Well after 55years I have just given up my driving license. Over the past year I have not been happy driving. A lot of drivers on the roads are not fit to drive. When I worked i did an average of 45000 miles a year, I had to stop driving my motorhome 3 years ago and was given a medical license for 3 years!, it was hard to give up my motorhome but I was getting to dread traveling so it was for the best. As my driving license was coming to renewal time so I look at the dvla application form. After I read it I spoke to my doctor and my Parkinson nurse as to there opinion and both said I should have a look at how safe i felt driving even take a driving lesson to see what a professional instructor thought.
I decided now was the best time to stop driving altogether and not renew my license. I miss my car but am less stressed not driving any more.
Yet another loss to me and one more from Pd?
If anyone feels the same and still driving just think if you were involved in an accident you would never for give your self?
HI Davesan Well you have said it all ? you are right yes it’s up to you when you stop driving but for other people to be safe you have to make that decison. My car was sold 2 years ago when I gave up driving (STILL MISS IT ) it was the time when my liecence had to be sign by my PD doctor and not heard from them i phoned DVLA they said that they had not received it. Phoned PD Sec oh Just found your licience it was not sent as it had been bottom of paperwork. Dr can’t sign she is on hols for weeks then sec on holls. by this time 6 months had passed, Well they say if you get all clear from your GP inform you insurance you can still drive. I did not want to take this chance just what if you knocked a child down , would your insurance cover you then plus how would you feel, So ! I just felt that’ my driving confidence had gone I put my car up for sale, Now 2 years later miss it like hell but I myself know that people are safer on the roads without me driving ps even in the 50s my mum and dad had a car i had never ever been with out one till now.
I recollect that a couple of years or so ago the government were considering bringing a licence category which restricted the holder to driving within a certain distance from their home rather than taking away their licence completely. I don’t know if this idea has been quietly dropped but it would work quite well if the holder lived in a small town (or retired to one!) as traffic speeds are usually low (and probably restricted to 30mph in any case) and the layout of roads will probably be familiar from past experience. Access to GP’s and shops is easier with your own transport so if the medical professionals are happy for driving to continue and the only issue is worry about the actions of other motorists perhaps a self-imposed limitation on distance may boost confidence in driving ability? If unfortunately an accident did occur for whatever reason it would likely be a low-speed one, with hopefully minor damage to vehicles only.
Many of the reported motoring incidents involving elderly folk are attributed to poor eyesight so it is important to have regular eye tests (at least every two years)
Me too. I would be much happier to stop driving. But doctor appointments, opticians and so on are 5 miles away. my family are continually pressing me for lifts. Which I refuse.
My insurance, car service and mot are due next month and I Have decided to go on for one more year.
I Have two homes about two hours drive apart, but I will not make the busy drive any more. The AA give me a good deal to cover my local, rural area only.
It’s a lose lose scenario.
I have been given a Parkinson’s symptoms diagnosis.
Hi Steptoe
Yes you are correct but it never came to be, yes I agree that you should be able to make up your own minds about your safety to drive. I think you know when the time has come to stop driving fortunate to live within easy reach of shops supermarkets and town centre. I would ask others what they honestly think big ask I know that’s what I did also asked my doctor and Parkinson nurse.
Yes I agree it is har not having a car but just think how you would feal if you were to have an accident and someone got hurt. It’s a hard choice but you need to make the decision right for yourself.
Thanks Davesan
That must have been such a hard decision to make after so many years of driving. It sounds like you’ve thought it through carefully and done what feels safest for you and others, which takes real courage. Losing that independence can feel like another big change, so please remember you do not have to face that alone. If you ever want to talk things through or need emotional support, you can reach us on 0808 800 0303 or [email protected]. 
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
Hi Foxes
Thanks for your reply it’s now been nearly 4 weeks since i stopped driving and I feel I done the right thing. Yes I miss my car but having a mobility scooter I can get to the shops and park, that’s when it not raining. As you said having to letdown pickup my great grandchildren from school most days and taking my disabled wife out and hospital appointments
I am looking at the cost for train travel with our mobility scooter, but so far it looks very expensive. We can hire a taxi which will take both scooters but again it’s not cheep.
Again thank you for your reply and good luck whatever you chose to do.
Davesan be happy and keep safe.
Hi
Look at getting a national disable rail card, if you don’t already have one. There is a small charge but it is worth it.
It works throughout the UK, and gives you a large discount on all train companies for you and your partner. If travelling long distance you can also get help to transfer you between trains.