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Bi-Polar Disorder and DVLA

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lynne05476
lynne05476

I was on the Driving/Vehicle Licensing website for information not related to my medical condition and stumbled across Bi-Polar Disorder having to  be  notifiable for driving purposes.I admit to being a bit taken aback by this as neither my gp or psychiatrist has ever mentioned this.I know that in reality this means gp will be contacted and  my license will probably need reassessing every 3yrs like diabetics do but i don't think i have come across this in any of the bi-polar sites i have accessed either.Anyone out there informed DVLA ?????

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Scottie70
    Scottie70 lynne05476

    Posted

    Lynne...

    I was exactly the same, until someone posed a question on here, I hadn't a clue.

    Like you neither my GP or Psychiatrist had ever mentioned needing to inform the DVLA & I too hadn't read about it anywhere on any info or support sites.

    As I understand it, it's a lot to do with what meds are being taken & how bipolar effects you/severity & therefore if the health practitioner doesn't feel there's a posed risk, no disclosure is required.

    The forms on the DVLA website for disclosure centre around associative meds & their effects too.

    I've been diagnosed 15+ years & as I said, I'm only just aware & have no intention of informing them!

  • clare39944
    clare39944 lynne05476

    Posted

    Dear Lynne, I had my driving licence revoked for 6 months after I was sectioned and an inpatient.  I had to have a medical assessment from my psychiatrist to get it back.  This was for a period of one year, then I had another assessment and now I have it for three years after which time I will be assessed again.  I think the authorities are tightening up on rules already in place.  I have been driving since I was 17, (am now 58), and this is the first time I have had my licence revoked.
  • Lizzie46881
    Lizzie46881 lynne05476

    Posted

    Hi Lynne

    I'm bipolar II, dignosed in in 1998 and I was told to notify the dvla, which I did.  They wrote to my pstchitrist and I was put under a three year review routine.  At one point after I had a relapse it was altered to a yearlty review but I'm very med compliant and was soon back on the htree year review and then eventually when they realised I was totally stable I was given back my 10 year licence, which I still have.

    Its important to notify the dvla as your car inusrance will be in-valid if you are in an accident and they find out.

    Best Wishes

    Emma-Jane

    • lynne05476
      lynne05476 Lizzie46881

      Posted

      Thankyou, up till now i have been reluctant to disclose to dvla but realise nothing will be covered if i am unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident esp if my fault.Told my insurance company today now for dvla. Best Wishes Lynne
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