Perth woman with cerebral palsy faces losing driver’s licence after 36 years – ABC Online

Posted April 08, 2017 14:13:32

A Perth woman with cerebral palsy said she was being forced to sit an extra test or risk losing the driver's licence she has held for 36 years.

Kerry Allan-Zinner, 53, has been driving since she was 17 and has a blemish-free record.

But for the first time, what had previously been a routine licence renewal hit a snag and she was asked to prove she was fit to drive.

"I invite you to walk around my car, find a scratch, find a dent, find something that says this person could possibly be a danger to herself or to others," she said.

"There is no valid reason for me not to have my licence processed."

She said she was being unfairly targeted because of her condition. Cerebral palsy affects the muscles and does not worsen over time.

"It is static, so whilst my lifestyle changes the damage that is my disability does not change," she said.

Ms Allan-Zinner holds an F class extension on her licence because she previously helped run a limousine service, where she was paid to drive.

That licence extension requires her to sit a medical every three years to ensure she is fit to drive.

Earlier this year Ms Allan-Zinner underwent that medical as per normal.

She said her doctor deemed her fit to drive.

But she was then sent a letter from the Department of Transport asking her to undergo another test conducted by an occupational therapist.

It warned that if she did not, her licence would be suspended.

Ms Allan-Zinner has three adult children and is about to become a grandmother for the first time.

She said her life would change dramatically if she could no longer drive.

"Driving is my lifeline to the community; I can drive you to Albany right now, if you felt like it, but I actually can't walk around two blocks in the suburb," she said.

"Not only is it my key to the world, I value it in such a way that I ensure that I'm a good driver, and my driving record will show you that.

"It hits me because once again it shows how bureaucracy is able to railroad individuals.

"People with disabilities face more judgement, more testing, more scrutiny than any other members of the population."

The department said it was acting on advice from Ms Allan-Zinner's doctor, whom she had been seeing for less than a year, stating that she required further assessment.

In a statement, the department said it was following protocol.

"Holders of particular types of licences (such as a taxi, small charter or driving instructor) or those with medical condition(s) are required to satisfy the Department of Transport of their fitness to drive," the statement reads.

"All decisions requesting a person undergoes a specialist assessment in relation to a 'Fitness to Hold' licence are based on recommendations provided by medical practitioners."

It is unclear whether Ms Allan-Zinner has been asked to satisfy this test because of her medical condition or because of her F class extension, which she has now surrendered.

Topics: cerebral-palsy, disabilities, perth-6000, wa

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Perth woman with cerebral palsy faces losing driver's licence after 36 years - ABC Online