We’ve just been through this at my home. My husband was tested twice, the second time lost his license. Here’s what I learned in the process.
It was explained to me, your ability to make a left hand turn or park perfectly are very poor indicators of whether you should still be driving. Muscle /neuron memory is strong and you’ll be able to well execute those moves still long after you should stop driving.
As it takes your license, the administration of the test is strictly controlled. The part that decides if you’ll drive again, in my jurisdiction, is a divided attention task test. Divided attention is crucial to driving, but it’s what fades, long before muscle memory.
The portion that decides it is a simple exercise, a sheet of paper with the numbers 1-6 spaced randomly about, and the letters A-F also spaced randomly. The subject is given a pencil and told to connect the letter/numbers, as follows; 1-A-2-B-3-C… etc.
It is administered very specifically. The tester is only allowed to explain it twice, and must allow the test taker, a full four minutes to complete. Possibly the longest, most painful 4 minutes to endure as an observer.
But a simple test anyone could administer really. Here in Ontario seniors are allowed to keep their license but only as ID, it softens the blow for them. It was also explained you have 24hrs, till Dept. of Transport is informed. From then on, your car insurance is void and no longer covers any accidents! And that’s what keeps most elder drivers from driving after diagnosis and testing.
Being diagnosed with cognitive loss and losing your license is a tough blow, BUT… the available meds do work, but it’s essential to take them at the beginning of the decline when they will work best. If you wait till the disease has progressed significantly, the meds won’t likely work very well to slow things down.
Pointing that out was what helped my husband decide to get tested. It might be worth introducing the concept to your elderly drivers. Even if they’re hiding it from you, they ARE aware and probably frightened about what is happening to them. Knowing there are effective meds, but must be administered early in the decline to be most effective, makes testing, diagnosis, medication, a sensible, mature and reasoned prudent/adult choice. They may feel in charge and less fearful, and def not hopeless. Approach them as reasoning adults and give them time to process their choices and its implications.
I know how challenging and frightening these changes can be for everyone. We’re now a full two years in and we’re muddling through just fine without a car or any family in town. A lot of resources are available, in this day and age, that weren’t in times earlier.
Good Luck!
