You must inform the agency if your condition negatively affects your ability to drive
There are a number of mental health conditions that could negatively impact your ability to drive.(Image: Getty Images)
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has outlined the six mental health conditions you are legally required to report to them before getting behind the wheel.
Motorists must tell the DVLA about a mental health condition if the diagnosis is severe or if moderate symptoms could negatively impact their ability to drive safely. If your driving is not affected by your condition, you do not need to report it.
Failure to inform the agency could result in a fine of up to £1,000, or prosecution if you are involved in an accident.
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The government website advises people to ask their doctor if they are unsure whether they should contact the DVLA.
Once drivers have declared a condition, experts will analyse the evidence and decide a course of action. You can usually keep driving while DVLA are considering your application.
Below are the mental health conditions you must report to the DVLA:
- Bipolar disorder
- Paranoid schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Psychotic depression
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophrenia
If you have a diagnosis of one of the following mental health problems, you only need to tell the DVLA if it affects your ability to drive:
- Agoraphobia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Personality disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
As well as the conditions listed above, you must tell the DVLA if you have been dependent on alcohol, or if you have used illegal drugs or prescription drugs.
There is a list of medical conditions on gov.uk. You can use this to check what the rules are for your mental health problem.