Post by adamv on Nov 5, 2011 0:53:51 GMT
First of all Hello people.
History about myself:
I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was young (around 6 years old.) I took tablets (Conserta, Ritalin, prozac) until I was around 12/13 years old.
I then stopped taking tablets due to loosing weight and having to sit in a bed for 6 months.
As time passed I finished school, went to collect and finished collect, I worked while I was at college and work today as a care assistant and I care for elderly vulnerable people.
When I was younger I used to be fairly violent this was due to not being able to manage my ADHD I remember sitting in a classroom being told to sit and "concentrate" and "take time over my work" due to being dyslexic also. I remember the build up of frustration as I had to sit there it just made me flip.
Today I can manage my symptoms fine I do this by sitting on a computer and playing very fast passed games that keep me busy. OFC I get up, sit down, put tasks off etc etc the normal ADHD stuff. But I am no longer violent and I have no criminal record and have never been in trouble with the law ever.
When I was 18 years old I applied for a Driving licence (I didn't put I had ADHD down as I didn't know you had to and to be honest I didn't know if i still had it. Sounds stupid but true)
I passed my theory/hazard perception test i even got 100% on my theory and I think over 80% on my hazard perception test.
I had to stop driving a little while as I broke my arm from an accident at work but I passed my driving test on my 3ed go with flying colours I actually only failed the first two due to minors (nerves got the best of it). I was 19 years old when I passed.
I have been driving for 6 years now and i have had zero accidents, nothing at all on my criminal record i have never had a parking ticket, speeding ticket or even been pulled over by the police my licence is spotless and I am an "outstanding citizen/driver".
I am saying all the above as I feel it might be relevant to my question.
Now here is the question:
I have a child on the way this month (my first) When I found out my partner was pregnant I was overjoyed and scared (natural right!)
I had a few issues I wanted to address before my child arrives the issues were just loosing track of time, being unable to sit and do one thing, starting tasks and not finishing them. (normal ADHD stuff)
So I booked myself into the doctors following the advice from a mental health nurse I work with. The Doctors then put me though to a consultant
I tried everything with the consultant from exercise, diet changes, meditation you name it i tried it. Nothing did me any good. I explained about my history and ADHD she said it sounds like you still have some issues left over that medication could help with.
I am open to trying anything i just wanted to be normal so we went ahead and booked an appointment with a psychologist.
The physiologist proscribed me Ritalin 5mg 3x a day within 1 month I will be on 10mg 3x a day as the dose is being upped weekly after 4 weeks I will then be on Conserta if its working as this drug will fit my lifestyle more.
The physiologist told me I am displaying ADHD symptoms still but I have found ways to manage some of my issues I had as a child.
I said ok grate at least I know this was not all in my head and my miss can sleep knowing I am not insane.
Anyway i am fairly good on law normally so i figured it would be a good idea to check with the DVLA about me driving on this medication. I did this by going to the DVLA website it said i needed to phone/e-mail or sent a M1 form if i have ADHD.
I gave them a ring and told the guy over the phone that i had ADHD and will be taking tablets for it, I said the condition in no way effects my driving and I don't want to be stereotyped as a hypo kid because i am not. I have a squeaky clean record to prove this.
He said i will have to fill out this form ASAP and they will "review" me and seek advice from my doctor if needed.
So ok I am worried now... I ring my doctor and ask him about all this and say "why was I not told about notifying them and stuff before"
The Doctor was very nice and said it was ok to take the medication and drive but if i feel light headed or any other nasty symptoms that could effect my driving I should stop.
He said he would back me up if the DVLA contacted him, he said taking your driving/work history into account and the fact that you were the one to approach them and me. I would not see any issue why you cant continue to drive.
It made me feel a little better, but the end of the day i know the person who says i can drive or not is some fat old man at the DVLA office who probably thinks anyone with ADHD is a nut-case.
So i am very very worried about looking my licence. It was so hard for me to get a job in the first place that I enjoy and can stick with. Without my driving licence I would loose my job and mobility and I would truly consider myself "disabled" then.
I have done lots of research on this to see how likely it is i will get banned.
I can see them saying "sorry your medication effects your concentration, so we are revoking your licence." or "sorry your to unpredictable we are revoking your licence. (typical stereotype)" or "You can keep you licence but your going to have to take another driving test, and then take one every year. (this would be far to expensive for me I am a care worker not a millionaire.) "
A few people i have read got suspended for 6months - 1 year until they were "settled" on medication. (this is no good for me as I need a car for my job and I need my job to live. The last thing I want to-do is bring a child up with no job.)
I have heard of people getting forced to take a driving test every 6 months 1 year or 2 years.
I have also heard of people just being banned from driving due to ADHD.
My question to you lovely people is what is the likelihood I will get banned? Has anyone had any experience with the DVLA and ADHD?
Thanks for your time, sorry its a long wall of text its late, I am at work and have nothing better todo.
For people who CBA to look the DVLA website/Documents say:
1) I have to tell them I have ADHD
2) Having ADHD does not "necessarily" mean you cant drive. (basicly all it says)
3) It is decided on an individual bases (lol fat man in officer who has no idea!)
4) Medications prescribed or not can still be illegal at the wheel unless your told by your doctor its safe and have been evaluated by the DVLA.
5) "Continuing minor symptomatology may be compatible with licensing. Cases will be considered on an individual basis."
6) "A diagnosis of any of these conditions is not in itself a bar to licensing. Factors such as impulsivity, lack of awareness of the impact of own behaviours on self or others need to be considered"
7) Drugs "Persistent use of or dependence on these substances, confirmed by medical enquiry, will lead to licence refusal or revocation until a minimum six month period free of such use has been attained. For Ketamine misuse, 6 months off driving, drug-free, is required, and 12 months in the case of dependence. Independent medical assessment and urine screen arranged by DVLA, may be required."
8) On the Ritalin site "Ritalin may cause dizziness, drowsiness and visual disturbances including difficulties with accommodation, diplopia and blurred vision. It may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be warned of these possible effects and advised that if affected, they should avoid potentially hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery. "
Surly to any fat guy in the office at the DVLA who reads up on Methylphenidate(Ritalin) see's this "Methylphenidate possesses structural similarities to amphetamine and its pharmacological effects are more similar to those of cocaine, though MPH is less potent and longer in duration of action" Will be like nooooooooo way give me you licence now!
History about myself:
I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was young (around 6 years old.) I took tablets (Conserta, Ritalin, prozac) until I was around 12/13 years old.
I then stopped taking tablets due to loosing weight and having to sit in a bed for 6 months.
As time passed I finished school, went to collect and finished collect, I worked while I was at college and work today as a care assistant and I care for elderly vulnerable people.
When I was younger I used to be fairly violent this was due to not being able to manage my ADHD I remember sitting in a classroom being told to sit and "concentrate" and "take time over my work" due to being dyslexic also. I remember the build up of frustration as I had to sit there it just made me flip.
Today I can manage my symptoms fine I do this by sitting on a computer and playing very fast passed games that keep me busy. OFC I get up, sit down, put tasks off etc etc the normal ADHD stuff. But I am no longer violent and I have no criminal record and have never been in trouble with the law ever.
When I was 18 years old I applied for a Driving licence (I didn't put I had ADHD down as I didn't know you had to and to be honest I didn't know if i still had it. Sounds stupid but true)
I passed my theory/hazard perception test i even got 100% on my theory and I think over 80% on my hazard perception test.
I had to stop driving a little while as I broke my arm from an accident at work but I passed my driving test on my 3ed go with flying colours I actually only failed the first two due to minors (nerves got the best of it). I was 19 years old when I passed.
I have been driving for 6 years now and i have had zero accidents, nothing at all on my criminal record i have never had a parking ticket, speeding ticket or even been pulled over by the police my licence is spotless and I am an "outstanding citizen/driver".
I am saying all the above as I feel it might be relevant to my question.
Now here is the question:
I have a child on the way this month (my first) When I found out my partner was pregnant I was overjoyed and scared (natural right!)
I had a few issues I wanted to address before my child arrives the issues were just loosing track of time, being unable to sit and do one thing, starting tasks and not finishing them. (normal ADHD stuff)
So I booked myself into the doctors following the advice from a mental health nurse I work with. The Doctors then put me though to a consultant
I tried everything with the consultant from exercise, diet changes, meditation you name it i tried it. Nothing did me any good. I explained about my history and ADHD she said it sounds like you still have some issues left over that medication could help with.
I am open to trying anything i just wanted to be normal so we went ahead and booked an appointment with a psychologist.
The physiologist proscribed me Ritalin 5mg 3x a day within 1 month I will be on 10mg 3x a day as the dose is being upped weekly after 4 weeks I will then be on Conserta if its working as this drug will fit my lifestyle more.
The physiologist told me I am displaying ADHD symptoms still but I have found ways to manage some of my issues I had as a child.
I said ok grate at least I know this was not all in my head and my miss can sleep knowing I am not insane.
Anyway i am fairly good on law normally so i figured it would be a good idea to check with the DVLA about me driving on this medication. I did this by going to the DVLA website it said i needed to phone/e-mail or sent a M1 form if i have ADHD.
I gave them a ring and told the guy over the phone that i had ADHD and will be taking tablets for it, I said the condition in no way effects my driving and I don't want to be stereotyped as a hypo kid because i am not. I have a squeaky clean record to prove this.
He said i will have to fill out this form ASAP and they will "review" me and seek advice from my doctor if needed.
So ok I am worried now... I ring my doctor and ask him about all this and say "why was I not told about notifying them and stuff before"
The Doctor was very nice and said it was ok to take the medication and drive but if i feel light headed or any other nasty symptoms that could effect my driving I should stop.
He said he would back me up if the DVLA contacted him, he said taking your driving/work history into account and the fact that you were the one to approach them and me. I would not see any issue why you cant continue to drive.
It made me feel a little better, but the end of the day i know the person who says i can drive or not is some fat old man at the DVLA office who probably thinks anyone with ADHD is a nut-case.
So i am very very worried about looking my licence. It was so hard for me to get a job in the first place that I enjoy and can stick with. Without my driving licence I would loose my job and mobility and I would truly consider myself "disabled" then.
I have done lots of research on this to see how likely it is i will get banned.
I can see them saying "sorry your medication effects your concentration, so we are revoking your licence." or "sorry your to unpredictable we are revoking your licence. (typical stereotype)" or "You can keep you licence but your going to have to take another driving test, and then take one every year. (this would be far to expensive for me I am a care worker not a millionaire.) "
A few people i have read got suspended for 6months - 1 year until they were "settled" on medication. (this is no good for me as I need a car for my job and I need my job to live. The last thing I want to-do is bring a child up with no job.)
I have heard of people getting forced to take a driving test every 6 months 1 year or 2 years.
I have also heard of people just being banned from driving due to ADHD.
My question to you lovely people is what is the likelihood I will get banned? Has anyone had any experience with the DVLA and ADHD?
Thanks for your time, sorry its a long wall of text its late, I am at work and have nothing better todo.
For people who CBA to look the DVLA website/Documents say:
1) I have to tell them I have ADHD
2) Having ADHD does not "necessarily" mean you cant drive. (basicly all it says)
3) It is decided on an individual bases (lol fat man in officer who has no idea!)
4) Medications prescribed or not can still be illegal at the wheel unless your told by your doctor its safe and have been evaluated by the DVLA.
5) "Continuing minor symptomatology may be compatible with licensing. Cases will be considered on an individual basis."
6) "A diagnosis of any of these conditions is not in itself a bar to licensing. Factors such as impulsivity, lack of awareness of the impact of own behaviours on self or others need to be considered"
7) Drugs "Persistent use of or dependence on these substances, confirmed by medical enquiry, will lead to licence refusal or revocation until a minimum six month period free of such use has been attained. For Ketamine misuse, 6 months off driving, drug-free, is required, and 12 months in the case of dependence. Independent medical assessment and urine screen arranged by DVLA, may be required."
8) On the Ritalin site "Ritalin may cause dizziness, drowsiness and visual disturbances including difficulties with accommodation, diplopia and blurred vision. It may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be warned of these possible effects and advised that if affected, they should avoid potentially hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery. "
Surly to any fat guy in the office at the DVLA who reads up on Methylphenidate(Ritalin) see's this "Methylphenidate possesses structural similarities to amphetamine and its pharmacological effects are more similar to those of cocaine, though MPH is less potent and longer in duration of action" Will be like nooooooooo way give me you licence now!