Confused by driving license questions

[ForFirmBiscuit]

I am applying for a provisional license and am confused by some of the questions
it says “Do you have or have you ever had any of the following medical conditions?”

The ones in particular I’m not sure about are “have you ever had serious psychiatric illness or mental ill health”, “Fits or blackouts“ and “Any type of brain surgery, severe head injury involving in-patient treatment, or a brain tumour”.

I am diagnosed with severe social anxiety and agoraphobia which are being treated. I have fainted if I’ve forgotten to eat and there isn’t enough time between realising and being able to eat, this is because of interception issues, but I always feel “off” and like something is wrong and in a state of anxiety beforehand but I can’t put my finger on it.
as a mobile baby I fell behind the couch and my head got hit on a radiator and I was knocked unconscious (not sure I believe the story though) there was bleeding and I was treated at the hospital. I don’t know if these things count

I don't know if anxiety disorders classify as psychiatric illness. I would be more worried about passing out. That presumably is related to something else? Sounds more like diabetes or similar to me.

If your confusion is about whether some of your ailments are what is meant by the form, I would suggest calling the DVLA to ask them. They've always been very helpful when I have called about something. Might take a while to get through though.

Mental illness - No - they are asking about severe mental illness and their help file says:

"Significant memory or concentration problems, agitation, behavioural disturbance or suicidal thoughts"

Fainting - How often have you fainted? If it was once or twice over several years, it's probably not relevant. If it's every week...moreso. If in doubt, check with your GP.

Head injury - No, unless you have ongoing issues because of it.

I don’t think I have Diabeties. i forget to eat for hours past the time I should.

to be honest the risk of fainting is a regular thing but I have learned to control it. I buy things I can eat right away and I have joint pain from a diagnosed condition, chronic stomach and back pain which is also being investigated but can be explained by the condition and my diet (hypermobility). it’s ok if I can sit or lie down, use a hot water bottle or take an ibuprofen. If I can’t do that and I walk I can faint from the pain of walking.

I get suicidal thoughts regularly, and my mood fluctuates massively. I might be bipolar as my mother was. but it’s not something that I would act on.

I’m autistic and I have issues with paying attention when I get executive dysfunction when I’m tired, I’m effected when I have had a tiring day, gone through stressful events or not had enough sleep.

I think you need to declare the fainting. You can't suddenly eat or lie down if you are driving down a motorway. Have you seen your GP about this as it's really not normal to faint if you don't eat, unless it's days?

It sounds like driving may not be for you I'm afraid.

I suspect driving isn't for you OP. Could you imagine the utter carnage (and possible fatal consequences!) of an accident caused by you either passing out or 'losing concentration'??

It really does not need a forum of strangers in the internet to point out the folly of this...surely??

See your GP. You shouldn't be forgetting to eat and you shouldn't be forgetting to eat to such an extent that you faint. While you are there talking about that you can ask what they think about the driving but doesn't sound like good idea to me until you have the fainting under control.

I wouldn’t drive when I feel “off” or am tired

Yes I’ll speak to them about my issues and see what they say

I agree I need more help before I start learning to drive. But I’m specifically asking if I have to declare these issues even though they won’t affect my driving? Or if I have to declare them anyway

Sounds like you should, as surely your conditions come under mental ill health?

I had a friend who fainted driving. She wrote off five cars including her own.

You have to declare autism if it will affect your driving which it sounds like it will.

You need to say yes to the first and second questions you’ve put, but not the third.

If you think that you won't be safe behind the wheel and that you're going to be liability and a danger to other people then don't apply.

That's really what this boils down to.

I don’t think I would be

Just declare the issues, and see what the DVLA think.

You need to go to your GP and tell them everything you've written here, then ask their advice. It may stop you from driving but you need to be honest.

Maybe don't start driving then.

I d

Grrr pressed send too soon.

Sorry OP. You don't sound safe to drive.

You have to declare them. It’s then up to the DVLA to decide, based on GP / consultant reports, whether you should be on the road or if you require a medical type license.

My husband declared his recently diagnosed bipolar, and now currently has to reapply annually. It doesn’t affect his driving.

Not declaring will also have potential consequence on your insurance if you have an accident.

Kindly OP, these issues will affect your driving therefore, yes, you should declare them.

Of course you can't drive if you faint regularly and need to eat and lie down to feel better