Your legal obligations will depend on the laws of the country in which you
live, but those likely to be applicable in all European countries are:
-
notifying your
national driver and vehicle licensing body of your diagnosis.
They will advise you of the steps you need to take to retain your driving
licence. This may involve contacting your doctor to confirm your fitness
to drive, a medical exam or driving test. Some countries may issue a
licence for a fixed term, usually renewable provided your ability hasn’t
deteriorated sufficiently to make you unfit to drive.
-
informing your
insurance company. You should tell the company of any health
change that may affect your driving. In most countries it is an offence
under road traffic legislation to make a false statement or withhold
information for the purposes of obtaining a certificate of motor
insurance. Anyone who drives when considered unfit will invalidate their
insurance cover.
-
reporting any
subsequent changes in your driving ability to the driver and vehicle
licensing body and your insurance company. All drivers have a
responsibility to ensure that they are medically fit to drive at all
times. If you have any doubts, stop driving and discuss the situation with
your doctor. Due to the changing and progressive nature of Parkinson’s it
is important that your ability to drive be monitored and regular check-ups
made if necessary.
Insurance premiums
Unfortunately some insurance companies do apply extra charges to premiums,
despite the disability discrimination legislation that now exists in many
European countries. If this happens to you, always source a competitive quote
from another insurer. Your local Parkinson’s or disability organisation may
have a list of insurance companies.
Vehicle tax
In some countries you may be entitled to a free tax disc if you have a
disability and are receiving particular state benefits. Your local social
services or welfare rights organisation can advise further.
