While many people with dementia no longer drive, a diagnosis of dementia does not always mean that a person needs to retire from driving immediately. However, due to the progressive nature of the condition, people living with dementia will need to retire from driving at some stage.

There are several warning signs that dementia is affecting driving, including having trouble getting to and from familiar places, having difficulty judging the distance and speed of other cars and difficulty reacting quickly.

It is a legal requirement to report a dementia diagnosis to the licensing authority, and a medical assessment is required at least annually. At times, an on-road driving assessment will also be required.

When people with dementia can no longer drive, the loss of mobility can lead to people becoming isolated and house-bound, and at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Developing alternative transport options and making lifestyle changes have the most benefit in the early stages of dementia when people are still driving, to allow room for adapting to changes.

To assist people with dementia who have stopped driving, or are planning to stop in future, University of Queensland researchers have developed the “CarFreeMe” program.