DVLA and mental health

Indie_Kid

harveybobbles wrote: »

Well my OH sufferes the same as the OP and our GP has never mentioned anything to us about letting the DVLA know.

But you still need to inform then:

If you've had, or currently suffer from a medical condition or disability that may affect your driving you must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You'll also need to provide details if you develop a new condition or disability or one that has become worse since your licence was issued.

Failure to notify DVLA is a criminal offence and is punishable by a fine of up to £1000.

Source - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/MedicalRulesForDrivers/DG_4022415

neilmcl

Maybe a read of this would be helpful - http://www.direct.gov.uk/dr_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_066632.pdf

particularly chapter 4.

Anihilator

mollycat wrote: »

Read the relevant DVLA guidelines; im not wasting my time conversing with you.

Pap!

http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/ataglance.aspx

What you mean this document which quite clearly would suggest the OP should notify the DVLA and cease driving pending a medical evaluation :rolleyes:

Or do you think having suicidal thoughts is minor/stable behaviour...

mollycat

Anihilator wrote: »

The only idiot here is the so called mental health worker giving out advice which is potentially dangerous and illegal.

No. YOU are widely regarded as an idiot on these forums.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

mollycat

neilmcl wrote: »

Maybe a read of this would be helpful - http://www.direct.gov.uk/dr_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_066632.pdf

particularly chapter 4.

Thank You Neil.

Discussion over.

Anihilator

mollycat wrote: »

Thank You Neil.

Discussion over.

How exactly does that support your argument. Please quote the bit you think does.

Errata

littlerat wrote: »

Ok I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, came under being controlled so I didn't need to report it (I did check this)...

However to cut a long story short, I've got to go the doctors on wednesday and tell them about suicidal thoughts. Now as I understand it's basically you need to let the DVLA know if you feel like driving into another car at 100MPH or something, which I'm not going to be doing.

Will I need to inform them on the principle of the thoughts, or is it only if you believe yourself or the doctor believes you to be a danger?

Really don't want to lose my license, I love driving, and I'd never drive if I wasn't 100% up to it either

Anybody been there and care to tell me how it all works?

Nearly everyone who experiences severe depression, formally diagnosed or not, has suicidal thoughts. They go with the territory.
Ask yourself if every one of these people tells the DVLA about it. The plain fact is that they don't.

neilmcl

mollycat wrote: »

Thank You Neil.

Discussion over.

Actually my post kinda supports Anihilator viewpoint I'm afraid. The document quite clearly states that if the driver is suffering from severe anxiety or depressive illnesses with suicidal thoughts they should cease driving immediately pending the outcome of a medical enquiry.

mollycat

neilmcl wrote: »

Actually my post kinda supports Anihilator viewpoint I'm afraid. The document quite clearly states that if the driver is suffering from severe anxiety or depressive illnesses with suicidal thoughts they should cease driving immediately pending the outcome of a medical enquiry.

Where does the OP say she is suffering SEVERE depression??

Even with suicidal thoughts, her depression may be mild/moderate, therefore she more fits into the first category, (No need to inform DVLA, no need to cease driving).

To OP; this is one of the dangers of seeking specialist advice on an internet forum.

You will attract well meaning persons who dont really know but are trying to help, and predudiced people who advise what they either would LIKE to happen, or what they think SHOULD happen.

These people dont realise that people with psychiatric illnesses drive, even when on medication, and even when experiencing symptoms.

Trust me, ive been involved in these type of occaissions many times; if your depression is mild/moderate, (and the criteria for this diagnosis is clearly defined in the ICD 10), then there is NO NEED for the DVLA to be informed...even with the presence of suicidal thoughts, which is completely different from suicidal INTENT.

Anihilator

mollycat wrote: »

Where does the OP say she is suffering from SEVERE depression??

She fits into the first category which says driving need not cease, (even with suicidal thoughts present).

Its quite blatantly obvious thats why.

The OP had depression and anxiety which was under control - doesnt mention whether this was drug control. Probably doesnt need to be disclosed

The condition quite clearly has been aggravated and suicidal thoughts quite clearly suggest it is serious depression hence driving should cease until medical evaluation.

The fact the OP is trying to get out of telling the DVLA quite clearly suggests to me they know fine the licence will be revoked.