[wontsee60again]

I tried this thread in General Social Chat but got no takers. Do any members know what the DVLA's (vehicle licencing in UK) view is on ppl driving with depression? Their website is very ambiguous (you "MUST" inform us "IF" Depression affects your driving - if in doubt ask your doc). Do most members feel it's wiser to keep quiet unless their Doc tells them to cease driving (mine hasn't - he says I'm fine to drive as meds taken at bedtime)?

[pegasus]

Hello wontsee60again, welcome to Psych Central.

I am from the UK, I do not think depression affects driving unless you were on a large amount of sedatives or if it was psychotic depression. I would listen to your pdoc on this one, as you pdoc has informed you that you are indeed safe to drive. There is a list of illnesses that need to be alerted to the DVLA but with depression, you only need to let them know if you feel (and your doctor feels) that it impairs your driving. https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

[wontsee60again]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Hello wontsee60again, welcome to Psych Central.

I am from the UK, I do not think depression affects driving unless you were on a large amount of sedatives or if it was psychotic depression. I would listen to your pdoc on this one, as you pdoc has informed you that you are indeed safe to drive. There is a list of illnesses that need to be alerted to the DVLA but with depression, you only need to let them know if you feel (and your doctor feels) that it impairs your driving. https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

thanks v much for your reply. Not exactly sure what psychotic depression. At my worse, I was convinced I was in poverty and about to be sued right and left for unpaid bills. I think that was extreme pessimism rather than psychosis, but I'd prefer not to have the DVLA decide - and cover their ******s.