Despite MS, I’m regaining the desire to get behind the wheel

At the age of 40, I’ve never passed my driving test. I know that’s shocking.

Here in the United Kingdom, we must pass two sections to be licensed to drive: a theory test and the practical test. I’ve passed the theory part three times but was never able to pass the driving test, and if you don’t pass that part, a theory pass is good for only two years. My failures knocked my confidence, causing me to move the idea to the back of my mind for many years.

After discussions with my doctor and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, I was deemed safe to learn to drive. But because of numbness in my feet and legs, I felt I couldn’t do it, so the idea slipped away. It’s been a long time since I thought it was possible for me to start driving, but now I have a genuine drive to do it. Sorry, that’s a bad pun.

Why now? What’s changed?

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Adding some control to my life

Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in August 2022, I’ve had to sacrifice lots of my freedoms. So after taking some time to assess what my next post-diagnosis challenge would be, I’ve decided that driving is the best way to give myself back some control.

A few of my troublesome symptoms have included foot drop, when signals aren’t being properly sent to the nerves in my right leg; toes that drag across the ground when I walk; and difficulty walking in general because I quickly become fatigued. I can go out alone only if I use Shelby, the name for my mobility scooter. That has only added to my desire to drive. I’m determined one day to get into the car and grab a coffee or go shopping.

What do the doctor and driving agency say? It’s straightforward: I’m good to go as long as I can control a vehicle and maintain concentration, and the doctor is happy that it seems safe for me. Both tell me a car can be adapted, meaning the brake and accelerator would be moved so I could do the peddle work by hand. I’m no mechanic, but that sounds ingenious.

What do I do now?

First, I’ll take the theory test again. I won’t share the date, but it’s soon, so I’m focusing on that in the short term. While I plan for that, I’ll also be finding a driving instructor before getting behind the wheel. That step will be tough to achieve, but the idea of having this independence excites me.

I feel pride when I find ways to improve by fighting back against MS. I refuse to be a prisoner of my own body. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it: I’ve got MS; MS hasn’t got me.

Bring on this next challenge because it’s long overdue.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.