ADHD and driving
The DVLA guidance states ‘You must tell DVLA if your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or your ADHD medication affects your ability to drive safely.
If your driving is not affected by your ADHD or ADHD medication, you do not need to tell the DVLA.
Please refer to DVLA guidance for further information on this matter, we are unable to provide any assessment of whether ADHD compromises your ability to drive.
Non-medication management strategies
Medication is only one part of ADHD treatment. We encourage you to explore non-medication management strategies, as these can play an important role in helping you manage symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists provides information about ADHD, in the form of a leaflet, which also details a number of sources of support.
As with other conditions, there are general life style factors that can modify the expression of ADHD and it is important to improve and optimise general wellbeing through healthy diet, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, reducing alcohol and substance use, and reducing caffeine intake. The following website provide useful information – Healthy Living – NHS.
See below for further useful resources and links:
Literature and books
- Taking Charge of Adult ADHD – Russell Barkley
- Delivered from Distraction: Getting the most out of life with Attention Deficit Disorder – Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
- Fast Minds: how to Thrive if You have ADHD (or think you might have it) – Craig Surman
- The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills – Sonny Jane Wise
Useful contacts
Call 111 if you need urgent medical help or advice, but it is not a life-threatening emergency. Calls are free. The NHS 111 team will give you advice and help you get the right care.
Mental health support
Somerset Talking Therapies
Talking Therapies provides information and self help that can help you overcome common mental health problems. They also offer short term treatments for anxiety and depression.
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK is a charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm)
CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a suicide prevention charity that provides life-saving services and mental health support to anyone who needs it.
Tel: 0800 58 58 58 (open every day, 5pm to midnight)
Mind
Mind provides life-saving information, support and advice. They provide Crisis Safe Space which is an out-of-hours service for anyone who feels like they are struggling with their mental health. Face-to-face or remote appointments are available and run 7 days a week from 6pm to 10pm. Crisis Safe Space sessions need to be booked by calling 01823 276892 (open 24 hours a day).
Contact details:
Tel: 01823 276892 (24 hours a day)
Email: info@mindinsomerset.org.uk
Veteran support
Samaritans
Samaritans provide confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Tel: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Employment support
Access to Work
Access to Work is a government-funded scheme that can provide practical advice and support to help you remain in work or start a new job if a health condition or disability affects your ability to work. This can include help with putting reasonable adjustments in place.
Access to work can help if you are in a paid job, about to start a job or work trial, or are self-employed and have health or disability needs that affect your ability to do your job.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice are a free and confidential advice service that provide advice on many issues including:
- welfare benefits (including Universal Credit)
- employment
- housing
- debt and money advice
- relationships matters
- discrimination
- access to help with food or fuel vouchers for those facing crisis due to financial hardship.
You can contact an adviser through our national phone service. This connects you to a local Citizens Advice.
Tel: 0800 144 8848 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Mental health support to help you stay in work
Able Futures
Able Futures can help you manage your mental health at work so you can enjoy more good days. They can provide up to nine months advice and guidance from a mental health specialist who can help you learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments to help your mental health at work.
Tel: 0800 321 3137 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 10.30pm)
Maximus
Maximums provide workplace mental health support through confidential and personalised support.