Bipolar II and driving.

[WibblyWobblyJellyHead]

I know I have to inform the dvla and I am working up to it. But I need my car! How likely is it that I'll lose my license?

I've looked online but can't find any information. Has anyone on here kept their license with a Bipolar II diagnosis?

Posting here for traffic as MH section is quiet.

I cannot remember if you can drive in the interim, however I do know you will be allowed to drive as long as you have not had a psychotic episode in the last 3 months. They gave me a 3 year licence and when I renewed it I was given a long term licence (think it is until I am 75)

I've never had a psychotic episode, only hypomanic. I'll definitely go through the proper channels though.

it should be fine. they just send out a form for your gp/specialist and they fill it out and send it back

Wibbly, as far as I know you can drive whilst medical enquiries are being carried out. This would be from the time you tell them until the time when they have enough information to make a decision on your case.

I know all too well the fear of having a license revoke, I have to have a sight test every three years due to diabetic retinopathy, they flash tiny lights in a box and I have to press a button to say if I've seen them, it's a long five minutes I can tell you. My car is my world, my job, my freedom... it is seriously one of my worst fears to lose my license.

I was tempted not to declare when I first got retinopathy but decided I would not as I'd get in too much trouble if I was found out. Luckily my condition has stabilised and not affected my sight significantly. If I did get a revoke it would be permanent with my condition which is very scary. At least with Bipolar it would not mean an automatic permanent revoke, and if the worst happened you could get it back in time. Sounds like if you have not had an episode for a few months you may get certified as ok to drive.

Good luck.

Sorry meant to say decided I would (declare) not that I would not.

My dh has bipolar II, he notified after a hospital admission for depression - they wrote to his gp, and he got a one year licence, then a three year one.

Just another thing to worry about shit