Can People With Schizophrenia Drive?

Driving for a person who has schizophrenia becomes a concern based on the severity of their symptoms and their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Cognitive and motor disturbances may occur due to the onset of schizophrenia, consequently impeding judgment, attention, and decision-making. If someone with these disorders were in an active phase with hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking, safe driving would be distant from reality. However, the majority of patients with the underlining diagnosis are never symptomatic enough to impede leading an independent life; knowing their symptoms and maintaining schizophrenia treatment can permit them to comply with whatever requests are made of them, including driving, once their symptoms are controlled. A collaborative assessment of driving skills will be beneficial for patients with schizophrenia and their health care provider. Occasionally, someone could be able to drive but would be advised to not drive due to mental states affecting their alertness and ability to respond to changing traffic situations. Periodic reviews of their fitness to drive, alongside open communication among them and their doctor, are requirements in promoting safe driving.