Bipolar and driving

Having bipolar doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to drive. However, as soon as you become aware of your bipolar diagnosis, you must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and your car insurance company. It’s also essential for you to know that some bipolar symptoms, or side effects of some medications for bipolar, may affect your ability to drive safely.

How can bipolar affect driving?

Bipolar symptoms can affect concentration, judgement, reaction times and the ability to manage and respond to your feelings in a healthy and balanced way. All of these things are important for safe driving.

Can I drive if I’m depressed?

No, you should not drive during an episode of depression because you may:

• react more slowly than usual
• experience poor sleep, which can lead to tiredness and fatigue
• find it harder to concentrate or stay focused
• have suicidal thoughts

Can I drive if I’m hypomanic?

No, you should not drive during an episode of mania or hypomania because you may:

• act on impulse or take unnecessary risks
• experience poor sleep, which can lead to tiredness and fatigue
• find it harder to concentrate or stay focused
• have impaired judgement

The symptoms may be temporary, but they can make driving unsafe while they’re happening. Talk to your doctors about when it’s safe for you to drive again.

Bipolar medications and driving

Most people with bipolar take medication to manage their condition. Some of these medicines cause side effects that can impact whether or not you can drive safely.

What does the law say about medications and driving?

It’s against the law to drive if you’re affected by medication in certain ways, or if you have certain controlled drugs in your system above the legal limit – for example, some anti-anxiety and night sedation medications that are prescribed for bipolar.

Even if your medication is legally prescribed or available over-the-counter, you must not drive if you feel:

• drowsy
• dizzy or light-headed
• confused or mentally foggy
• slower than usual to react

If you are stopped by the police, they can test if you’re fit to drive.

If the police find you are unfit to drive due to medication in your system, you may be arrested and face severe penalties, including a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.

Always read the patient leaflet and check how your medication affects you before getting behind the wheel.

If you're unsure whether it’s safe to drive, check with your GP, psychiatrist or pharmacist – especially when you’re starting a new treatment or changing your dose.

Can I drive after being hospitalised for bipolar?

If you’ve been sectioned under the Mental Health Act or admitted to hospital after a serious bipolar episode:

• you must tell the DVLA
• you should not drive until your doctor says you’re fit to

The DVLA may need evidence (usually a letter from your GP or psychiatrist) that you’re stable before allowing you drive again.

Telling the DVLA about a bipolar diagnosis

How do I tell the DVLA about my bipolar diagnosis?

If you’re applying for a new licence or renewing a licence

You’ll need to:

1. Fill out an application form on the DVLA website
2. Answer the health questions honestly. There’s a section for mental health conditions, including bipolar.

If you already have a licence

You’ll need to:

1. Fill out the M1 online form on the GOV.UK website.
2. Complete a medical questionnaire, which includes details of:

• your diagnosis
• any prescribed medication you’re taking
• how the medication makes you feel

You’ll also need to give permission for the DVLA to contact your doctor or psychiatrist for further information.

What happens after I tell the DVLA about my diagnosis?

Once you’ve told the DVLA that you have bipolar, the DVLA will review your case. They may:

• ask your GP or psychiatrist for a medical report
• ask you to take a driving assessment, although this is rare for mental health conditions

The DVLA aims to make a decision about whether you can keep driving within six weeks, but it may take longer if they need more information.

Can I drive while I’m waiting for the DVLA’s decision?

Whether or not you can keep driving while you’re waiting for the DVLA’s decision will depend on medical advice.

If your doctor says you are fit to drive while your case is being assessed, you can usually continue to drive. Always check with your healthcare professional before continuing to drive.

How will the DVLA tell you about their decision?

You’ll receive a letter explaining the DVLA’s decision. They may:

1. Let you keep your licence.
2. Issue what’s called a short-term licence which will be valid for between one and five years and reviewed regularly.
3. Decide you must stop driving, either temporarily or permanently.
   
   

Surrendering or having your driving licence revoked

Having your driving licence taken away due to bipolar

If the DVLA decides that you cannot drive safely, they must:

• explain the reasons for their decision
• tell you when (or if) you can reapply
• inform you of your right to appeal

Appealing the DVLA’s decision

If you disagree with the DVLA’s decision, you can appeal

In England and Wales, you can appeal by contacting your local magistrates' court within six months. You must also write to the DVLA to let them know.

In Scotland, contact your local sheriff court within 21 days to appeal. You must also tell the DVLA within 21 days.

It’s a good idea to get legal advice and you may be able to get legal aid to help with the cost.

Surrendering your driving licence due to bipolar

Your GP or psychiatrist may advise you to stop driving, or you might decide to drop driving for yourself. Either way, you need to surrender your driving licence to the DVLA.

To give up your licence, you’ll need to:

1. Fill in a Declaration of Surrender for Medical Reasons form.
2. Send the form and your licence to the DVLA address on the form.

You will need to reapply for your licence if you want to start driving again.

How long before I can reapply for my driving licence?

Your letter will say if you need to wait before reapplying a new licence. You can reapply for your licence eight weeks before the end of however long you need to wait.

Managing your emotions when you give up your driving licence

Losing or giving up your driving licence can be really tough, especially if you drive for work or for important reasons, such as taking the children to school or looking after elderly parents.

It’s completely normal to feel upset, frustrated, angry and/or ashamed. Try to remember that stopping driving isn’t your fault or a punishment. It’s about keeping you and others safe.

With the right treatment, many people with bipolar are able to manage their symptoms and, in time, may be able to drive again.

Talk to your healthcare team to find out if there are steps you can take to get back on the road. And book a 1-1 call with our friendly support team if you’re struggling.