[Eleora]

I feel like complaining about this. I went to get my license about 2 weeks ago after putting it off for 3 years and I was told I can't even do the written test until they contact me. Why? Because I was honest on the medical part and said I was bipolar.

I understand the reasoning, it just pissed me off.

After the lady processing me knew she acted like I was contagious. I even heard her ask for someone else to "deal" with me. I was perfectly polite. As angry as I was I am great at putting on a smile and putting up with crap.

She searched through her little book of "what to do's" and went to the psychiatric part where it clearly stated (I could see it from over the counter because it was written in big, bold lettering) that only in cases with psychotic disorders and a few other things should I have to go through this long process of deciding I'm "sane" enough to drive.

She had me write down all of my medications which is just flippin' great. I could get completely turned down if they (they being whoever looks after these things) stop to read the warning labels.

I still haven't received this so called phone call. It just upsets me, and it shouldn't because it's nothing new, that this kind of crap can happen just because of a mental illness. I'm so damn frustrated.

[tracy33]

I feel your frustration. Once I applied for a job that I wanted so, so badly, and I was honest on the test and admitted that I used drugs in the past. What a jerk I was. I got hired on the spot, but then they checked the test later on and had to let me go. So much for freakin honesty.
I renewed my liscence this summer. I was hesitant when it came to that question about any disabilities. I lied. Didn't say anything about me being bipolar. I told my husband and he said I should have been honest.
Yeah, right! I want to be able to drive!
I don't tell anyone I'm bipolar unless it's doctors or mental health people.
No one else seems to understand.

[Moose72]

Huh. I don't remember any questions like that on license renewals.

[MyBestKids2]

I'm actually going through this "medical review" process right now with the local MVA/DMV. They've had the paperwork since May 22nd...I'm just waiting and waiting........

[SkippyMI]

Oh wonderful! This sounds like a trigger waiting to happen! My wife is supposed to get her license back this week. She had it yanked after a DUI in January(which probably would've gone much better if she wasn't drunk because she was having a psychotic episode!). Hopefully here in MI they won't ask about that. Seems if one lied on the form or just omitted, they'd yank your license forever if they ever found out?!?!?
S

[Schatje]

Sorry I don't see bipolar as a "disability" so I wouldn't have put anything down. I'm not crazy. Which by the way was confirmed by my pdoc! lol. I think of it like I have any other life long condition like diabetes.

Anyway if I had been confronted with the attitude you got from that dmv employee I would have said something along he line of "don't worry I don't bite" or "I would appreciate it if you treated me with a little more respect. I don't bite, it isn't catchy and in reality I'm just like you only I feel the extremes of emotions." If she didn't desist I would have requested to speak with the manager or a superior of some sort. Oh and using large words and taking a confident and powerful stance helps. I have made many a grown man, woman, doctor, and attorney quake in their boots because I'm intimidating. Not because they think I will hurt them physically or go crazy, but because I can be mentally intimidating. I don't get it, but I do enjoy it.

When I came to a new state to get a new driver's license they asked if I had ever been treated for a mental illness!! I had never been asked that question. I was so shocked & lied, of course. There is no way I'm going to give out that kind of personal medical info. that they don't need to know, but it does worry me if they ever find out that I lied--I don't know--like if I get into a wreck & go to the hospital & they check my blood (& even though it isn't my fault) they find the meds in my blood (bipolar 1).

I've asked other people here & they said they weren't asked that question (that they can remember)!! Maybe it just didn't make an impact if they didn't have that as an issue. But my husband doesn't remember being asked that. Could they see something in my eyes?? Did I act or look weird? It scared me. Was I giving off "mentally ill" vibes? I think I can "pass" in public most of the time.

I WOULD NEVER DISCLOSE my mental illness unnecessarily in this way. Too dangerous.--Suzy

[Schatje]

I don't understand how in the US they could possibly ask this question. This is an encroachment on the primary constitutional rights of the individual. This is outright discrimination. I'm going to try not to get up on my soapbox so I will stop there.

I also don't think it would be possible for them to find out or prove that you are bipolar, unless you tell them, due to the doctor patient privilege. Unless you allow your doctor to release the information they can't. That is unless you are a danger to yourself or others so I guess if you were planning to run somebody over you are in trouble.

[Eleora]

I'm from Canada - they ask generally about physical and mental problems. The way I see it, is on the off chance I were to get into an accident related to something mental illness-related and I did lie on the form, I would be in a boatload of trouble. It would make me wonder about if insurance was kick in, or if...

It just leaves too many problems open. I felt I had to be honest. I get the feeling I'm just going to wait for the phone and be told my doctor has to write a note saying I am safe enough to drive. The problem is, I've been waiting for the phone call for 3 weeks. If I don't get it by October, I'll storm into the office demanding service that isn't allergic to mental illness. I won't be that dramatic, haha, but it's nice to dream.

This is just so stupid. Ergh.

[Schatje]

Originally Posted by girlbassplayer

If I don't get it by October, I'll storm into the office demanding service that isn't allergic to mental illness. I won't be that dramatic, haha, but it's nice to dream.

Love it!