement, there is a simple solution to that, if it is the case I will give up the car and struggle.

Hi Amber,

I wouldnt worry too much about this. The DWP tried to hold against me regarding my DLA that I could drive a car that was not adapted. They were trying to infer that if I could drive an ordinary car then I wasnt that bad.

Well..... I dove myself to my DLA tribunal and home again. I explained to the panel that an adapted car would be of no benefit to me, I drive a small 2 door jeep which is high up and easier to get in and out of. My jeep has power steering, 2 wing mirrors and a rear view mirror, and a steering wheel. The mirrors assist me when I am finding it difficult to turn round. The steering wheel not only steers the car but also assists with the support of my arms while driving.

The panel seen my point and understood my explanation. The whole point of DLA mobility to to help the disabled person to be more independent.

Kathy

Amber wrote:

Hi Dave, I listed all my health conditions on my application form for a license. Angina, Arthritis and osteoporosis in both hips and knee, Severe Asthma,Depression M.E and possible M.S. The DVLA then contacted my Doctor for more information which was supplied to them. They finally issued me with a license. However, I am now afraid to learn to drive in case I lose my benefit. My Daughter is now back in full time employment so can't take me to Hospital appointments. I am unable to attend when my husband works away. The way they seem to come to the conclusion now that we are all fit for work, worries me so much that I am now too afraid to learn to drive.Thanks

there are things now on the market that help if you need to do a long trip and have bowel problems do you have a nurse to advise you on that problem ?

see here

www.charterhealthcare.co.uk/product/1451...mm_uncompressed.html

Hi Steve, Many thanks for your reply. I will start having lessons quite soon.

Amber

Hi Dave, Thanks for the link. I am seeing my consultant next week for a check up. Will ask about this. Cheers

Hi Kathy1, Many thanks for replying.It such a worrying time now with ll these changes to our benefits.
Amber.