DVLA and mental health

mollycat

neilmcl wrote: »

I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm not trying to win any argument I honestly thought this was becoming an interesting discussion. You haven't seen me throw any insults your way throughout this, have you.

No, Neil, you're quite right, apologies!!

Dont think we'll agree on this one.

DVLA guidelines are quite black and white; maybe thats why ive not seen them followed 100%.

Still believe on information known, OP should not be stopped from driving.

Night, catch you later.

Errata

Are the DVLA guidelines directives or simply guidance. It makes a difference.

littlerat

Errata wrote: »

Are the DVLA guidelines directives or simply guidance. It makes a difference.

Depends which operator you get!

Have just found out someone I know phoned and basically if she's not intending to take her own life it doesn't matter.

Other people I've heard of having them taken away the minute they mention "depression". I suppose people will only bother usually posting online if it's taken though, so like with anything I guess you will get a biased view online.

Errata

Look at it this way. There are hundreds of thousands of people who experience depression many of whom will have suicidal thoughts, and over the years probably millions. I doubt those same numbers of people report their situation to the DVLA.

Inactive

Errata wrote: »

Look at it this way. There are hundreds of thousands of people who experience depression many of whom will have suicidal thoughts, and over the years probably millions. I doubt those same numbers of people report their situation to the DVLA.

There are millions of drivers that break the speed limit every day, doesn't make it any less wrong in the eyes of the law.:rolleyes:

Mrs_Ryan

My OH has psychosis controlled by SSRI's and anti-psychotics - he is under the care of the local community Psychosis Intervention Team, and he drives. The DVLA are well aware and have recieved evidence regarding his condition from the Psychiatrist responsible for his care, and were satisfied enough never to revoke his licence totally - and he was quite ill at one stage.
As far I was concerned, I thought it was only if the person was admitted to in-patient care? Im probably wrong but when I was training I remember a few cases that we had to deal with licence revoking.

[Deleted User]

littlerat wrote: »

Have just found out someone I know phoned and basically if she's not intending to take her own life it doesn't matter.

How on earth did she manage that? As I mentioned above, my experience of them was that they confiscate first and ask questions later. I had no access to anyone with any authority to advise or answer questions, either by phone or letter. I simply had my licence taken away on the spot, and then waited in a queue for months while they decided there was no reason to have taken it.

Their website says they will deal with you within 90 working days (about 4 months). I got a letter on the 90th day telling me that I could have my licence back if my GP said so. That was a bit rich, considering that the only reason I had to contact them in the first place was because the doctor refused to give me a decision. When I complained, they sent another letter saying that I could reapply for my licence, and backdated it to the 90th day!

littlerat

jack_pott wrote: »

How on earth did she manage that? As I mentioned above, my experience of them was that they confiscate first and ask questions later. I had no access to anyone with any authority to advise or answer questions, either by phone or letter. I simply had my licence taken away on the spot, and then waited in a queue for months while they decided there was no reason to have taken it.

Their website says they will deal with you within 90 working days (about 4 months). I got a letter on the 90th day telling me that I could have my licence back if my GP said so. That was a bit rich, considering that the only reason I had to contact them in the first place was because the doctor refused to give me a decision. When I complained, they sent another letter saying that I could reapply for my licence, and backdated it to the 90th day!

It's what the person she reached decided - whether they were too lazy to actually bother or what, who knows

neilmcl

So what's happening then. Did you see your Doctor today and are you going to inform the DVLA or not?

System

wrote:

AFAIK for depression and anxietry they won't stop you driving unless your meds make you drowsy. I suffer from severe depression and BPD and yet my psychiatrist still thinks i'd be ok to drive (well she won't sign the forms i need for a bus pass saying i can't drive).

If you feel you would put yourself at risk or others then inform then, though be prepared for a medical inquiry and/or them taking back your licence. I myself would do this BUT i have no intentions to learn to drive right now and i need my DL as its the only id i have. Although if you are declared unfit to drive you should be entitled to claim the national disabled travel card.