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Post by supine on Aug 12, 2013 21:33:53 GMT
From what my private Dr said, it is basically an assessment on his part about you individually, so the DVLA will ask the Dr if you are a risk. If the Dr says no, you keep your licence.
That's how it's supposed to work, personally I don't trust them.
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Post by Skybird on Aug 27, 2013 17:10:46 GMT
This isn't really relevant to the declaration of ADHD but it's relevant to driving so I thought I'd ask here.
A few years ago I took a few driving lessons and I really struggled with it. I felt overwhelmed with it all, my attention started wandering and it got to the point where my brain said 'no more' and I gave up.
Does this mean that I'm not a suitable person to be driving and does anyone have an tips for me in how I could make this process easier if I did decide to go back to taking lessons?
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Post by boo on Oct 11, 2013 0:13:47 GMT
i declared to the DVLA and got the all clear with no restrictions etc etc. (and also declared that i was on meds btw)
I didn't declare to my insurance company because the doctors and DVLA gave me the all clear, so why would i notify the insurance company that i have a condition that in real terms has been underlined as being perfectly acceptable for me to drive without any conditions/restrictions applied
As far as i am concerned (and the doctors/DVLA for that matter!) I have been deemed fit to drive with NO rescrictions, so why would/should my insurance be affected
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Post by JJ on Oct 13, 2013 21:03:47 GMT
I called the dvla last week. They were lovely and didn't bat an eyelid at my diagnosis. Told me I needed to fill in the form and send it to them (from the web site). This form just gives an outline and your GP and osych's contact details. Dvla said ok to drive unless hear anything different but all should be ok. I asked whether I should tell my insurance company, they said they can't advise on that but probably better to be safe than sorry. I called my insurance company (Green Insurance), they put it in their system, no increase, no dramas.....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2013 22:02:25 GMT
I've been issued a temporary licence with restrictions due to my narcolepsy. My insurance went up by £50, but I shopped around when it was time to renew, and I now pay a lot less.
So I wouldn't worry about declaring adhd!
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Post by JJ on Oct 18, 2013 23:40:52 GMT
Does anyone know how long it takes for the dvla to officially say you're ok to drive - I'm assuming you do actually get something?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2013 23:51:40 GMT
You get a letter telling you their decision.
Depends on how long it takes for them to receive your doc's opinion. I think mine took about 3 weeks.
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Post by JJ on Oct 18, 2013 23:55:18 GMT
Thank you xx
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Post by chickster on Oct 19, 2013 22:17:59 GMT
Why would they want you to declare your ADHD if they werent planning on using it against you at some point? Im keeping well out of this, & am NOT going to declare it. Can you even begin to imagine what the insurance companies will do with this once it becomes an established, known DVLA rule (the DVLA do sell their databases to insurance companies after all)? At the moment its just some stupid thing that cant be enforced because no one knows about it, or could reasonably be expected to. The more people comply the more problematic it will get because it can be considered something people *should* know.
Pipster, if you want to continue your career (and 6 years with no problems indicates there is no problem now) I suggest you keep quiet. That is part of the reason why all of my ADHD treatment is private.
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Post by Little Owl on Oct 25, 2013 15:43:30 GMT
I thought you may be interested in an update. I submitted my form 27 July, it is now 25th Oct (3 months) and the declaration is still being processed.
The delays are due to problems getting information from psychiatrist to DVLA. I can't get to the bottom of the issue but it has resulted in my having to do some unexpected chasing up. Administration and making sure things are chased up in a timely manner are not ADHD strengths. The DVLA send a letter every 6 weeks to give you an update on the progress of your application - this helps to make sure I keep on top of the situation.
I spoke to the DVLA and they were quite clear. If your psychiatrist deems you safe to drive then you can continue while your application/declaration is being investigated. If you are making a declaration, it is probably a good idea to phone the DVLA and check in case the rules have changed.
It is fortunate that I am allowed to drive, otherwise I would be in a right state now. As it is, I am happy just to wait.
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Post by DKL - darkknightslover on Oct 27, 2013 15:41:01 GMT
If you don't declare your ADHD you invalidate your insurance as you're technically driving on an invalid license because you HAVE to notify the DVLA. If you already have insurance, you are allowed to continue driving unless your licence is then withdrawn based upon your Dr's report (if you're concerned, talk to your GP and your psych). I had no issues (apart from the DVLA letter not finding its way to the psychiatrists' office so taking quite a while) so given the risks vastly outweigh the benefits of notifying, I strongly declare the opinion that you would be stupid not to. Chances are you're fine, and if you're not and there is valid reason for this, then quite frankly the safety of the public is more important than your convenience. I hold this opinion no matter what condition you have - including those that come with old age.
Little Owl - Have you spoken to your psychiatrist and/or his/her staff?
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Post by Little Owl on Nov 4, 2013 15:18:00 GMT
Does anyone know how long it takes for the dvla to officially say you're ok to drive - I'm assuming you do actually get something? I got my license through today 4th Nov 2013 (Happy Day), valid for the full 10 years and no restrictions. I have to declare if my GP or doctor says I shouldn't drive but that is true of anyone. I submitted the form 27th July and due to information not getting from my psychiatrist & GP to the DVLA I was waiting (and chasing up) for just over 3 months.
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Post by Little Owl on Nov 4, 2013 15:37:44 GMT
I found this: At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive (pdf) at www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/232964/At_a_glance.pdf It states with respect to ADD: DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS Includes Asperger‘s Syndrome, autism, severe communication disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 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. Continuing minor symptomatology may be compatible with licensing. Cases will be considered on an individual basis. The impact of comorbid conditions may cause more problems - they are also discussed in this document.
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Post by JJ on Nov 4, 2013 16:08:50 GMT
Does anyone know how long it takes for the dvla to officially say you're ok to drive - I'm assuming you do actually get something? I got my license through today 4th Nov 2013 (Happy Day), valid for the full 10 years and no restrictions. I have to declare if my GP or doctor says I shouldn't drive but that is true of anyone. I submitted the form 27th July and due to information not getting from my psychiatrist & GP to the DVLA I was waiting (and chasing up) for just over 3 months. That's really useful - thanks BUT - what do you mean "valid for the full 10 years" - I'm hoping that you're 60 or whatever 10 years before your licence needs renewing - and not that you only get a 10 year one now and have to reapply ?
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Post by boo on Nov 4, 2013 19:53:36 GMT
you have to renew the picture ID licences every 10 years now... and pay for the privilege!!
mine took about 3 months too i think, i remember starting to get a bit twitchy wondering if there was going to be a problem (this was made worse cos my OH had sent off for his at the same time and got it back within a couple of weeks or so!!!!), but anyway, there weren't any problems and i too got a letter accompanying my licence stating there were no restrictions (and probably also saying something about any significant changes blah blah blah..... like little owls)
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Post by JJ on Nov 4, 2013 21:30:21 GMT
boo - phew - thanks for that Showing my age re the picture licences - only got my first one a couple of years ago cos I moved - wtf making you pay again
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Post by boo on Nov 4, 2013 22:52:37 GMT
yeah, when i had my purse stolen quite a few years back i had to apply for a picture licence as a replacement for the paper one (even though they still issue that too...?)
and then i had to re-new it "proper" a couple of years back (oooh blimey! I just dug the letter out and it was actually october 2010 that i got the "all clear" from the DVLA... how time flies and all that!)
anyway, the letter literally just says;
"From the information we have received you satisfy the medical standards for safe driving. I am pleased to tell you that a driving licence will be issued to you as soon as possible. Please let us know if it doesn't arrive in the next 14 days.
If you condition gets worse or your doctor tells you not to drive, please let us know"
So reading that, i would have thought next time i wouldn't have to declare all over again, i hadn't even thought about it tbh, even when i replied to you earlier, cos i knew the 10 year thing is like a passport 10 year thing that everyone has to do (think it's just another way to get more bloody money out of people tbh!)
but even if i do, it's going to be more of a formality than anything else, cos if i was safe enough this time and all that blah blah blah
anyhoo, what i wanted to ask was... did you only get a picture one because you moved, so if you hadn't you could have carried on with the paper one kind of indefinitely?
I don't know why but i thought everybody had to have the piccy ones now, but then i suppose unless you have to change you address or replace a stolen one, there'd be nothing to prompt it would there.....
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Post by JJ on Nov 26, 2013 10:05:38 GMT
Just to update on this So I contacted the DVLA at the beginning of October and yesterday i received a letter saying I satisfy the medical conditions for safe driving and I can keep my licence So 6 weeks or so from start to finish. Told my insurance company at the time and no increase in my premiums. All so much less stressy than I'd imagined.
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Post by Artist on Jan 5, 2014 15:14:59 GMT
Skybird - You're not the only one. I have been trying to pass my test for almost a decade! The theory test is a pain as my recall is shot to bits and I have failed it twice and passed once with a great score, then failed again when it ran out (grrr). I'm very easily distracted when driving and tend to speed without realising it (and do everything at the last minute). I get really wound up with other drivers too. I've crashed my mother's and cousin's cars whilst learning and had one instructor yell at me for treating the road like a race track! I guess I'm just not cut out for driving on the road (fine on a racing circuit though).
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tor840
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Post by tor840 on Jan 8, 2014 17:33:53 GMT
This is something I have just found out about when I passed my test back in September I specifically asked the instructor if the DVLA needed to know about my ADHD her reply was simply well as long as it doesn't affect your driving your okay (like I would realise if it did)...out of curiosity last week looked online and there is the possibility of a 1000 pound fine for not informing them!! Good job I checked.
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Post by shapes on Jan 8, 2014 20:41:49 GMT
It's strange because almost all the mental health conditions listed, it simply says you only need to inform if it affects your driving, but for ADHD they say you must inform them.
Not sure how I feel about this. Why should I have to inform the DVLA when it does not affect my driving? It shouldn't result in anything bad happening and I will ask my doctor about it, I just don't see why ADHD is being singled out.
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tor840
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Post by tor840 on Jan 8, 2014 21:48:18 GMT
Suppose if you do tell them at least if there was an accident you wouldn't get a full blame for not declaring a medical condition....I agree partly though why does it have to be declared surely this condition compared to must would have the least impact on driving compared to most mental health conditions?
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christopher
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Post by christopher on Jan 15, 2014 16:57:55 GMT
I'm glad I read this. I was wondering about it as I start my driving lessons in about 2 months. I'm praying that I can focus enough behind the wheel. Does it affect your insurance at all?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using proboards
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2014 19:32:45 GMT
I'm very grateful for this thread. Noone had ever mentioned to me that I needed to declare being on medication to the DVLA. I have to drive with work so there could have been serious consequences if I'd not declared. Anyhow, my form has gone in the post, I got proof of signature delivery at the DVLA *proud beam for getting my act together* and sent a copy of the form to my psych and GP. I've also let my insurance company know, again I have to be better safe than sorry. I don't think I read the post in this thread but I remember reading somewhere that if you were in a serious accident and had a blood test, you could get a false positive for drugs. I am not sure how accurate that is, or what the risk it itself but it's not something I can afford to take a chance for. It wouldn't be a false positive - if you're on any of the stimulant medications then you will test positive for a controlled drug. So now what? It depends on what you have declared. If you have declared to the DVLA and your insurer then you're clear (as clear as an NT) - it's legal medication and you will be processed according to what happened. If you haven't declared to the DVLA then you are either driving under the influence, if you deny having ADHD, or driving without a licence, because you haven't declared something that is required to keep your licence. Do you think your insurance is still valid? If you have declared to the DVLA and not your insurer then the chances of you being insured are slim. Very slim. It will depend on the wording - I cant remember the last time I read an insurance document that didn't ask you to declare medical conditions as specified by the DVLA. Conclusion. The DVLA requires you to declare to keep your licence. AFAIK no one has passed their test and been refused. Your insurance company requires you to declare. So far it hasn't incurred a financial penalty. You can be asked for a sample after any accident even when it's obviously not your fault. You might get out of it - if you happen to be rushed into A&E with serious injuries. They sometimes get you after that. Someone asked about the risk factor of driving unmedicated after I had said it's equivalent to driving while using a mobile phone. I got that from Sgt Steve Brown (a serving officer with an interest in ADHD) - he got it from his US sources who have enough ADHDers to experiment on.
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Post by purplepower on Jan 15, 2014 19:39:34 GMT
I'm very grateful for this thread. Noone had ever mentioned to me that I needed to declare being on medication to the DVLA. I have to drive with work so there could have been serious consequences if I'd not declared. Anyhow, my form has gone in the post, I got proof of signature delivery at the DVLA *proud beam for getting my act together* and sent a copy of the form to my psych and GP. I've also let my insurance company know, again I have to be better safe than sorry. I don't think I read the post in this thread but I remember reading somewhere that if you were in a serious accident and had a blood test, you could get a false positive for drugs. I am not sure how accurate that is, or what the risk it itself but it's not something I can afford to take a chance for. It wouldn't be a false positive - if you're on any of the stimulant medications then you will test positive for a controlled drug. So now what? It depends on what you have declared. If you have declared to the DVLA and your insurer then you're clear (as clear as an NT) - it's legal medication and you will be processed according to what happened. If you haven't declared to the DVLA then you are either driving under the influence, if you deny having ADHD, or driving without a licence, because you haven't declared something that is required to keep your licence. Do you think your insurance is still valid? If you have declared to the DVLA and not your insurer then the chances of you being insured are slim. Very slim. It will depend on the wording - I cant remember the last time I read an insurance document that didn't ask you to declare medical conditions as specified by the DVLA. Conclusion. The DVLA requires you to declare to keep your licence. AFAIK no one has passed their test and been refused. Your insurance company requires you to declare. So far it hasn't incurred a financial penalty. You can be asked for a sample after any accident even when it's obviously not your fault. You might get out of it - if you happen to be rushed into A&E with serious injuries. They sometimes get you after that. Someone asked about the risk factor of driving unmedicated after I had said it's equivalent to driving while using a mobile phone. I got that from Sgt Steve Brown (a serving officer with an interest in ADHD) - he got it from his US sources who have enough ADHDers to experiment on. I called a Police station to ask about this and someone kindly called me back to say it would depend on what blood tests were done. Their words, not mine! In any event, it's not something that's worth taking a risk for in my opinion.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2014 19:42:52 GMT
And if you're lucky you could just be breath tested.
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Post by shapes on Jan 16, 2014 18:49:41 GMT
I'd be surprised if you have to inform the insurer. I'm pretty sure mine doesn't say I need to.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2014 20:22:25 GMT
I'd be surprised if you have to inform the insurer. I'm pretty sure mine doesn't say I need to. £5 if you can show me your policy that doesn't mention medical conditions.
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Post by shapes on Jan 16, 2014 21:32:33 GMT
Nothing about medical conditions, you only need to inform them if you are told you are not fit to drive.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2014 22:23:23 GMT
Nothing about medical conditions, you only need to inform them if you are told you are not fit to drive. When did the policy writers get sensible? That's really sensible. I believe I owe you £5
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