Driving

California law requires that physicians report people diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer’s, to the County Health Department. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is then notified. Based on an evaluation of the person with dementia, the DMV decides whether to suspend, revoke or restrict the person’s license. For details, please call your local DMV or visit dmv.ca.gov.

Although not connected to the DMV, there are driving evaluation programs through area hospitals and the American Occupational Therapy Association that assess whether a person can continue to drive safely. These evaluation programs may require a physician’s referral and are usually offered by appointment only. Fees vary.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Outpatient Rehabilitation Services
Driving & Vision Program
444 S. San Vicente Blvd, Ste 103
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Fax: (310) 423-9222
(fax physician’s prescription & you will be contacted)
cedars-sinai.org/programs

DMV Senior Ombudsman Program
(310) 412-6103

Northridge Hospital
18300 Roscoe Blvd,
4th Floor, IFL Bldg
Northridge, CA 91328
(818) 885-5460

Rancho Los Amigos National
Rehabilitation Center
7601 E. Imperial Hwy
900 Building, Room 88A
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 385-7111

Website

American Occupational Therapy Association

When It’s Not Safe To Drive Anymore

  • Hide the keys

  • Park the car out of sight

  • Remove the car battery or starter wire

  • Say the car is in the shop

  • Get in the car first so you can be the driver

  • Give a set of keys that look like the old keys, but won’t start the car

  • Make having someone else drive sound like fun

We make every effort to include as many relevant resources as possible; however, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles does not endorse the agencies listed in this directory nor was any payment received for their inclusion.