Another lovely, thoughtful newsletter Jane, thank you. I gave mine up a little more than a year ago, but didn't have anywhere approaching the relationship with driving that you do. The biggest change for me is noticing how the news is received by others. It seems to utterly bamboozle people that just 'hopping in the driver's seat' is off the table now. Go well in your official Passenger Princess life x
Oh you too 👸. And yeah the voices of others again! Easy to say when people haven’t had to deal with that decision themselves. I love the idea of being a Passenger Princess though. Thank you as ever for your comments Eliza.
Thanks, Jane, for that very well revealed journey along your driving license life path - the memories of the associated travels of exploration and domestic duties are positive facets to look back on. I can vouch for the current sensations of being a passenger as advantageous sometimes when one views the surrounding countryside from the top deck of a bus, a motorway coach, or railway compartment seat, without the stress of driving that particular vehicle. I agree that it does take some time to get used to not having personal car access but it's quite reassuring that , for me on holiday, somebody else can deliver me to a bar or a football match !
Thanks Bernard, those are all great silver linings! And yes you’re right about the stress of driving, I don’t miss that at all! Nor do I miss being the designated driver on nights out 🥂
I'm still driving but not very far, not very often and never after dark. Not because of any physical problem, but my slow brain gets fatigued so quickly. I guess I am losing confidence. I totally get that 'lifts' thing, the lack of independence. I can walk ok currently, and use public transport mostly. I'm thinking about giving up my driving license, partly because that might help me in getting a bus pass!
That’s interesting Vicky, how MS affects us all differently, and in relation to driving. And interesting about the bus pass too. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
I gave up my license a few years ago, although I was barely driving by that point, and I wasn't keen on driving with hand controls. (Not to mention, my hands are getting weaker too.) Although there are days when I miss it...
I have not driven since 2005, double vision was the culprit but now I would face the same problems that you mentioned at the end. I've got my 3 wheeled mobility scooter and that does me fine andq shopping by internet is a real life saver
Enjoy the freedom making a big decision gives you! Your new wheels are brilliant- l hope the recent spring sunshine has given you plenty of opportunity to take them for a spin! Great writing as ever. ❤️
Had to stop driving in 2019 because my optic neuritis was so bad. Sigh. But I don’t really mind riding..!
My vision didn’t affect my driving, just the leg and hand! Happy to join you passenger side now!
Another lovely, thoughtful newsletter Jane, thank you. I gave mine up a little more than a year ago, but didn't have anywhere approaching the relationship with driving that you do. The biggest change for me is noticing how the news is received by others. It seems to utterly bamboozle people that just 'hopping in the driver's seat' is off the table now. Go well in your official Passenger Princess life x
Oh you too 👸. And yeah the voices of others again! Easy to say when people haven’t had to deal with that decision themselves. I love the idea of being a Passenger Princess though. Thank you as ever for your comments Eliza.
This was such a thought provoking and beautiful read <3
Thank you so much Zofia, I really appreciate that 😊
What an important read, Jane. This was such a powerful narrative. Thank you.
Thank you so much Chris 🙏
Thanks, Jane, for that very well revealed journey along your driving license life path - the memories of the associated travels of exploration and domestic duties are positive facets to look back on. I can vouch for the current sensations of being a passenger as advantageous sometimes when one views the surrounding countryside from the top deck of a bus, a motorway coach, or railway compartment seat, without the stress of driving that particular vehicle. I agree that it does take some time to get used to not having personal car access but it's quite reassuring that , for me on holiday, somebody else can deliver me to a bar or a football match !
Thanks Bernard, those are all great silver linings! And yes you’re right about the stress of driving, I don’t miss that at all! Nor do I miss being the designated driver on nights out 🥂
I'm still driving but not very far, not very often and never after dark. Not because of any physical problem, but my slow brain gets fatigued so quickly. I guess I am losing confidence. I totally get that 'lifts' thing, the lack of independence. I can walk ok currently, and use public transport mostly. I'm thinking about giving up my driving license, partly because that might help me in getting a bus pass!
That’s interesting Vicky, how MS affects us all differently, and in relation to driving. And interesting about the bus pass too. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
I gave up my license a few years ago, although I was barely driving by that point, and I wasn't keen on driving with hand controls. (Not to mention, my hands are getting weaker too.) Although there are days when I miss it...
Ah you too Chris, and sounds like it was a gradual process as well. Thank you for sharing 💓
I have not driven since 2005, double vision was the culprit but now I would face the same problems that you mentioned at the end. I've got my 3 wheeled mobility scooter and that does me fine andq shopping by internet is a real life saver
Gosh, that’s quite some time ago! I guess you’ve had plenty of time to adjust. Thank you for reading Patrick. 😊
Enjoy the freedom making a big decision gives you! Your new wheels are brilliant- l hope the recent spring sunshine has given you plenty of opportunity to take them for a spin! Great writing as ever. ❤️
Thank you so much for reading Sue, yes have been out quite a lot. I can’t wait to go for a spin with you for coffee soon ☕️
I am so looking forward to this too!
Great article! Weirdly I need to fill out the form to get my license renewed today. Have an automatic... can't drive manual any more.
Thank you so much for reading Chloe, and for sharing your experience 💕
Good timing!
I didn't know you had to notify DVLA of MS! (Also I loved how this story unfurled. It's beautifully structured)
Yes, my neurologist informed me on the day I got my diagnosis! Glad you enjoyed the post, thank you so much for reading 💕