ADHD & Driving

[Brisbane_women]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for peoples personal experience on late adhd diagnosis and if they were told they needed to inform Transport of Main Roads of a Medical Condition that is likely to effect their ability to drive safely. 

It’s been brought to my attention through experience that adhd is on the list of conditions that require you to inform the TMR (transport department). The website wasn’t clear and I uploaded a medical certificate I thought was what they wanted. They wanted the form F3712. 

I rushed to inform them as my GP kept emphasising that I have a commercial license and he believes I require periodic reviews to maintain my license. My psychiatrist never said anything to be. But I never asked. She know I was a truck driver and provided a note for my work. I only see her every 6 months and I was concerned that I would get pulled over and drug tested. And the test will show the medication. 

As a result my license was suspended pending that form being filled out and if not submitted my license being canceled.

I was diagnosed when I was 6 and medicated until 10 years old then stopped. I’m now 34. Through out that time I have managed my very mild symptoms if any with no issues. I have a perfectly clean driving history. I have also had a truck driving job for 6 years. Prior to seeking medication. 

The reason for me seeking help now was to see if I was medicated would it help me pursue studying for another career as I am currently a truck driver and don’t want to do that for the rest of my life. 

Current situation i had to get an emergency appt with my psychiatrist. Not an easy thing as she only works part time. She had to take the form home to speak to a work colleague and I picked up the form. I noticed she missed a part of the form that was obviously her part to fill in. Ticking the boxes private and commercial boxes. Now I’m waiting for the medical side of the TMR office to be able to speak to my doctor to confirm what’s missing on my form and process it. 

This has been the biggest mess and the most regrettable life decisions I’ve made. I’m a casual worker. So this has cost me the ability to work and make a living. 

I have complained to the OHO because I believe this is a communication issue between psychiatrists and patients. But I’m not holding my breath.

What I have learned about this so far is: it’s due to Jets Law which came in to play in 2008.  You can be fined if you fail to disclose a medical condition that is likely to affect your ability to drive safely.  You must be assessed based on the medical standard referred to in the ‘Fitness to drive guide 2022’’ it’s very vague.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone. 

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Brisbane_women,

I am so sorry you are going through this. To say the outcome with your license is unfair is an understatement. It's an example of bureaucracy really failing to fit the situation.

I had a look for info and found the Austroads website. I expect you are already familiar with that as they publish the "Assessing Fitness to Drive" information. I noticed that on the Austroads website there are some email and phone contacts provided. I just wondered if you tried speaking/writing directly with them if they would have any helpful advice?

I almost certainly have undiagnosed ADHD and it is things like what you are experiencing that have put me off a formal diagnosis. It is possible to have it but still be high functioning and competent at things like driving. I also have a clean driving record and it is one of the things in life I feel very safe and confident in. For you, working as a truck driver, you will have a huge amount of driving experience and know what you're doing.

I'm just wondering if another possibility would be writing to your local member of parliament, explaining how this has affected your employment and asking for some direction with regard to support and a resolution for the situation?

I hope that the form gets processed correctly and that may put things straight. If you are not happy with the current psychiatrist assessment (I read your other post as well) you could seek the assistance of another psychiatrist. I know that is painful and annoying to do, given the cost. I spoke to someone recently who received a diagnosis of ADHD, but her first psychiatry experience was not good and she later went to a different psychiatrist who was way better. You can actually ask to speak with them prior to an appointment to get an idea of how they work and whether they might be right for you, if they are willing to do that. What I have found with these sort of things is you really have to be your own advocate and sadly you can't always rely on mental health and medical professionals getting things right. It's like you have to thoroughly check them out to make sure they are actually going to meet the needs you have.

I really hope things resolve for you soon. Take care,

ER