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I wonder if anyone has any knowledge of which medical conditions need to be reported to the Dvla?
Our daughter is 17 soon and has learning difficulties. They are described as short term auditory memory problems and speech and language/ communication problems. She has no other diagnosis and autism was ruled out many years ago.
She wants to apply for a driving licence but we can’t find her conditions on the list of things to report. It says to report a learning disability but I’m not sure if her problems come under that category as her IQ is fine, it’s just that she struggles to interact with people.
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I know someone with aspergers who has been driving for 4-5 years, now, with no problems. I know someone else with aspergers who, if they ever took to the road, would leave carnage in their wake.
The one who does drive, took 2-3 years, and several attempts to pass their test, but who eventually got there. They only drive on roads they know and can recognise their limitations.
I guess I’m trying to say, sometimes it’s less about the diagnosis, and more about the individual. Some people areintuitively able to handle the stresses of driving, and some aren’t. I would suggest applying for a provisional license, and getting some driving lessons, and getting feedback from the instructor as to whether this is going to be feasible long-term or not.
Hi Dvla now puts the onus on us to tell them.
They say they need to know if you think a condition effects you/her driving safely or if you need any adaptions to drive.
Extra mirrors. extended pedals. Etc or if you feel you need to drive an automatic to drive.
They say if unsure ask your doctor or consultant.
Your daughter could have learned to drive at 16 as she’s disabled. I think that’s an automatic license only?
Either way wish her good luck with her driving, I’m sure it will make her life so much better being able to drive. ??
HI Brummie
Having come under the scrutiny of DVLA after having a reportable stroke I would say it’s all about awareness of the space around you, alertness and reaction time of your brain to respond to something that comes out of the blue.
The best thing I think you can do is to approach your daughters general doctor and ask him or her as that’s who DVLA would want to talk to should there be any medical reason for not being able to drive.
Now I know you don’t want to go rocking the boat in the way you bring DVLA attention to something that may not be relevant to holding a licence but if the doc says no problem just apply for the licence.
As with everything these days, your doctor may charge for their time but was told that when I seen my doctor for PIP evidence and he never charge me but just saying.
When I had my head injury 14 years ago the wife contacted DVLA, they we only concerned if it was a severe brain injury, we were a little surprised.
My neurosurgeon confirmed in writing after some test that I was no more risk than the average driver. I have undergone test for epilepsy were they try to induce a fit plus spacial awareness test all which I passed with flying colours.
The problem lies with other peoples uneducated assumptions, just because you have a mental disability does not make you a bad driver, and too be honest you will probably better than some of the abled bodied people who’s over confidence is not matched by their talent.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.
Thankyou all for your replies ☺
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