Not fit to drive…but what to do?

It is not the GPs responsibility to report medical conditions to the DVLA, it is the driver.

If someone who should not drive made it clear to the GP that they didn't intend to report or refrain from driving, they would have an obligation to report at that stage, due to the risk of harm to others.

Honestly, it's not a position that a GP wants to be in. I'm sure most would do it but it would likely be the end of any relationship with that patient, and perhaps any GP relationship with that patient. They also tend to tell the GP what they want to hear (ie they will promise to report and then not do it).

We disabled my grandfather's car (he had no idea) as he had dementia and horrific eyesight.

Would your relative move?

Take the leads off the battery. She won't be able to start the car. If she has AA or the like, either contact them and say she's been reported to the dvla for being unfit to drive or leave a note in the engine bay saying the same.

Or you could hide/take the keys.

Good luck, it's a tough thing to do!

@Eek3under3 sorry posted before I saw your update. My nan was like that too till she went to a place that sold them and she found one she liked

@Eek3under3 a mobility scooter! (as a pp suggested)
my nan willingly gave up her car because she didn't have the confidence to drive anymore and she got a mobility scooter.
She lives in a little village and uses it to get to lunch club,doctors,her local friends houses etc

Local to us a lady was killed by an elderly gentleman who just got muddled and drove straight whilst accelerating instead of braking whilst turning a corner. Please report immediately.
Also try talking to AgeUK as they often have schemes with local agencies for driving/taxi services during the day. They will be at a cost but perhaps cheaper and friendlier than the local taxi firm. That said if you discuss it with a local cab firm they can be very helpful sometimes too.

Just to say you can also report the car/person to crimestopper anonymously so if they do continue driving they should be stopped.

This case was not so far from me. A 16 year old killed by a man who had been advised to stop driving a few days previously

I remember thinking about it as my father aged, but in the event, he willingly gave up his car on his own accord as he was aware of his reaction time not being what it was.

Good luck with your Mum.

FILs car is currently sat on our driveway due to this.

I have reported my husband (who still thinks he can drive) because he had a stroke and cant speak. He also has other cognitive issues. It's easy. I no longer drive because I have AMD and I can't see properly. I gave my car to my daughter!

We had this with my MIL, eventually the DCs sabotaged her car.
I actually refused to go in the car with her but the DCs didn’t believe me!

You should report to the GP and the DVLA. Why are you not doing both?

Do they realise this: “You could be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.” From DVLA here

I think their insurance is likely to be invalid if they haven’t declared a relevant condition. So it’s invalid even if they are in an accident which isn’t their fault.

Report. I reported my mum and her license was removed. It was inconvenient for her but she was dangerous.

Had to report an elderly relative in a similar situation some years ago.

Living in a rural location isn't always a great retirement plan. If you have the money for taxis etc that's one thing but most don't especially if the taxi has a 10 mile drive to get to you in the first place.
I think we all know shopping deliveries etc can be arranged. Many actually live in villages without any public transport at all and most of my relatives have become increasingly stubborn with age. Nobody likes to rely on others for basic transport needs but if you are not safe to drive then there is no option.

Thank you for being concerned and taking action, @Eek3under3 . An elderly driver drove into my mum a few years ago. She was crushed between two cars (she was standing, putting some shopping in the boot when he drove into her).

She was flown to hospital by air ambulance and had to have emergency surgery on her legs. Took months to recover and she's severely scarred. Also suffered PTSD.

The driver gave up his licence to the police on the spot, but the damage was done.

I'm a paramedic in an area which is very popular for retirement. I have been to more RTCs due to "collapse at wheel" and elderly unable to control their vehicle than I care to remember. One where the elderly driver reversed his automatic over a pavement, across a main road, over another pavement, across the bus station and then onto the bus stop area. Somehow despite it being the middle of the day with loads of elderly with walking aids and young mums with pushchairs out and about, only one person was hit and got away with 'just' a broken leg. It really is a miracle that this didn't turn in to a mass casualty incident.

Remove the keys, let all the air out of the tyres, take the HT leads out of the engine, and then wait for the DVLAs input, and plan alternative transport.

I think as about to suggest this.

Your relative is bound to have friends and acquaintances who will be positively relieved you’ve acted to have his license removed. I’m sure they will offer to help.

Often rural communities have volunteer drivers who give lifts and you just pay the petrol. Often they will have connections with the local church so might be worth asking there?

How short and flat are the distances? Could an adult tricycle or electric mobility scooter be a solution?.

Please report before they have an accident. I was hit head on by an elderly driver who should not have been on the road. As bad as it was for me, sadly it was way worse for them.

Who does he socialise / do hobby with? Can one of them give him lifts for a small fee?

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/aug/12/shelagh-robertson-woman-cleared-baby-boys-death-louis-thorold-then-undiagnosed-dementia

In case you need more incentive to report.

Would they use a mobility scooter instead? Much lower risk to life and limb than a car, and the high-end ones have a good radius distance-wise.