Article written by Delta Driving School
While mental health issues should remain confidential between a patient and their doctor, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), is authorized to investigate into any suggestion that a driver suffers from a mental health disorder that could potentially affect their driving ability.
Even though in many cases mental health issues can be controlled by medications and therapy, the DMV will still try to ensure a driver with a diagnosed condition is not a harm to themselves or others on the road.
Some mental health disorders that cause concern for the DMV include:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Anxiety
The course of action which the DMV takes ultimately depends upon the source of information and the severity of the allegation. The DMV receives information that a driver has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder in many ways. This includes:
Medical professionals who discover a problem
Law enforcement officials who are made aware of a mental health disorder while contacting a driver
Family members who believes the individual should not be driving
Friends who believe the individual is not safe to drive
Anonymous tipsters
Depending on the severity of an individual’s mental health disorder, he or she may have their driver’s license suspended. There is also the possibility that the DMV may take no action or direct the driver to participate in the Re-Examination process.
This article was sent to us by Delta Driving School. They are a Driving School in La Crescenta CA and neighboring cities. Make sure to contact them if you are looking for a driving school in that area.
