Citation

Collier A, Watts M, Ghosh S, Rice P, Dewhurst N. BJPsych Bull 2015; 39(1): 35-38.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/pb.bp.113.045963

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Aims and Methods The UK's Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) requires individuals to report if they have a medical condition such as alcohol dependence. General Medical Council guidance indicates that medical practitioners should ensure patients are aware of their impairment and requirement to notify the DVLA.

Results In a survey of 246 people with known alcohol dependence, none were aware of advice on driving given by medical practitioners and none had self-reported. In addition, 362 doctors, either attending a college symposium or visiting a college website, were asked about their knowledge of DVLA regulations regarding alcohol dependence: 73% of those attending the symposium and 63% of those visiting the website answered incorrectly. In Scotland, over 20 000 people have alcohol dependence (over 1 million people with alcohol abuse), yet only 2548 people with alcohol problems self-reported to the DVLA in 2011.

Clinical implications If the DVLA regulations were implemented, it could make an enormous difference to the behaviours of the driving public.

Language: en