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Post by purplepower on Jan 16, 2014 22:25:18 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 Perhaps my policy is different as I drive a lease vehicle. My form asks if I have a medical condition that I've had to declare to the DVLA.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2014 22:37:34 GMT
They're all written in house - mine all (I like cars!) have the 'declare medical conditions' proviso - and have done for as long as I can remember (34 years!) though the version shapes has is much better and will save them processing time - now that's sensible.
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Post by purplepower on Jan 25, 2014 16:56:29 GMT
Two weeks after notifying lease company, I get told the health declaration is in-house. If only I'd seen your post Dave. Now I'm waiting for someone from the company to contact me. I'm still worried about the risk of something not being declared to the insurance company that the DVLA knows about ie could insurance be null and void? It's the company's insurance but I've flagged this as much as I can.
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Post by probioticgirl on Jan 28, 2014 17:32:39 GMT
I am happy to say that I dont have a problem driving. I have zero sense of direction but no issues with dangerous driving. Maybe because I actually LIKE driving??
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islandgrl
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Post by islandgrl on Jan 29, 2014 20:44:44 GMT
I've been driving since I was 15, and have never had a serious accident (though my cars always seem to be magnets for parking lot trauma). I passed my test in the U.S. with no problems, but when I moved here a few years ago, I had to take the U.K. test. I was beside myself, super nervous, convinced I'd fail because it's supposed to be so much harder.
The truth is, in hindsight, I don't think it was any harder. I think driving instructors here just make it out to be rocket science, so they can pad the number of lessons people take.
Driving-wise, I think I'm pretty good. Certainly, I've had plenty of experience. But I know I've had a few close shaves over the decades that were probably the result of inattention.
My biggest worry driving nowadays is just how unfamiliar things are. To start with, the majority of our local roads (even the main road) are single-track, with very poor markings/signage, no shoulders, and surrounded by steep ditches, cliffs, and water. Everyone drives like a maniac-- it's a constant game of chicken to see who's going to pull in to a passing place.
The other big thing I've noticed is that my GPS/Sat Nav is now the enemy. I used to love it, but now that I'm less used to the way the roads are laid out (and I'd swear that the maps aren't as accurate), I just find it terribly distracting, so I use it only as a last resort.
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Post by Kathymel on Jan 29, 2014 23:46:59 GMT
Where do you live?
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islandgrl
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Post by islandgrl on Jan 30, 2014 11:52:27 GMT
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Post by shapes on Jan 30, 2014 23:29:13 GMT
That sounds quite fun.
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islandgrl
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Post by islandgrl on Jan 31, 2014 14:29:50 GMT
Sometimes. But it's hell on the brakes, suspension and fuel economy!
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Post by purplepower on Jan 31, 2014 18:39:16 GMT
And so the fun continues. Firstly, I've been informed by a colleague that providing the DVLA say I am fit to drive, nothing else needs to be declared on the lease insurance. I'm a bit surprised about that but shapes was right I'm still glad I told them though. Going back to the DVLA though, they have sent a form to my GP which is apparently par of the course. I've been chasing things up each step of the way. The form was sent on the 24th but as the surgery said the form hadn't arrived even by yesterday, the DVLA faxed the form last night which has been received. Now I need to wait to see what the GP says about filling in the form. I may need an apt to see them or they may end up asking my psych to fill in the form as I'm on a shared care agreement. The nice admin lady has said she will try to get the form faxed back for me. They don't normally do this but this is so important and then we can guarantee the form has been received.
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Post by purplepower on Feb 13, 2014 19:18:41 GMT
For those who have declared their ADHD, can you please tell me if the DVLA adds anything to the paper copies of our driving license?
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Post by danherts on Feb 13, 2014 22:59:24 GMT
Hi Purple. I've recently been cleared to keep my license by DVLA, they didn't put anything on my paper license. It took a while between sending the form and getting the confirmation back from them, about two months I think.
I wouldn't worry at all though, as long as your doc says you're fine to drive I'm sure they'll give it the okay. I have a commercial license so was worried they might take off some entitlements but got the okay.
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Post by danherts on Feb 13, 2014 23:01:20 GMT
Also, I would have thought your psych should be the one to fill in the form as they are the one with the specialist knowledge to know how your driving should be affected.
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Post by purplepower on Feb 14, 2014 6:49:01 GMT
Thanks Dan. I have to drive for work so although I'm sure everything is going to be fine, like you it's more than just about being able to drive.
In regards to the psych vs GP, yes psychs can fill in the forms but as I'm under a shared care agreement between a private psych and a NHS GP, the GP is the prescriber so they needed to see the form first. I've got a great GP so am not envisaging any problems there. They are also aware of my circumstances re work.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2014 8:25:51 GMT
Hmmm somehow I don't think anything good will come of declaring it. It's any reason they can find to charge you more as per usual, as if it's not expensive enough. I never have problems with my ADD when I am driving unless it is a long journey, but then I just take plenty of breaks
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Post by danherts on Feb 20, 2014 9:43:55 GMT
My premium didn't increase Jelly. I'd be far more worried about the insurance not paying out for not declaring it. I wouldn't not tell the insurance if I'd told the DVLA and I wouldn't not tell the DVLA.
There is a scary amount of info floating about in the ether, I booked my motorbike in for an MOT and my receipt somehow came back with my company (sole trader, not registered at company's house) name on it.
Now the NHS are going to start selling 'anonimised' medical data it isn't inconceivable systems like that won't be used to try and catch people out. If you want to keep it quiet, you better never tell any other insurance company (i.e life insurance) either. Also, if you ever put in a claim for an injury you receive you may need to give the insurance company doc access to your medical records. Just something to consider. For anyone that drives as part of their job declaring is a no brainer.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2014 10:59:11 GMT
Hmmm somehow I don't think anything good will come of declaring it. It's any reason they can find to charge you more as per usual, as if it's not expensive enough. I never have problems with my ADD when I am driving unless it is a long journey, but then I just take plenty of breaks Over the years insurance companies have given me good cause to be suspicious - hugely undervalued offers of settlement, trying to make fault 50/50 when someone crashed into me when stationary etc etc et bleedin' cetera On the other hand declaring to the DVLA is reasonable - ADHD is a cognitive condition after all. At some point it's highly likely that your medical condition will escape - insurance is issued on the basis that you told the truth and if they find out you have committed a fraud (not admitted something they asked about) then you could (slim chance) be charged with it. More likely they'd cancel your policy. I'm not sure if it might also load future insurance premiums. It might fly in the face of our experience with the insurance trade but we're going to have to grasp this nettle, however unpalatable.
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Post by danherts on Feb 20, 2014 14:02:44 GMT
At some point it's highly likely that your medical condition will escape - insurance is issued on the basis that you told the truth and if they find out you have committed a fraud (not admitted something they asked about) then you could (slim chance) be charged with it. More likely they'd cancel your policy. I'm not sure if it might also load future insurance premiums. It might fly in the face of our experience with the insurance trade but we're going to have to grasp this nettle, however unpalatable. Having insurance cancelled could be potentially worse than being charged. If you don't have valid insurance you can end up with an IN10 on your license which is the kiss of death for anyone in a driving job and on par with a drink driving endorsement. An IN10 lasts 4 years, but if you have your insurance cancelled you seemingly have to declare it forever as every insurance company I've ever dealt with has always asked 'Have you EVER had insurance cancelled, declined...' and have your premium loaded accordingly.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2014 2:38:52 GMT
I knew of my ADHD symptoms for many years, I just was never able to put them all under one illness so I never knew I had ADHD just annoying symptoms that messed up my life. Anyway I refused to learn how to drive because of this, I always thought that I would get distracted and it would result in an accident or worse be impulsive and risk things on the road. I think if someone (even an animal) got hurt because I got distracted or risked things I probably would never forgive myself.
Slightly off topic as this is more to do with informing and such but I have to ask, when you are driving and your head is being overloaded with thoughts, how do you even focus or stay fully alert on the road? I try to picture myself of what I would be like driving and it never is a good thought
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2014 10:52:51 GMT
I knew of my ADHD symptoms for many years, I just was never able to put them all under one illness so I never knew I had ADHD just annoying symptoms that messed up my life. Anyway I refused to learn how to drive because of this, I always thought that I would get distracted and it would result in an accident or worse be impulsive and risk things on the road. I think if someone (even an animal) got hurt because I got distracted or risked things I probably would never forgive myself.
Slightly off topic as this is more to do with informing and such but I have to ask, when you are driving and your head is being overloaded with thoughts, how do you even focus or stay fully alert on the road? I try to picture myself of what I would be like driving and it never is a good thought That's good attitude. Some people are just too distractable or impulsive for driving. We have lots of people that realise they have limitations and drive according to them - also good attitude. I used to be a driving instructor - I saw lots of people who had difficulty processing the stream of information that driving is - some probably ADHDers. One of the more onerous duties was telling some that driving just wasn't for them, most had already twigged but some had their heart set on it. When you think that someone like that was a complete banker of endless lessons for me (£££££££££££) then it's not an easy thing for either side. I've mentioned it before - it bears repeating. The driving test is a pretty good test of fitness to drive (try retaking it - it's tough). That especially applies to ADHDers - it's heavyweight concentration for an extended period and should expose those that aren't fit to be allowed out on their own. Maybe a few slip through - but that applies across the board to all sectors of the population. If you pass it you've done well.
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crs80
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Post by crs80 on Mar 4, 2014 10:27:25 GMT
I'm recently wrote to DVLA re my ADHD, they have written back and written tomy DRs (Adhd and normal GP). Adhd Doc said he'll say I'm fine to drive.
I'll post outcome - but sure it'll be similar to other people's.
Re insurance - when I got quotes and put medical condition DVLA unaware - I got one of my cheapest quotes. I rang the company exp the situation, and they said it wouldn't change as they didnt even have a premium addition for ADHD - it wasn't on their system!
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Post by sherry on Mar 9, 2014 21:39:21 GMT
18 years driving, clean licence, I don't take meds. I am not saying anything. Hate paperwork.
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crs80
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Post by crs80 on Mar 11, 2014 10:26:57 GMT
Ok this is the response from DVLA I got in case anyone wants to know:
'Dear....
From the information we have received you satisfy the medical standards for safe driving. I am pleased to tell you that you may keep your car/motorcycle driving license.
If you wish to discuss this matter with your GP you will need to take this letter to show him/her as your doctor may not have been informed of this decision.
If your condition gets worse or your doctor tells you not to drive, please let us know.
Blah blah blah something to do with driving a tricycle (sorry this is a big paragraph and boring).
Should you intend to drive a tricycle and require any special controls or adaptations to safely control it, please contact us using the address on this letter.
I must respectfully remind you that you could be committing a road traffic offence if you cannot safely control the vehicle that you drive at all times.
Yours sincerely Drivers Medical Group'
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Post by grumpy on Mar 11, 2014 12:36:14 GMT
Hi people I think the DVLA website has changed you do NOT ! have to tell them about ADHD anymore !. I went to see my psych as final steps to talk about meds I should go on within the next few months and I started talking about driving and said I have been fine ( well you know what I mean ) for 30 years without meds and don't want to open a can of worms taking meds and driving , She then told me I am fine to drive and no need to tell dvla unless I think I cant drive ? I told her it says on the website YOU MUST TELL DVLA ABOUT ADHD and went to log in to show her when I see its been updated to " You may need to tell DVLA if you have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Check with your doctor if you’re not sure if your ADHD affects your driving. You must tell DVLA if it does. " She said that dvla must of had so many people write in then there doctors say there ok that its to much time wasted so changed it to YOU MAY NEED TO TELL !. I will be honest I have been driving many many years I have adhd since a child BUT I have raced and DRIFTED cars ( on tracks and drag strips ) I have have owned some very fast high performance road cars and track cars ( 350 - 450 BHP CARS ) with top speeds of 170 mph BUT I DONT HAVE ONE POINT ! OR I HAVE NEVER BEEN DONE FOR ANY THING TO DO WITH SPEEDING , AND NEVER HAD A CRASH ! The only time in this world I feel 100% normal or what I think is normal is when I am driving there are so many twats on the roads that should not be on the road ( I have some family members ) who should NOT be on the road with nothing wrong with them. My point is if you pass your test ( like what already has been said ) YOU HAVE DONE IT !!! it then should be down to you to know if you can drive or not. Take me just before xmas I started meds for anxiety before going to see my psych my doctor gave me the meds ( first lot of meds I have ever done in my life ) the side effects was so bad to me I could not leave my bedroom or sit up I was shakey they made me feel like I was loosing my mind. My poor over half could not leave the house for shopping ( she don't drive ) but I new I could not drive SO DID NOT ! them meds made me worst so I stoped them. within a few days I was back to normal ( if I can call it that ) ADHD , health anxiety has NEVER affected my driving and I don't see why it ever will. IF it did ! I would admit it and ask for help or tell my doc to check me. I am not insane where I don't know what I am doing or not doing I know what I can and cant do and DRIVING I CAN DO WITH MY EYES SHUT ( not that I do haha ) anyway here is the link to dvla with the updates I only posted this as if like me I bet lots of you was / are worried ! www.gov.uk/adhd-and-driving
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Post by shapes on Mar 11, 2014 13:37:55 GMT
Yes it has changed. That's pretty cool, saves me having to bring it up in a few weeks.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2014 15:35:28 GMT
NEWS - ADHD NOT DECLARABLE TO THE DVLAthough it is conditional Thanks to grumpy for reporting this
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2014 23:50:34 GMT
That reminds me, I have to declare my classic as SORN within the net few days otherwise they'll send the govt heavies around for some nasty tax collecting in the guise of a £1000 fine. Appreciated! Thanks
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Post by twix on Mar 11, 2014 23:54:51 GMT
Good news. I kinda sorta hadn't got around to it. Although back when I was diagnosed it was something similar, they hadn't specified ADHD at that point, just something vague.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2014 0:12:51 GMT
I can't see if this is on another thread but don't celebrate just yet: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/drug-driving-amphetamine-limitThe govt is seeking to introduce a driving limit for amphetamine so low that basically anyone with a dex prescription will be guilty of drug driving. Looks like we'll have to choose between our cars and our sanity.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2014 0:59:36 GMT
I can't see if this is on another thread but don't celebrate just yet: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/drug-driving-amphetamine-limitThe govt is seeking to introduce a driving limit for amphetamine so low that basically anyone with a dex prescription will be guilty of drug driving. Looks like we'll have to choose between our cars and our sanity. I had a good read of it. linkThe proposal is not up to date with the new DVLA ruling - it is assumed that ADHDers will have declared. It is completely unclear if MPH is included in their draft proposal of limit (as far as I read). It was mooted that a standard dose of Dex would be legal but not a higher than average dosage - surely there is the issue of pharmacomdynamics to consider. On the plus side we have a medical defence We also propose to write to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to make them aware of the above situation. It will be for ACPO to disseminate the information as they see fit to ensure that police officers are aware that some ADHD, recognised sleep disorder sufferers and Parkinson’s disease sufferers who are taking dexamphetamine or selegiline may be driving legitimately. Drivers taking dexamphetamine or selegiline will of course be able to seek to rely on the statutory medical defence. If in the view of the police officer their driving was not impaired, then we propose that these drivers should not be arrested nor any further action be taken against them.
If asked about drugs in the system you tell them that you have a prescription - then a merry chase will ensue because you aren't carrying proof and the surgery is shut. Ho hum.
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