Driving with MS in Queensland

As a driver with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) you need to be aware of certain legal and moral responsibilities you have. A diagnosis of MS does not automatically mean that you are no longer able to drive. However the symptoms of MS are many and varied and they do not have to be major to affect your ability to drive.

Reviewing your ability to drive

If there are any adverse changes in your condition which may affect your driving ability, it is your responsibility to report these to your doctor as soon as
they develop. A minimum yearly review of your driving ability by your Health Practitioner is recommended.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist e.g. ophthalmologist, or a driver trained occupational therapist for further assistance.

Think about your answers to these questions:
1 Would you want your loved ones to be crossing the road on foot, or driving on
the same road at the same time as you (or your partner with MS)?
2 Are others willing or reluctant to be your passengers?
3 Do others offer to drive you instead of you driving them?
4 Do you rely on others to help you see signs, pedestrians and other cars?

What are the rules around driving and MS?

Often as a person with MS, it is difficult to stand back from your driving and the independence it brings, so seriously consider your symptoms and the impact they may have on your driving skills. You also need to be aware of certain obligations as a driver by law in Queensland that you must adhere to.

How do I notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads?

1 Visit your doctor (GP);

2 Ask your GP to complete the medical form F3712 available
through the Department of Transport and Main Roads; and

3 Take your form to the Department of Transport and Main Roads
as soon as possible.
For more information visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au or phone 13 23 80.

Do I need to notify the Department of
Transport and Main roads?

Private vehicle drivers

You are not required to notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads if
you have MS and your treating health professional has determined that you have
no significant impairment to any of the following:

Visuospatial perception, insight, judgement, coordination, memory, reaction time, vision, sensation, muscle power, attention

Then you are fit to hold an unconditional licence.

However, you are required to notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads
if you have MS and your treating health professional has determined that you have
significant impairment to any of the neurological functions mentioned above.
Then you are fit to hold a conditional licence (subject to at least an annual review) if you
provide the Department of Transport and Main Roads with a current medical certificate
completed by your health professional that recommends the grant of a conditional licence.

Commercial vehicle drivers

You are required to notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads if you have MS. This is irrespective of whether or not you have significant impairment to any of the neurological functions mentioned above. You are then fit to hold a conditional licence (subject to at least an
annual review) if you provide the Department of Transport and Main Roads with a current medical certificate completed by your health professional that recommends the grant of a conditional licence.

It is recommended to discuss with your GP the impact of MS on your driving ability

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