Learning to drive on Carer's Allowance

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

missile wrote: »

AFIK, the OP and her mother are not mentally !!!!!!. As responsible adults they can determine whether it is safe for mum to supervise. If they are in any doubt they can ask their GP to advise.

Never suggested such a thing. I am simply pointing out that someone who does not drive is not necessarily in a position to assess the capabilities required for supervision. If you go by the list, all that is required is a licence of the appropriate type held for 3 years and being over 21, but the reality is that supervision requires concentration and alertness - and actually to be an able driver themselves.

You clearly misunderstand the point I am making, close family members may not be the best to critically assess the abilities of each other to cope with a task which in my opinion is non-trivial.

missile wrote: »

If mother is not fit to supervise, then should she be driving?

No, that is obvious (and the GP and DVLA should be involved already). Let's assume that mum is managing her driving appropriately and not driving when it is inappropriate. OTOH, a lot of people drive when it is not appropriate.

missile wrote: »

I hope you are not suggesting mother should be able to grab the wheel. :eek:

Yes, if it avoided an accident. My dad probably saved our 5 lives by doing so when my mum failed to cope with the concept of corners and did not respond to verbal requests to brake (I still re-live that moment from the 1960s!). She should be able to apply the hand brake, knock the car out of gear and do whatever is needed if the situation arises. I can't recall a situation where I needed to do it supervising my children but if the OP's mum hasn't got the physical ability to intervene then it is an additional risk.

Mojisola

crispycornflake2018 wrote: »

I'm twenty-seven years old and full-time carer for my mom

Unfortunately, my C.A only covers the bare essentials for me

Can't you claim anything in addition to CA?

missile

IanMSpencer wrote: »

You clearly misunderstand the point I am making, close family members may not be the best to critically assess the abilities of each other to cope with a task which in my opinion is non-trivial.

I understood, but do not agree. I would suggest your experience is very unusual and may have coloured your opinion.

We all like to think we are better than average drivers.

The requirements for supervising driver are clearly specified in the link I posted. This does not include any physical intervention. I would imagine the OP and her mother are well able to judge and as I said if mother cannot meet those requirements she ought not be driving.

Robisere

OP, can you come back and answer Owain Moneysaver's question regarding whether your mom gets DLA or PIP? If she is able to qualify for Motability, she may be able to obtain a grant from Motability for Driving lessons for you, then an allowance for a car when you pass. You would be Named Driver.

crispycornflake2018

Hi all,

Thank you for all your replies - the answers are as follows:

@OwainMoneysaver: Mom is due for her PIP review in 2019 and as of now does not receive the higher rate, only the medium rate, as she did not qualify for the former two years ago.

@missile: I would consider this at a later date but for now I would not be confident in driving my mom's people carrier.

@IanMSpencer: Please educate yourself about the nature of what Fibro/CFS is. Her mind is still quite sharp - even on days where she is not physically able to do anything.

@bertiewhite, @alterego, @SenisbleSarah: Born and raised in the West Midlands, UK - Wolverhampton to be precise. We do not use "mum" here - only "mom". It is part of the Black Country dialect.

@missile, @Mojisola: You're correct.

@IanMSpencer: Given that I have been looking after my mom for two years now, I am more than capable of determining whether she is able to supervise activities. Please refrain from suggesting otherwise. The DVLA have not asked her to surrender her license when she phoned them because she has never had an accident or had to claim against insurance.

@missile: My mom did contact the DVLA and thus far has NOT had to surrender her licence because she has never had an accident or had to claim on her insurance. You're right - we are not 'mentally !!!!!!' and somehow this thread has gone from me asking for help to insinuating my mom doesn't have the mental capacity to do anything for herself.

@Mojisola: Unfortunately not. I get CA and the Carer's Grant supplemented by around £40ish of UC every month to top it up.

@Robisere: Apologies for my lateness, however, I was not expecting many replies. I hope this comment answers all your questions.

Owain_Moneysaver

crispycornflake2018 wrote: »

Mom is due for her PIP review in 2019 and as of now does not receive the higher rate, only the medium rate, as she did not qualify for the former two years ago.

If Mom's condition has changed she should (probably) inform DWP now rather than waiting for the next review.

I say 'probably' because there may be implications with changing to Universal Credit or other benefit changes I don't know about.

crispycornflake2018

She was in touch with all the relevant authorities at the start of Summer 2017 and was told that she because her re-assessment date was closer than it was further away, to wait, which is a pain.

She does not deal with Universal Credit as non of the benefits she receives at this time are part of that program format.

We are currently waiting to be assigned a social worker and for a carer's assessment but so far not much has happened other than she has now been given the okay to access a wheelchair on the NHS.

missile

crispycornflake2018 wrote: »

@missile: I would consider this at a later date but for now I would not be confident in driving my mom's people carrier..

Driving lessons are expensive and many people find it useful to augment lessons by practising what they have learned whilst under supervision by a qualified driver.

This may or may not be a viable option for you?

Hopefully your mum will be able to drive for many more years. However, I think you are wise to consider your options before she becomes unable to drive. Good luck. :beer: