Driving license revoked because of bipolar

Solar · 13-02-2013, 02:01 PM

Has anyone had their driving license revoked due to bipolar disorder?

They simply saw a psychiatric diagnosis and revoked it. I don't know what to do? This was my one life line, one thing that I can use to escape my thoughts.

Did anyone appeal, or know if I can get the GP to verify my suitability?

Help please!

offlineforever · 13-02-2013, 02:13 PM

Sorry to hear you have had your license revoked. I don't have bipolar but did have mine revoked for a day due to medication I was on (By the time they revoked it I was already off the medication so they let me drive again instantly).

Can I ask how you know that it is just based on your diagnosis? From what I gather, they have to talk to someone involved with your care to discuss with them if they think you are capable of still driving or not.

Solar · 13-02-2013, 02:17 PM

I guess it is more of an assumption but based on the wording of the letter, 'decision based on a psychiatric diagnosis' and the fact I spoke to my GP yesterday and nothing was mentioned lead me to believe this. Plus they have said I can speak to my GP and should they have more information on my suitability I need to let them know as soon as possible.

I am just freaking out right now.

shadow-light · 13-02-2013, 02:21 PM

I had mine revoked, not for bipolar, but for psychiatric reasons still. You can appeal but I haven't done so as yet, just starting the process now, to my understanding the sooner yoou appeal the easier it is though so might be best you look into it sooner rather than later

synapse321 · 13-02-2013, 03:23 PM

Sorry to hear the revokation.

It is not indefinite as long as you are stable for a 3 month period you can reapply.

Appealing is prohibitive as your chances are slim in winning.

Solar · 13-02-2013, 03:39 PM

Reapply, thats what I meant. I want to avoid any legal stuff where possible. Do you know if you can back date those 3 months as I have been stable for that long?

Carla_x · 13-02-2013, 06:27 PM

I find that to be pretty ridiculous, to be honest. Hope you get this sorted. :)

random.swirls · 13-02-2013, 06:34 PM

If they haven't spoken to a member of your care team get them involved ASAP as there evidence will be crucial.

If your license has been revoked you will be eligible for a free travel pass on public transport eg a freedom pass in London.

Once your license is back there should be no impact on insurance as that would be considered discrimination on the grounds of disability which is illegal!

Ami · 13-02-2013, 09:15 PM

I have had my driving licence revoked due to psychosis and you can get a bus pass :-[

Poppet6 · 13-02-2013, 09:25 PM

Who told the DVLA?

Solar · 13-02-2013, 10:37 PM

Thank you for all the replies.

I am feeling a bit calmer now as I think this situation can be rectified. Now I have read the letter properly it seems that it is possible for my GP to decide if I am medically fit. I am assuming I am as I have had no problems with driving since being diagnosed. Unfortunately my GP is away for a week so it is going to take some time to sort, but there is now hope that I can drive again.

Ellyx · 14-02-2013, 06:47 PM

I've had mine revoked due to psychosis and the meds im on, but on the plus sie i got given a free bus bus :)

Ballerina123 · 15-02-2013, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppet6

Who told the DVLA?

You have to tell the DVLA otherwise it invalidates you insurance.

I have just had my driving licence taken off my because of bipolar. It is annoying but to be honest I'm ok with it because I live in London and it means I now have access to free public tranceport.
You can appeal if you dont agree with it.

Solar · 15-02-2013, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ballerina123

You have to tell the DVLA otherwise it invalidates you insurance.

I have just had my driving licence taken off my because of bipolar. It is annoying but to be honest I'm ok with it because I live in London and it means I now have access to free public tranceport.
You can appeal if you dont agree with it.

I am hoping that my GP can verify that I am medically stable enough to drive. The letter suggests that that is possible. I think appealing is too much hassle and financially crippling.

My problem is I live in Cornwall and public transport is horrible. The nearest bus stop to me is over a mile away. It has basically sentenced me to staying at home rather than what I was doing. I am no longer able to ride the horses I was doing as they are no where near a bus route. It's defiantly made life difficult.

Aubergine · 15-02-2013, 10:44 PM

I've had mine revoked due to schizoaffective disorder. It frustrated me greatly to start with, but I'm used to it now.

I hope your GP is able to help you.

Cacoethes · 15-02-2013, 11:44 PM

i dont know if the same kind of rules apply, but my provisional licence has been refused a couple of times because of my 'illness'.

each time, they have had to write to my treating psychiatrist to ask them if they think im safe to drive.

Poppet6 · 16-02-2013, 09:07 PM

I think my gp contacted my psych and he wrote to the dvla