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Health & Fitness

Driving with dementia in Massachusetts

Can driving continue after a person has been diagnosed with dementia?

As a general rule, people with early stage or mild dementia can continue to drive, but only after having a driving evaluation. People with moderate or severe dementia should not drive.

Massachusetts is a self-reporting state.  It is the responsibility of the individual to notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) when there is a medical condition which may affect his/her ability to drive.

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If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, he/she should report it to the RMV and have a driving evaluation. Many hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and occupational therapists offer driving evaluations. Massachusetts RMV provides a list of driving evaluation programs in Massachusetts.

The symptoms of dementia worsen over time, so those individuals who previously may have passed a driving evaluation should continue to be re-evaluated at least every six months or sooner if necessary.  Anyone who does not pass the evaluation must stop driving immediately.

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What to expect during the driving evaluation?

Specially trained occupational therapists can perform a driving evaluation. They can recognize the impact of dementia symptoms on the ability to drive.

Clinical Evaluation

During the clinical evaluation, the therapist will:

  • Review person’s medical and driving history
  • Check vision
  • Assess memory, judgment and speed of response
  • Assess the general motor function (strength, range of motion and flexibility)

Road Test

During the Road Test therapist and/or driving instructor will be sitting next to a person who takes the test. The therapist will assess:

  • Handling the car
  • Problem-solving ability and judgment
  • Traffic assessment

Continue to Monitor Driving

Even after passing a driving evaluation test, it is still important for relatives and friends to continue monitoring the individual’s driving. Symptoms of dementia may significantly decrease driving skills in a short period of time. It is very important to monitor continually to prevent an accident.

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