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Can You Drive in California with Dementia?

Article written by Delta Driving School

Dementia is a brain disorder that causes a loss of cognitive functioning and can inhibit a person’s daily life and activities. Physicians are required by law to report a patient diagnosed with any condition marked by a lapse of consciousness to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV is then authorized to take action against an individual’s driving privileges if he or she is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle due to the condition of their dementia.

If the physician’s report suggests an individual has moderate or severe dementia, they will no longer be permitted to operate a motor vehicle in California. Alternatively, drivers who have dementia in the mild stages may still possess the cognitive functions necessary for safe driving and will be required by the DMV to participate in the driver Re-examination process.

The Re-examination process involves three phases: an in-person interview, a knowledge test, and a special driving test. All three phases of the Re-examination process are put in place so the DMV can make a final ruling on a driver’s mental competency and cognitive skills.

Drivers who complete all phases of the Re-examination process without issue will generally not have their license suspended or revoked. However, appropriate license restrictions may be applied. Common restrictions include no nighttime driving, no freeway driving, or driving only within a certain radius.

This article was sent to us by Delta Driving School. They are a Driving School in La Crescenta CA and neighboring cities. Make sure to contact them if you are looking for a driving school in that area.