Celebrating Mehrab’s Driving Success
We’re delighted to share another inspiring success story from Herts Ability - and to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our client, Mehrab Chowdhury, who has officially been declared fit to drive!
Mehrab - pictured here with Sarah (Driving Assessor & Driving Instructor) and Ayo (Driving Assessor & Occupational Therapist) - came to us after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis last year at just 23.
Driving has always been a source of joy and independence for him, so passing his fitness-to-drive assessment marks a milestone that truly means the world.
Mehrab’s Experience
Mehrab told us:
“You guys have been incredibly comforting, jolly people! I felt safe from the moment I started the assessment. I had a great time and honestly, I would recommend it to everyone - it was a great experience.”
We’re so proud of his determination and honoured to have supported him on his journey back to independence.
Need Help Getting Back on the Road?
If you, or someone you know, needs extra support to rebuild driving confidence, explore vehicle adaptations, or understand how a condition may affect driving, our friendly team is here for you.
Together, we can help make independence possible.
📍 Spotlight on Our Leyton Driving Centre
We’re shining a spotlight on our fantastic Leyton Driving Centre - the only Driving Mobility Centre in London!
Open every Tuesday and Wednesday, our Leyton team helps Londoners get safely and confidently back behind the wheel.
Meet the Team
- Sarah - Driving Assessor
- Ayo - Driving Assessor & Occupational Therapist
Both are passionate about helping people find safe, comfortable, and confidence-building ways to drive again.
Explore Driving with Adaptations
If you have a physical impairment, we offer a hands-on opportunity to try a wide range of vehicle adaptations and transfer aids. Our dual-controlled fleet is fully equipped to help you find what suits you best - safely and comfortably.
Driving with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a life-long neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. It’s one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults, and women are more likely than men to be diagnosed. Over 130,000 people in the UK live with MS.
MS symptoms vary widely. They may come and go or gradually worsen over time. Common symptoms include fatigue, mobility problems, visual changes, numbness or tingling, muscle stiffness, bladder issues, and difficulties with balance, coordination, or thinking. Because every person experiences MS differently, the impact on driving also varies.
If you’re diagnosed with MS, you must inform both the DVLA and your insurance provider. It’s also important to keep your vision regularly checked to meet the legal standards for driving.
How Herts Ability Can Help
Mobility Centres like Herts Ability offer comprehensive assessments to ensure you can continue driving safely and confidently for as long as possible. We can also advise on adaptations, equipment loading, and vehicle access if you use mobility aids.
A diagnosis of MS doesn’t automatically mean you must stop driving. However, because MS can be progressive, regular reviews help keep you and other road users safe.
What the Assessment Involves
1. Physical Assessment
MS can cause weakness, sensory changes, or coordination difficulties that may affect your ability to use standard vehicle controls. We assess whether adaptations - such as hand controls - might make driving easier and safer.
2. Cognitive Assessment
Some people with MS experience changes in memory, processing, or decision-making. We use the Rookwood Driving Battery, a set of short cognitive tests, to screen for driving-relevant difficulties. Regardless of results, most people still proceed to the in-car stage.
3. Eyesight Check
You must be able to read a number plate at 20 metres (with glasses or contact lenses if needed). If MS causes temporary visual disturbance, we recommend waiting until your vision improves before attending.
4. In-Car Assessment
This is the most important part of the process. After a relaxed familiarisation period, you’ll drive a set route covering a range of road types. We’re not testing your “driving test” skills - we focus on how MS affects your reactions, observations, lane discipline, and overall safety.
Common issues we look for include unsafe gaps at junctions, difficulty responding to signs or traffic lights, poor lane positioning, inappropriate speed, or problems with awareness of other vehicles. We also check whether physical symptoms affect control of the pedals or steering.
After the Assessment
You’ll receive clear, honest feedback. Outcomes may include:
- Safe to continue driving
- Safe to drive, but with a recommended review in 6-12 months
- A recommendation to stop driving
- Safe once adaptations are learned, with further lessons advised
Our aim is always to support safe, independent driving for as long as possible. When difficulties can be helped with adaptations or training, we’ll guide you through the next steps. If safety is compromised, we’ll help you understand your options and plan for the future.
Get in Touch
📞 Call us: 01707 324 581
📧 Email: driving@hertsability.org.uk
Let’s work together to keep you driving safely, confidently, and independently!
