Dvla

[Milkybuttons]

Just wanted to ask about others experience with letting the dvla know about their condition. I have been given a 3 year restricted license. Is this normal after a diagnosis of PP?

[Sally_at_APP Administrator]

Hi milkybuttons,

This has happened to me just this week. I wasn't aware that I had to let the DVLA know at the time I was ill (probably because I was so ill!), but I've just renewed my liscence as it had run out. I had to complete a medical form to say I'd been ill and admitted to a psychiatric unit in the past.

The DVLA have issued me a liscence that will be reviewed in 3 years time. I am presuming this is quite normal, but I think it probably depends on your diagnosis, timings and treatment etc. I don't think there are any restrictions on the liscence, I just might check with my insurance provider that nothing has changed (the DVLA couldn't confirm this for me).

I'm not sure what other people's experience has been, but I hope that helps,

Sally

[Jenny_at_APP Partner]

Hi milkybuttons

Yes I think this is normal after PP (and I imagine any psychotic episode). I think I had a one year licence and then a three year licence, now it's back to normal. They will write to you a few months before your licence is due for renewal so don't worry about needing to remember to do anything. I do remember the second time mine was renewed, so nearly 4 years after I was ill, I did struggle to remember dates I last saw my GP / psychiatrist about PP etc so perhaps keep a note somewhere (though you can always find out from your medical records or guess!)

I think it was about 6 months between notifying the DVLA and being told the outcome and I've never been clear on whether I was ok to drive during that time (I didn't) but as you've had your licence you're past that point.

Best wishes,

Jenny x

[Libby02]

Yes this is normal, so I found out too after having PP. However I had a years licence after having to surrender it 6 months & have just been given another year. I assume it's because I'm still on a very low dose of meds and I was sectioned and in an MBU initally. I didn't realise they also issue 3 years. X