4.4.9 Advice on driving

4.4.9 Advice on driving

Advice on Driving and Other Complex Behaviours

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK provides advice for individuals taking various psychiatric medications regarding their ability to drive. The advice may vary depending on the specific medication and the individual’s symptoms, and individuals should always follow the advice of their healthcare professional.

In general, the DVLA advises individuals taking psychiatric medications to inform them if they:

  1. Are taking any medication that affects their ability to drive safely
  2. Have experienced any adverse effects while taking their medication, such as drowsiness, blurred vision, or unsteadiness

In some cases, the DVLA may ask individuals to provide further information or undergo a medical examination to assess their fitness to drive. They may also impose temporary or permanent restrictions on an individual’s driving license if they consider it necessary for road safety.

It is important to note that the advice provided by the DVLA is subject to change and individuals should regularly check for updates (DVLA, 2021).

Psychosis:

In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) requires individuals who have been diagnosed with psychosis to inform them of their condition. Individuals with psychosis may have temporary or permanent restrictions placed on their driving license if the DVLA considers it necessary for road safety.

The DVLA will assess each case individually and may request a medical report or an assessment by a specialist to determine the individual’s fitness to drive. The assessment will consider factors such as the type and severity of symptoms, the individual’s treatment plan, and any adverse effects of the medication they are taking.

In some cases, the DVLA may advise individuals with psychosis to stop driving temporarily or permanently. In other cases, they may allow the individual to continue driving, subject to conditions such as regular medical assessments or restrictions on the type of vehicle they can drive (GOV.uk, 2023).

Electroconvulsive therapy:

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK requires individuals who have undergone electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to inform them of their treatment. The DVLA will assess each case individually and may request a medical report to determine the individual’s fitness to drive.

In general, individuals who have undergone ECT may experience temporary memory difficulties, confusion, and drowsiness, which can affect their ability to drive. The DVLA may advise individuals to stop driving temporarily until these symptoms have resolved, or may impose restrictions on their driving license if necessary for road safety.

In some cases, individuals who have undergone ECT may be able to continue driving, subject to regular medical assessments or restrictions on the type of vehicle they can drive. The DVLA may also request a follow-up medical report after a certain period to reassess the individual’s fitness to drive (DVLA, 2021).

References:

(1) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. (2021). Medical conditions and driving. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medical-conditions-and-driving

(2) GOV.UK. (n.d.). Psychosis and driving. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/psychosis-and-driving#:~:text=You%20must%20tell%20DVLA%20if [Accessed 7 Feb. 2023].