Article by Delta Driving School
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the State of California is responsible for ensuring that all drivers in the state are properly trained and sufficiently able to operate a motor vehicle. As part of that, it is important that drivers maintain both their physical health as well as their mental health, as both are required to be assumed fit to drive.
Though awareness of mental health issues is still on the rise, and even though mental health issues should generally remain private between patient and physician, the state can pursue an investigation if they believe a licensed driver should not operate a motor vehicle. The DMV is primarily concerned with dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and post-traumatic stress-related disorders.
The DMV can be made known of a potential mental illness in a variety of ways.
Authorities have learned of a mental illness while in contact with a motor vehicle operator
Medical professionals have reported a concern to the DMV
Friends or family members believe that the person is not fit to drive and have contacted the DMV
Individual drivers share too much information with authorities which raises awareness of the presence of a mental health disorder
Tips from anonymous persons
Once the DMV is alerted to a situation, they will either do nothing, request the driver to participate in a re-examination process, or will suspend the license and request the driver to participate in a hearing.
If you have received notice from the DMV that you are expected to participate in a re-examination process or that your license has been suspended and a hearing will be coordinated, know that you are entitled to defend yourself. You may wish to seek legal representation to ensure you are properly supported through the legal process.
About the Author: This article is courtesy of Delta Driving School. They are a Driving School in Pasadena and South Pasadena, Glendale, Eagle Rock and La Crescenta in Southern California.