• Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 74 subscribers
  • Views 230 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Informing DWP should son pass driving test

anddeb

Hi,  I'm new to the group, I really wanted to ask if someone else has been in this situation. My son has autism and receives PIP (high rate on getting around/help with personal/bathing etc) -  does DWP need to be informed if he passes his driving test? He would never be in a situation where he would be driving alone, either my husband or I would be with him. (Would be anxious if there was an accident - if he bumped into another car/other drivers bumped into him - don't think he'd manage to give insurance details etc. Is it a requirement that DWP should be informed?  Ive checked the letter and it only says to inform if they go into hospital / residential care etc . He has a 10 year award which ends March 2027. Any advice would be aporeciated. Thank you

  • I'm going to Tribunal for my PIP application and they've used driving (just like they have used I can work) to infer I'm all good even on the daily living side.  In fact they've used driving more on the daily living side than travel, for me anyway.  So I think when you son has his review - am sure they probably may ask about Driving

    Over time he may start to drive by himself - be careful of passing your fears of that onto him, so do try not to limit him here.  I say this as driving is one thing that really helps me - as the alternative is public transport and that's a big NO NO, unless I'm with someone.  If he does start to go out by himself then the following may help:

    • Have a simple written "in the event of an accident " checklist or script kept in the car.  It may also help to keep an emergency contact card in the car or wallet.
    • My area has the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card, which can let police officers or emergency responders know that they may need information communicated clearly and calmly if they are stressed or overwhelmed.  I don't know if other areas have these ? so maybe worth checking

    Good luck to your son on his lesson and passing his test!

  • Sorry for the late reply. You can still drive if autistic and only need to inform DVLA if there is any medical reason. Autism is a developmental disorder (hate that word because we are NOT disordered) and it may be that is ok.

    I think you may be worried about a PIP award. I have it on very good authority that being unable to travel by oneself scores enough points for the higher mobility award.

    If your son is safe to drive when accompanied and not a risk then it should be perfectly legal for this to happen. After all the opposite would be denying his human rights.

    Hope this may help to calm your fears.

  • Hi  

    I'm replying to your question mostly because no-one else has yet and feel that you deserve a reply.

    The thing I find is maybe that your question perhaps raises lots of difficulties in answering it directly.

    This NAS website does have a page dedicated to driving when autistic.  Here is the shortcut to it: England

    I suggest that you also explore what the legislation is regarding reporting accidents specifically - there are rules and regulations regarding these but as I'm not a legal specialist in those I can't advise you directly - government websites could potentially provide this information?

    W/r/to DWP claim - I wonder if the ability to drive might indicate to the DWP that contradictory evidence is present to an existing claim.  This is perhaps what your question asks?  Again I am unable to answer that question - sorry :-(

    I wonder also if your question perhaps pre-empts the situation of your son passing the driving test?  The NAS web-source that i have provided might be a good review of how/what in that respect.

    Sorry to have not been able to directly answer the questions raised in your post.

    I do hope that you and your son have the best outcome for all concerned on this topic and that perhaps someone else posts a better response to the one I have given.

    Best Wishes

    Phased