The assessment of people with arthritis who wish to drive a car

In Great Britain 504,565 people are in receipt of Mobility Allowance; this, together with improved technology and an increase in public awareness, has increased the mobility aspirations of disabled people. Among those wishing to learn to drive for the first time, or to continue driving, are people with arthritis. In many cases pain and restriction of joint movement necessitate modification of car controls or driving technique. Between May 1982 and April 1985, 83 people with arthritis were assessed at Banstead. This paper describes the techniques used at Banstead Place Mobility Centre to assess these drivers, the difficulties which they experience, and the modifications which have been recommended.