Section 4 on page 5 of the DVLA D4 form covers this topic.
Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are common in the UK. You can view current statistics here.
The DVLA regularly assesses drivers with mental health conditions, but this is only relevant if it affects your ability to drive. You can find a full list of relevant conditions and guidance here.
You must report your condition to the DVLA if it affects your driving. Use form M1V, available here, if you:
- Are under the care of a Mental Health Team
- Are under the care of a psychiatrist
- Have been admitted to hospital for psychiatric treatment
- Have drug or alcohol misuse issues
I Have Anxiety and/or Depression – Can I Drive and Do I Need to Notify the DVLA?
If you do not experience the following, you likely have mild to moderate symptoms, and this link applies:
- Major memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Agitation or behavioral issues
- Suicidal thoughts
For most people with everyday anxiety or depression, this won’t affect your driving. However, if you experience any of the above, your condition may be considered “severe,” and this link applies.
The DVLA focuses on drivers at risk of suicide. If you have severe symptoms, do not drive and report your condition using form M1V.
Some mental health medications can impair driving. If you take these, the DVLA needs to know. If you are under psychiatric care, your doctor will likely submit information on your behalf.
Can I Drive After Having a Psychotic Episode?
You must notify the DVLA if you’ve had psychotic episodes. This won’t automatically prevent you from driving, but the DVLA will need detailed information, especially about the last 12 months. Your doctor at the D4Drivers appointment will discuss this with you.
If you’ve had psychotic episodes and hold a bus or lorry licence, the following apply:
- You’ve been stable for at least 12 months
- You follow your treatment plan
- Your medication doesn’t affect your ability to drive
- You are at low risk of relapse
- A psychiatrist must provide a favourable report
If substance misuse is involved, or if misuse continues, your licence won’t be issued.
I Have Had an Episode of Mania or Hypomania – Can I Drive?
You must notify the DVLA if you’ve ever had mania or hypomania. A licence won’t be issued if the condition is linked to substance misuse. The following apply:
- You’ve been stable for at least 12 months
- You follow your treatment plan
- Your medication doesn’t impair your driving
- You are at low risk of relapse
- A psychiatrist must provide a favourable report
ADHD/Autism and driving
May be able to drive but must notify DVLA if condition affects the ability to drive safely. A diagnosis of any of these conditions is not in itself a bar to licensing.
The DVLA must be notified if there are any significant issues with the following, either singly or in combination, to a degree that would raise concerns about an individual’s ability to drive safely. These are:
1: attention and concentration
2: memory
3: behaviour and awareness of how this impacts on others
4: ability to regulate emotions
5: ability to make considered decisions without being impulsive
6: insight and understanding
7: ability to anticipate the actions of others
8: cognitive flexibility
9: sensory processing (increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli for example light, sound, etc)
10: motor coordination and control
If your patient is diagnosed with a neurological developmental condition but has passed a driving test, the attributes for safe driving will already have been demonstrated at that time. The DVLA will only need to be notified if there is a change to their condition, or if you have any concerns around their ability to drive safely. The DVLA must be informed if prescribed medication or any side effects of the medication are likely to impair safe driving.