Article by Delta Driving School
Issues of mental health are a profoundly private matter and should always remain confidential between a patient and their doctor. Despite that, due to how deeply intertwined the California Department of Motor Vehicles is to the day-to-day functions of the state, the DMV has the authority to investigate into any suggestion that a driver suffers from a mental health disorder that could potentially affect their ability to drive.
Some of the primary categories of mental health that cause concern for the DMV include:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia
Schizophrenia
Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
PTSD
Even though many of these conditions can be controlled through the use of prescribed medications and therapy, the DMV will still seek to ensure that any driver diagnosed with such a disorder can exhibit that their condition is stable and does not affect their driving. Equally, the DMV is also concerned about the potential affect prescription medications could have on a person’s ability to drive.
The California DMV may receive information that a driver has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder from a wide range of sources, such as:
Medical professionals who uncover an issue
Law enforcement officers who come across a mental health issue while contacting a driver
Family members who believe a person is not safe for driving
Friends who believe a person should not be driving
Anonymous tipsters
While it ultimately depends upon the severity of a driver’s mental health disorder, the DMV may choose to take three courses of action. One, the DMV could take no action. Two, they could direct the driver to participate in a re-examination process. Lastly, the DMV could suspend the driver’s license and offer the person the right to a hearing.
About the Author:
Delta Driving School is a Driving School in Highland Park CA. They offer driving lessons. If you are in the area and looking for lessons, make sure to contact them.