Drivers License

By kazza

1 min read

I was having an ok day till I got my driver's license renewal. This I have to do each year.

I rang the optometrist and receptionist said he would fill out forms as I was there the other day, but I have a new GP and my anxiety is kicking in big time reading the chart. I don't drive very far but if I don't get it I feel like losing my independence will be my undoing. I live in a rural area and that's the only time I get me time visiting my friends and doing craft. Just feeling anxious.

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Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
<inline-mention username="kazza" user-id="3136749"/> Wishing you good luck with your driver's license renewal. I know many people in this community have the same type of anxiety when this comes around. I hope you can keep your full licence, or at least a restricted licence so you can drive around your area. Best wishes, let us know how you go. Wendy, Advocate.
1. Linda Hoopes Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Brown Eyed Girl" user-id="3141081"/>- Interesting about a restricted license. Not sure how that works or if it’s different in each state but certainly sounds like a great option instead of the tough transition from a full license to not driving! What does the community know about a restricted driver’s license? What has been your experience? 
2. Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Linda Hoopes" user-id="3120797"/> this is in Australia. Each state is a little bit different. At a certain age in some states people can choose a restricted or modified licence with which they can drive short distances to the shops, doctors' appointments, family visits, etc. There is usually a distance limit. They still have to meet a certain standard of physical fitness to drive though. Wendy, Advocate.
mrsbedbug Member
wow, I totally get your anxiety over this. I already feel this way and I am only 55! Live in the USA but believe me being in a walkable community will be a huge factor in where we live next...
Linda Hoopes Moderator
Losing my driver’s license and independence is also one of my biggest fears. I asked my Retina Specialist if he was going to “turn me in.” He laughed and said he wasn’t turning me in BUT he will need to report it to the state when my vision is 20/70 or worse. I’m curious what other people’s experiences have been. It appears every state may be different. Please share your experiences! Linda Hoopes, Advocate
PPYJ Member
I am 75 and was diagnosed with wet MD in my left eye about seven months ago. My mother and her mother had vision problems. My right eye is ok, so far. I take eyelea injections once a month in my left eye and have yet to see any changes. I try to take a positive outlook on the situation by constantly reminding myself this is not a terminal illness and there are things I can do to adjust to the situation. One thing I do that seems to help is carrying a pocket flashlight to adjust my eyesight in dark areas. It seems to help in depth perception. I look at it from the perspective of how worse off other people have it. I don't know if I could deal with it if I was much younger.
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 Thank you for sharing your experience with wet macular degeneration. Your positive outlook will help you adjust to the impairment in your vision. Some people experience some improvement in vision with the injections but the goal is to slow the progression. Did your doctor advise you to take AREDS2 eye vitamins? Many do prescribe them and they may help slow progression also. Eating leafy green vegetables and getting daily exercise is also good for your vision. Wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes outdoors is recommended. Best of luck, Sharon Moore Advocate
Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
<inline-mention username="kazza" user-id="3136749"/> just checking in with you to see how you went with renewing your driver's licence. You were understandably quite anxious, and I hope you went ok. Do let us know how you managed. Best wishes, Wendy, Advocate.