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Post by probioticgirl on Sept 3, 2014 7:29:08 GMT
And also, my doctor has never been out for a spin with me to assess my driving, so other than me self-reporting to him that I am safe to drive, he wouldn't know.
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Post by Little Owl on Sept 22, 2014 15:36:20 GMT
2014 EDIT - this lead post is now out of date. Most of us do not need to inform the DVLA or insurance companies BUT check to find out if you do.
I have just read an driving article by Dr Philip Asherson in the ADDISS newsletter "ADHDnews, Autumn 2014." Dr Asherson states "The DVLA already has a section on its website in which it states that people with ADHD should declare their diagnosis and treatment if they are driving a vehicle. To be precise, the DVLA does not state that everyone with ADHD must declare the diagnosis, but rather the diagnosis must be declared if it is thought to be associated with impared driving." It seems sensible, as PlanetDave suggests to check.
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Post by Little Owl on Sept 22, 2014 15:54:00 GMT
One of the posts in this thread talks about DVLA setting limits on drug use. The "Drug Driving and ADHD" article by Dr Philip Asherson in the ADDISS newsletter "ADHDnews, Autumn 2014" is all about this issue.
If you can get hold of the ADDISS news letter, it may be worth a read. To give a couple of tiny quotes from the two page article....
"People with ADHd should not be concerned about the use of prescribed drugs for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in relation to the new drug driving laws."
"To avoid potential problems it is advised that evidence of legitimate use is carried by drivers taking amphetamines (dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine or Adderall)."
"This evidence could, for example, take the form of a letter from their doctor explaining the drugs and dosage they are prescribed, or a copy of the prescription."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2014 16:34:30 GMT
2014 EDIT - this lead post is now out of date. Most of us do not need to inform the DVLA or insurance companies BUT check to find out if you do.
I have just read an driving article by Dr Philip Asherson in the ADDISS newsletter "ADHDnews, Autumn 2014." Dr Asherson states "The DVLA already has a section on its website in which it states that people with ADHD should declare their diagnosis and treatment if they are driving a vehicle. To be precise, the DVLA does not state that everyone with ADHD must declare the diagnosis, but rather the diagnosis must be declared if it is thought to be associated with impared driving." It seems sensible, as PlanetDave suggests to check. I hate to disagree with the great Prof A but you have to go with what the DVLA actually says. It's not my opinion or interpretation - it's there in black and white on the DVLA website. DVLA page on ADHDToday they are saying (I say today because the wording changes from time to time and the following quote might be out of date by the time you read it). You may need to tell DVLA if you have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).As usual they are a little vague but essentially it's the same as before Check with your doctor if you’re not sure if your ADHD affects your driving. You must tell DVLA if it does. Everything in italics is copied and pasted from the relevant DVLA page. If your doc says you're OK to drive then you're OK to drive and the DVLA doesn't need to be informed. Don't forget that the DVLA cannot disagree with medical professionals (they'd have to go to court to overturn a medical opinion).
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Post by Babble on Dec 8, 2014 13:03:24 GMT
This is bit off topic (hey, driving related at least!), but I was wondering if anyone had some advice or tips for learning to drive. I'm not officially diagnosed or anything, but my instructor has definitely noticed my inability to focus for more than 20 mins at a time. That and I get distracted by pretty much anything - nice coloured cars, cats, balloons, people etc.
Any tips for maintaining my focus? I mentioned that background music has helped me in the past when I'm trying to force my brain into focusing when it doesn't want to, but I wouldn't be allowed to do that on test.
I also really struggle splitting my focus when I *can* concentrate - like if I'm coming up to a junction, I'm either entirely focused on what I'm doing with my gears and not my surroundings, or visa versa.
On a more related topic to the one posted - I asked my instructor if people with ADHD had to declare their condition to the DVLA, and she said no. She said it might be worth declaring it anyway, just to cover your own ass in case of an accident, by she didn't think it was mandatory.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2014 15:38:29 GMT
It isn't mandatory.
If you declare ADHD to them you are saying you are not fit to drive so if you want to drive DON'T DO IT.
A declaration would have to be rebutted by a doctor - the process takes a considerable time and you are suspended from driving in the meantime. This is a change from the previous arrangement where you could declare and then keep going until all the paperwork was in and processed - now that only people who are considered unfit (by themselves or their medic) have to declare then the default position is that you are unfit.
I have clients who have tried to beat the DVLA over decisions. I give the following advice - NEVER let yourself get into conflict with them. They WILL have your licence suspended and getting it back is a nightmare - you could be off the road for over a year while the buck gets passed around the various departments, different people make absurd decisions and contradict other petty bureaucrats. If you want to ruin your life with stress then go ahead - but the rules say IN BLACK AND WHITE that if you believe you are fit (and your doc agrees) then you are fit and don't declare otherwise.
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lawrence
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Post by lawrence on Feb 25, 2015 12:00:21 GMT
Owww. Failed the practical exam for three times and still not having a licence. Maybe I will try one for motorbikes,if this entity approves the condition,the fact they are so funny to drive will keep me in focus for sure!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 13:05:08 GMT
T Any tips for maintaining my focus? I mentioned that background music has helped me in the past when I'm trying to force my brain into focusing when it doesn't want to, but I wouldn't be allowed to do that on test. I also really struggle splitting my focus when I *can* concentrate - like if I'm coming up to a junction, I'm either entirely focused on what I'm doing with my gears and not my surroundings, or visa versa. That's how everyone drives - there is no such thing as multitasking (despite what some ladies say) only task switching. The trick is to think backwards eg 'there's the junction, it will take me x time to brake, add indicating, add mirrors/obs so I need to start at *this* point'. Good drivers do all this with time to spare so they don't get stressed, which affects the amount you need to think, which means you can start the process closer to the next obstacle. Which really means you need to drive 'relaxed'.
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journey48
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Post by journey48 on May 3, 2015 15:11:00 GMT
I have yet to read this thread, but I tried to learn to drive. I had loads of lessons and just never got anywhere. The reason being, was, I was fine doing manouuvres on the trading estates and quiet areas, but once I got on the road with all the traffic I just got confused and was a safety-risk. The examiner had to stop the test ten minutes in because I was just so confused.
What seemed like second nature to most people was a chaotic unsafe mess to me. Dealing with the gear-stick, the indicators, the mirrors, the indicators, AND constantly moving traffic ontop was just too much for me. I would love to get past this obstacle, although driving lessons are beyond my findncial means at the moment. I feel like my life is so restricted, because public transport is so limited. I want a van that I can live in so that I can just take off and stay somewhere nice a few days. I would also like to be confident on the road enough, to feel safe. I also think I would get road-rage and in a fit of temper, cause an accident. I so much want to get past all this bullshit and drive off though.
Does anyone else share the above points in driving? I'm not diagnosed ADHD but on the waiting list, so I hope I am not using ADHD as an excuse for incompetence. Meanwhile I will go back and have a read of this thread.
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Post by tati on May 17, 2015 20:21:54 GMT
The same for me, except maybe for the rage... i tend to be more frightened than angry. I managed to take the licence many years ago, after a load of practice lessons. Now I have made the driving licence expire, as it was a nightmare every time that I tried to drive. For the limitations, I know how you feel. I've been diagnosed recently, so I still have to find the right medication. Maybe medication can help us, for this kind of problem.
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Post by bullettrain on May 23, 2015 20:05:05 GMT
I found when I was on Concerta it increased road rage quite considerably.
The way I found Concerta to work was that it not only increased thought process and concentration levels it increased every other unwanted emotion.
People driving horribly slow and hesitating at roundabouts really pissed me off....these people weren’t on the fast track of thinking like me, it’s like I was 2 moves ahead of them.
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Post by chaoticwitch on May 30, 2015 20:07:05 GMT
Well I think I'm an awesome driver and I'm happy to take my doctor out for a burn up to see if she thinks it's affected by ADHD.
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journey48
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Post by journey48 on May 30, 2015 22:35:04 GMT
I found when I was on Concerta it increased road rage quite considerably. The way I found Concerta to work was that it not only increased thought process and concentration levels it increased every other unwanted emotion. People driving horribly slow and hesitating at roundabouts really pissed me off....these people weren’t on the fast track of thinking like me, it’s like I was 2 moves ahead of them. Best of luck with finding the right meds
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journey48
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Post by journey48 on May 30, 2015 22:36:24 GMT
I found when I was on Concerta it increased road rage quite considerably. The way I found Concerta to work was that it not only increased thought process and concentration levels it increased every other unwanted emotion. People driving horribly slow and hesitating at roundabouts really pissed me off....these people weren’t on the fast track of thinking like me, it’s like I was 2 moves ahead of them. I feel like this (impatient etc) when not on any drugs at all. Pissed off all the time. I used to feel it sometimes when I was taking amphetamines illicitly and they were wearing off.
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clariana
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Post by clariana on Aug 14, 2015 9:35:02 GMT
The same for me, except maybe for the rage... i tend to be more frightened than angry. I managed to take the licence many years ago, after a load of practice lessons. Now I have made the driving licence expire, as it was a nightmare every time that I tried to drive. For the limitations, I know how you feel. I've been diagnosed recently, so I still have to find the right medication. Maybe medication can help us, for this kind of problem. Oh this is me! I passed my driving test at the fifth attempt several years ago and I haven't driven since. The driving lessons were the most stressful most difficult thing I've ever done and I feel terrified every time I got behind the wheel. So even though I have a drivers license I let my SO do all our driving. He is a very good driver. But I worry so much about what would happen to us if something happened to him…
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Post by aetheling on Oct 9, 2015 9:06:04 GMT
A bit off from the original topic, but it's a relief to see how much other people can struggle with driving. My first driving instructor always berrated me and shouted at me
"How DIDN'T you see!?" "What when through your head!?" "How didn't you remember!?" and say things about the later I was or the more scatty I was that day would be a good tell about how the lesson would go -.- I was particularly tired and busy and was pushed into learning when I didn't feel I had the time or room for something else and felt like I was just rushing one thing to the next half dead with barely any sleep. She called me stupid a few times.
She would pull us over and talk for like 5 minutes, I don't think I ever knew what she was saying, I just nodded and tried to guess what she had said/wanted me to do as we went. I would sit there and beg myself to listen some days, but all I could hear was my voice in my head saying "argh, listen to her. Try harder." "It's not going in though ='("
My new instructor is amazing and she laughs things I do off and identifies with me and says how everyone makes mistakes, we can all feel a bit off focus and not see things or think about things we should. She has the patience of a saint and is a really lovely person who enjoys peoples quirks, and doesn't berate them or dislike them for it ^_^ maybe I will pass my test second time lucky =D
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aldedah
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Post by aldedah on Nov 27, 2015 19:13:40 GMT
They did bring in 'drug driving' laws/tests into the UK in summer. www.gov.uk/drug-driving-lawIt does list 'amphetamine' although not methylphenidate. Also some anti-anxiety drugs. Seems it's OK if you've been prescribed them and your doctor hasn't said to not drive. You'd have to find yourself involved in an accident or some other altercation as they can't roadside test you.
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bonji
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Post by bonji on Jan 21, 2016 0:04:44 GMT
I think the key thing to remember here is that the dvla states that you only have to disclose conditions that effect your driving,if your doctor has not specified that there is an issue, then legally you are covered. After all when being diagnosed with adhd really we are most of the time relying on input form specialists, if they feel that mentioning ones driving is not relevant then you would argue that it is not significant enough to inform the dvla, after all doctors are responsible for the safety and welfare of us and the general public we associate with, if driving was a concern at all and they did not specifically state this then it could be deemed as medical negligence. It is not up to us to decide whether we are or are not safe to drive. Until told otherwise the responsibility lies with the health care professionals. If that makes sense..... Unless told so not worry about it.
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merrial
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Post by merrial on Mar 7, 2016 11:42:14 GMT
I was told by the prescribing clinician that I had to declare to DVLA that I have ADHD and that I am taking concerta. I have now been waiting for almost 2 months for their letter giving me a decision. I've been driving for 25 years & in that time had 2 accidents the second was not my fault and the 1st was because the breaks failed on the car I was driving. I just feel like i'm being punished...and for what? Being a safe driver statistically a lot better than most!!! What a farce. I think if you have ADHD and it affects your driving then you probably won't pass your test or feel comfortable driving anyway so you won't...
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merrial
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Post by merrial on Mar 20, 2016 9:47:39 GMT
Update I'm officially allowed to drive as long as I continue with my treatment....yipeee but now I have no car and can't afford another one
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Post by marionk on Mar 20, 2016 20:36:55 GMT
I just had a lightbulb moment!
One of the key things about ADD/ADHD is that you had it since early childhood, so those of us that have passed the test, passed with it.
Seems like this is yet another case of bureaucrats pretending to know what they are talking about.
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merrial
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Post by merrial on Mar 20, 2016 22:08:50 GMT
Good point Marrionk
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Post by annie on Mar 21, 2016 9:28:53 GMT
Hi merrial
Just wondered if you could clarify what the letter from the DVLA actually said.
It does seem rather strange for them to stipulate "you can carry on driving as long as you continue with the medication" or something like that. There are many many people out there with undx ADHD and are driving perfectly safely. I wouldn't have thought the DVLA would be saying somebody's entitlement to hold a driving license depended on them taking a particular medication?!
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merrial
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Post by merrial on Mar 21, 2016 12:16:34 GMT
SORRY I HAVE JUST READ THIS AND GONE BACK TO THE PILE TO DIG OUT. AS I HAVE HAD MANY LETTERS AND INFO BACK AND FORTH DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THE PROCESS AND ME ASKING FOR UPDATES ON WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG.
I DO APOLOGIZE I HAVE MISS INFORMED THERE. I HOPE I HAVEN'T SENT ANYONE INTO A STATE OF PANIC!! IT IS NOT REQUIRED TO STAY ON MEDS
IT IS ONLY REQUIRED TO INFORM IF YOUR CONDITION WORSENS OR YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU NOT TO DRIVE
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alien
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Post by alien on Mar 23, 2016 14:07:05 GMT
Interesting to hear that it sounds like there are quite a few competent drivers out there. The fact that I have no points on my licence seemed one of the key determining factors in walking out of my assessment without an official diagnosis. I was rather exhausted by the time that question came up, but had I had a bit more wherewithal about me I might have mentioned that I find driving really quite stressful, I regularly prang my car and have had some skin-of-the-teeth near misses that have all been down to my lack of general awareness. Instead I said I thought it (the no points) was down to the fact that I overcompensate and am generally extra cautious when driving.
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frameofmind
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ADHD used to be my prison, now it is my best tool.
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Post by frameofmind on Mar 24, 2016 19:35:11 GMT
Finally at the age of 23 Ive managed to build up the courage to focus and get my drivers licence and I got to admit it is HELL. I find my concentration drifts away without noticing doing stupid careless shit like not stopping at a stop sign or loosing focus when doing an easy manouver like latteral displacement. I do not know how to make myself any more concious. Not to mention when there is an external motivator which makes it harder for me to drive in city., like a building that looks interesting or passangers talking (I want to scream SHUT UP!!! I REALLY NEED TO FOCUS AND YOUR CONVERSATION IS NOT HELPING!!!). So Latelly I feel its become such a threat that I have decided to stop using the car. Intil I have regained a bit of control but I fear Ill never trully be able to.
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Post by marionk on Apr 9, 2016 0:16:12 GMT
I've also just found the official last word on the subject www.gov.uk/adhd-and-drivingYou only need to tell them IF it affects your driving.
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Post by Bee on Apr 10, 2016 21:33:24 GMT
I think if you have ADHD and it affects your driving then you probably won't pass your test or feel comfortable driving anyway so you won't... Exactly. I started learning to drive, and apparently I was a fast learner. I took to it quite quickly. Until it wasn't new any more and I got complacent. I tried to drive into someone. I simply didn't see them. Thankfully my instructor stopped me, but of I'd been on my own who knows what would have happened! I decided then that I'll have to wait until my concentration is better, before I actually kill someone I'd love to be able to drive.
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Post by Mouse on Apr 16, 2016 10:05:53 GMT
Finally at the age of 23 Ive managed to build up the courage to focus and get my drivers licence and I got to admit it is HELL. I find my concentration drifts away without noticing doing stupid careless shit like not stopping at a stop sign or loosing focus when doing an easy manouver like latteral displacement. I do not know how to make myself any more concious. Not to mention when there is an external motivator which makes it harder for me to drive in city., like a building that looks interesting or passangers talking (I want to scream SHUT UP!!! I REALLY NEED TO FOCUS AND YOUR CONVERSATION IS NOT HELPING!!!). So Latelly I feel its become such a threat that I have decided to stop using the car. Intil I have regained a bit of control but I fear Ill never trully be able to. When I started learning to drive at 17 I had 36 lessons and still didn't feel ready - I never had a sense of being in control. When I was 24 I wanted to drive. It was a different story - felt different, was different. I'm not saying there aren't days when I'd rather not drive. And I can look like a Sunday driver on a weekday. And I'm living proof most days on my drive home there really are people sitting at the stop sign (in my case a 'give way to oncoming traffic sign') waiting for it to turn red. But maybe it sometimes is a case of the time being right. You might be surprised. I hope so ☺
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impasto
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Post by impasto on May 1, 2016 10:55:06 GMT
Owww. Failed the practical exam for three times and still not having a licence. Maybe I will try one for motorbikes,if this entity approves the condition,the fact they are so funny to drive will keep me in focus for sure!! My personal experience only: I can confirm that I passed my full motorcycle test first time. For me, it's not so much that they are "funny to drive" but that the the consequences of failing to focus are imminent and real. The danger of serious injury or harm engages my ADHD "always on" switch and remaining focused is not a problem. The danger in a car is far too remote, the likelihood of being injured at 20mph rear-ending a stationary car at a red light is insignificant, whilst on a motorbike, it will hurt quite a lot. Motorcycle riding never gets monotonous (especially in London), thus I find that I am in peak focused mode for the entire ride. I find it great therapy: the dopamine boost sets me up for starting my day at work. Conversely, riding a small engined, very slow motorcycle negates this effect (feels less dangerous but definitely is not!) and I find it hard to keep focussed.
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