Driving and sight loss: finding support if you can no longer drive
Driving is an integral part of everyday life for many people. In fact, there are over 42 million licensed vehicles in the UK. For blind and partially sighted people who are unable to drive, a world where driving is so intertwined with everyday life presents practical and emotional challenges. These include accessing work, socialising, shopping, visiting loved ones or maintaining everyday routines and choices. Many people have told us that not being able to drive is the number one issue they find most distressing about their sight loss.
Driving standards and the law
In the UK, there are legal eyesight requirements for driving. These relate to how clearly you can see, how wide your field of vision is, and whether you can meet the standard for reading a vehicle number plate, with glasses or contact lenses if you normally use them.
If your sight changes, there is a legal duty to inform the DVLA. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist can advise whether your vision meets the driving standard and what steps you may need to take.
Driving when your sight does not meet the legal requirements can put you and others at risk, may invalidate your insurance, and is against the law.
Although it can feel like a major blow to lose your ability to drive, there is support available and it is possible to find new ways of doing things.
Facing the emotional impact
It can be devastating when someone needs to stop driving or discovers they will never drive at all. Many feelings can be experienced including anger, depression or even denial. These are normal reactions to loss and pain. However, it is possible to find alternative ways of doing things and enjoy life.
An important part of accepting this new phase of your life can be to allow yourself to experience feelings of grief when they come up. This helps process the impact and over time the feelings will eventually pass. It is, however, normal to have moments of sadness or frustration. One person told us:
“It surprises me that even though I have never been able to drive and feel I have accepted this, I can feel a wave of anger out of nowhere about the situation, I have discovered this is very normal and so I let it come and go.”
Strong feelings are something many others experience. Driving represents many things, and its loss is a valid reason to experience grief. Many people find that support, time, and practical solutions help these feelings become more manageable.
Finding a supportive network
This can make a huge difference. Whether it is finding other blind and partially sighted people who understand the issues you face, or ensuring you don’t lose contact with loved ones and become isolated. Social connection is an important human need fundamental to our wellbeing. We run local social hubs and advice hubs across the region so this might be a good starting place to meet new people. Also, we can assist you to find ways of using technology to stay connected.
Overcoming the practical issues
It is important to realise that not being able to drive does not mean you can’t go anywhere. There are other ways you can get from A to B.
Rehabilitation
If your sight loss is new or you are struggling with confidence in going out, rehabilitation may offer you the training to learn ways of safely navigating the world outside your front door. Get in touch with us and your Community Sight Loss Advisor can refer you to your local rehab officer if this is appropriate.
Bus passes and apps
Local councils across the region may offer bus passes to people registered sight impaired, which can allow free or discounted travel. We can also support you in learning how to use apps on your mobile to help you plan journeys.
Trains
Train travel can be a practical option for many blind and partially sighted people. A Disabled Person’s Railcard can help reduce the cost of travel and offers discounted fares on most rail journeys across the UK.
Assistance is also available when travelling by train. You can request help at stations and on board, such as guidance to platforms, assistance when boarding or leaving the train, and support during your journey. This service usually needs to be booked in advance.
Support with driving to / during work
Research consistently shows that blind and partially sighted people face significant barriers to employment compared to the general population. For those in work, the government offers support through the ‘Access to Work’ scheme. This can provide financial aid to purchase specialist equipment, employ support workers or cover the cost of taxis. Access to Work will agree an annual budget with you. This can be a huge help and can make the difference between working and not working.
Disability benefits
You may qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, depending on your age. These are non-means-tested government benefits aimed at supporting disabled people.
For PIP, there is a mobility element to support you with the costs of travel. If you are awarded the higher rate of the mobility element, you can use this payment to lease a new car if you have someone who can be your driver (for example a family member).
Blue Badges
If you are registered blind or severely sight impaired, you are usually eligible for a Blue Badge. The Blue Badge enables you to park closer to your destination and you can use it even if you are just getting a lift with a friend.
Useful links and information
You may find the following resources helpful:
Disabled Person’s Railcard
Information about eligibility and discounts for rail travel.
Access to Work
Government support for travel and transport costs related to employment.
Blue Badge scheme
Information about parking concessions for disabled people.
Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment
Details about benefits that may help with mobility and travel costs.
Your local council
For information about concessionary bus passes and local transport schemes.
Finally, we are here to help. If you need support with any issues raised above, then please contact us, our trained Community Sight Loss Advisors are ready to assist you.