dmv written test practice california 2017

Support groups also provide a good place for both caregivers and individuals with dementia to voice their concerns and receive advice from others in a similar situation. The loss of independence associated with driving can make a person feel vulnerable, and he or she may be reluctant to discuss discontinuing the use of a motor vehicle.Īsking physicians, care managers, and other health professionals to bring up the subject of driving in their discussions with the individual can help to initiate a dialogue. However, the loss of driving privileges is likely to be upsetting.Ĭaregivers and family members should be respectful and open with the individual. Some persons with dementia are aware of having difficulty with driving and are relieved when others encourage them to stop.

A letter from the attending physician recommending against continued driving may also be shown to the individual. For example, the car may need to be “disabled” or moved to an unknown location, or the keys may need to be taken away or hidden. As a last resort, caregivers and family members may need to prevent access to the vehicle. This would have obvious legal implications for the individual and family in the unfortunate event of an accident. Resisting the loss of independence, some people with dementia may insist on continuing to drive even when their licenses are revoked. When it is clear that a person cannot drive safely, family members should not hesitate to act accordingly. However, while respecting the individual’s desire to drive, family members must put safety first. It is not uncommon for individuals with dementia and their families to have differing opinions on the individual’s driving ability.

Furthermore, at all phases of impairment, driving ability is likely to worsen during times of high stress. While a person with early dementia may not appear to have these problems, the disease may eventually affect his or her motor coordination, judgment, and concentration. Symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, and changes in visual and spatial perception may result in an individual’s getting lost, forgetting the “rules of the road,” or having slowed reaction times. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder become progressively impaired in their ability to drive.

Dmv written test practice california 2017