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AIBU?

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Driving medical - depression

156 replies

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 15:56

My son applied for his provisional driving license and had to go for a medical as he was on anti-depressants. His own GP and his CAMHS counsellor gave their statement to say he was stable and his condition nor his medication would have any impact on his ability to drive. HOWEVER he was still subjected to a medical by the driving agency which asked questions about my marriage, where we happy couple, what relationship did he have with siblings, they asked about the reason he self harmed, how deep the cuts were, where on his body he cut, why he had depression, what does he talk to his counsellor about, how was his school life, they didn't accept generic answers, they pushed and pushed. What relevance does any of that have on his ability to drive! I was expecting questions like, does your medication make you drowsy, have you thoughts of harming others etc AIBU to take this further as in a complaint?? Surely if the people treating him for years say he is stable they should accept that without making him divulge personal issues to a complete stranger about things that happened when he was about 15!!! I am so furious that he was put through this!

OP posts:
ThatsNotHealthy · 31/07/2024 16:53

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:04

If I could post his letter from DVA that said his referral I would, I can assure you no lies, why would I lie, I am here looking help??? He applied for his provisional, he ticked the box to say he had depression and was on medication, they initially denied his application because he had only started his medication and stated he needed to be on the medication and stable for 3 months. We appealed this based along with support from his GP and counselor and this was the reason he was then referred for their own medical

This is why the medical was thorough, because you appealed their initial decision. They need to gather enough evidence to change their decision. Why couldn’t you wait until he had been on the medication for three monrhs? Side effects don’t always show up straight away, that’s why they have the three month clause.

You keep saying you don’t see how his mental health is relevant to his ability to drive. You seem to be overlooking the fact that a car is a lethal weapon and the authorities have to be certain he is safe to drive. The rules and procedures are there for a reason. And I say this as someone who wasn’t allowed to drive for 12 years due to anorexia.

XenoBitch · 31/07/2024 16:53

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:46

I agree! Which is why I want to complain!! He is only 17 so I still have contact with CAMHS, they gave him their full backing so I wasn't expecting him to get this level of questioning at the medical

That is why I think he ticked the wrong box when applying for his license.
You tick the box about medical issues under advice from your GP.

Serencwtch · 31/07/2024 16:52

It will be self harm or risk of suicide that they are picking up on.
It's literally their job to make sure there is no risk of suicide or self harm on the roads otherwise they would be held liable.
I have to go through these assessments every year to renew my license (bi polar) and it's frustrating but unfortunately necessary & if you look at it from the other side - if your son had been killed by an unfit driver - you would feel differently.

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:50

Toddlerteaplease · 31/07/2024 16:48

My friend had died with this. Her licence was taken away for another medical reason. But when she could get it back it took ages, because she had depression and trauma, due to the death of her husband at the start of COVID lockdown, when she wasn't allowed to be with him at the end. The DVLA were worried she'd use the car as a suicide method. (She wouldn't)

She died?? Was that a typo, if not I'm so 😔

OP posts:
Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:48

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You can guess away, it doesn't make you right. I'm not some daft mum that thinks the sun shines from his arse and he does no wrong, like I said he doesn't lie to me, he has no need to do and I am fully aware of everything. This post wasn't to question my son or me, merely to ask did people agree that the questions were unreasonable

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 31/07/2024 16:48

My friend had died with this. Her licence was taken away for another medical reason. But when she could get it back it took ages, because she had depression and trauma, due to the death of her husband at the start of COVID lockdown, when she wasn't allowed to be with him at the end. The DVLA were worried she'd use the car as a suicide method. (She wouldn't)

Isittimeformynapyet · 31/07/2024 16:47

Sorry you're getting the typical MN third degree OP. I think it's definitely worth you investigating further and seeing the transcript.

The questions they asked according to your report sound way too intrusive to me.

I wouldn't use the word "complain" as it sounds like you'll go in heavy and accusatory, but I would try to discuss it with someone at DVLA. If they refuse your son's license I might take it further.

stickingatit · 31/07/2024 16:47

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Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:46

XenoBitch · 31/07/2024 16:44

If he is under CAHMS/psychiatrist, then they will have been the first port of call about being suitable to drive.
Even the DVLA site states that.

Something seems off here.

I agree! Which is why I want to complain!! He is only 17 so I still have contact with CAMHS, they gave him their full backing so I wasn't expecting him to get this level of questioning at the medical

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stickingatit · 31/07/2024 16:46

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stickingatit · 31/07/2024 16:46

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Otherstories2002 · 31/07/2024 16:46

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:00

My point is what happened when he was 15 is irrelevant to his ability to learn to drive at 17 which is the age he is now

why did he declare it?

stickingatit · 31/07/2024 16:45

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Smartiepants79 · 31/07/2024 16:45

He’s going to be in charge of a 1 ton hunk of metal moving 70 miles an hour. Wrong moves kill people. The rule is he needs to be on the new meds 3 months? So they are following guidelines?
I presume the medical was done by a medical professional in and attempt to find out if they agree with his GPs judgement?

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:45

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Yes they did, I haven't listed all the questions, only a few I had the issue with. I really feel you are determined to catch me out on something, not sure why though

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 31/07/2024 16:44

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:36

We have the letter from DVA, stating that was the reason

If he is under CAHMS/psychiatrist, then they will have been the first port of call about being suitable to drive.
Even the DVLA site states that.

Something seems off here.

thursdaymurderclub · 31/07/2024 16:44

because the DVLA have to confirm that your son is safe to be behind the wheel of a car and isn't going to have an 'episode' and use his car as a means to harm himself and in turn perhaps harm others.

Im sorry this is harsh.. my BIL drove his car into a wall to kill himself, which he succeded to do, and also killed a completely innocent bystander!

its the same reason you have to have medicals when you are older.. imparied thinking is safe to others who use the road.

stickingatit · 31/07/2024 16:42

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stickingatit · 31/07/2024 16:39

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Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:36

XenoBitch · 31/07/2024 16:35

I have not heard of that either.
It is possible he ticked the wrong box on the DVLA form?

We have the letter from DVA, stating that was the reason

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 31/07/2024 16:35

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:32

It was because he hadn't been on his medication for more than 3 months

I have not heard of that either.
It is possible he ticked the wrong box on the DVLA form?

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:35

ScoliosisMum5 · 31/07/2024 16:33

If her still needs his mother to speak on his behalf then he shouldn’t be driving a car OP. That is ridiculous.

He doesn't, hence why I wasn't at the medical. He asked for my name to be added as he works full-time and they said they may call backmfor further info and he said to speak to me as he will probably not be able to answer during working hours, you are making big leaps

OP posts:
Boomer55 · 31/07/2024 16:34

I’ve never heard of anyone needing any sort of driving medical because of taking anti-Ds, but if you think he’s been treated unjustly, then, yes, complain.

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:33

ScoliosisMum5 · 31/07/2024 16:32

I agree - very well said.

You can agree but it doesn't make my post any less true, I'm not lying, what would I have to gain from that???

OP posts:
ScoliosisMum5 · 31/07/2024 16:33

Wonderfulday · 31/07/2024 16:09

Well he has asked for the transcript of all that was said, I was there for that and he has asked that I be put done that I can speak on his behalf, he is very honest with me, he has no reason to lie to me. I'm a tad lost here, I came looking for advice as to whether these questions seemed relevant and now I am defending my son

If her still needs his mother to speak on his behalf then he shouldn’t be driving a car OP. That is ridiculous.

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