How do I renew my driver's license with this proviso?
June 12, 2017 8:10 PM Subscribe
My license renewal form has, on the bit to send in, "I certify that I have no mental or physical condition and I am not taking any medication that could impair my ability to operate a motor vehicle." Help me figure out whether or not this is true for me and if not, how else to renew my Washington State driver's license.
I have depression and take mirtazapine at bedtime. This makes me drowsy at night, such that I sleep better. If I had an emergency during this time, I would handle it without driving. Likewise, I have alprazolam for occasional use and wouldn't drive while using it. Do these mean that I can't "certify" those things as true?
How do I get a renewed license from the DOL?
I have depression and take mirtazapine at bedtime. This makes me drowsy at night, such that I sleep better. If I had an emergency during this time, I would handle it without driving. Likewise, I have alprazolam for occasional use and wouldn't drive while using it. Do these mean that I can't "certify" those things as true?
How do I get a renewed license from the DOL?
You are not impaired during the times you drive. I would just say you're not impaired. Do not drive when you are impaired due to meds. I'd just consider this similar to alcohol. I just don't drive drunk.
posted by Kalmya at 8:16 PM on June 12, 2017 [15 favorites]
posted by Kalmya at 8:16 PM on June 12, 2017 [15 favorites]
If you answer "Yes" to that question (see page 168 of this pdf) it looks like you will go to a doctor and have them fill out a Washington State Physical Examination Report.
posted by Rob Rockets at 8:24 PM on June 12, 2017
posted by Rob Rockets at 8:24 PM on June 12, 2017
I would draw a distinction between medicine that you 'are taking' (something you take on an ongoing basis that is in your system at all times) and medicine that you 'take on occasion'.
posted by Lady Li at 8:53 PM on June 12, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Lady Li at 8:53 PM on June 12, 2017 [3 favorites]
It sounds as if you are reading it as a blanket statement for any time you may be impaired due to medications.
I admire your willingness to be fully forthright in the situation, but I agree with Kalmya. If you know you will not be driving under any influence, you can honestly state that. Otherwise, every single driver in Washington State would have to say yes, as they could get sick, have wisdom teeth removed, what have you which would temporarily allow them access to heavy medications that would make them unfit to drive.
Yet, all of those drivers are going to check the no box and are also going to do what you do, which is not drive during the times they could potentially be impaired.
I think it's more of a question of things one may use daily and are never safe to be on the road.
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 8:53 PM on June 12, 2017 [8 favorites]
I admire your willingness to be fully forthright in the situation, but I agree with Kalmya. If you know you will not be driving under any influence, you can honestly state that. Otherwise, every single driver in Washington State would have to say yes, as they could get sick, have wisdom teeth removed, what have you which would temporarily allow them access to heavy medications that would make them unfit to drive.
Yet, all of those drivers are going to check the no box and are also going to do what you do, which is not drive during the times they could potentially be impaired.
I think it's more of a question of things one may use daily and are never safe to be on the road.
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 8:53 PM on June 12, 2017 [8 favorites]
I had this situation come up for me in 2003 or so, in WA State. I have something called Complex Spastic Paraparesis, which basically means, in my case, "I can't control my muscles well due to Spasticity." In my case it also affected my eye muscles.
I had stopped driving for 3 years at this point because of the disorder, so when I got this question, I truthfully answered "Oh hell no!", then explained why. (It was also pretty obvious at this point, and I'd fail the eye exam anyways). They gave me the choice to willingly give it up, or they'd petition my doctor to give it up - and I willingly gave it up.
posted by spinifex23 at 9:02 PM on June 12, 2017
I had stopped driving for 3 years at this point because of the disorder, so when I got this question, I truthfully answered "Oh hell no!", then explained why. (It was also pretty obvious at this point, and I'd fail the eye exam anyways). They gave me the choice to willingly give it up, or they'd petition my doctor to give it up - and I willingly gave it up.
posted by spinifex23 at 9:02 PM on June 12, 2017
I mean, I take over-the-counter cold medicine that makes me sleepy sometimes, but I don't drive when I do. As someone pointed out above, I also don't drive when I've been drinking. The question doesn't mean "Are you awake, alert, and ready to drive at a moment's notice at any time?" A driver's license doesn't mean you're required to be on call and ready to jump behind the wheel in a safe condition 24/7. I think you are misinterpreting the question.
posted by tiger tiger at 10:04 PM on June 12, 2017 [8 favorites]
posted by tiger tiger at 10:04 PM on June 12, 2017 [8 favorites]
It is true for you if you want them to renew your license. Say the thing that will get your license renewed, and don't drive while you're impaired. (Which you already don't do.)
posted by emelenjr at 1:38 AM on June 13, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by emelenjr at 1:38 AM on June 13, 2017 [1 favorite]
Do these mean that I can't "certify" those things as true?
Nope, you are good. As others have said, you are not taking a medication regularly and consistently that makes you unable to drive on a general basis. My sister has epilepsy and was not allowed to drive because of it until she had been seizure-free for some certain amount of time. This is a CYA maneuver from the DMV/RMV to make sure that you are still physically and mentally allowed to drive which you are.
posted by jessamyn at 8:33 AM on June 13, 2017 [1 favorite]
Nope, you are good. As others have said, you are not taking a medication regularly and consistently that makes you unable to drive on a general basis. My sister has epilepsy and was not allowed to drive because of it until she had been seizure-free for some certain amount of time. This is a CYA maneuver from the DMV/RMV to make sure that you are still physically and mentally allowed to drive which you are.
posted by jessamyn at 8:33 AM on June 13, 2017 [1 favorite]
This probably doesn't help, but pretty much everyone I know with a WA driver's license regularly takes more sedating and/or mind-altering medication than you do. Including me.
Your honesty and decency go above and beyond, but I think you're fine and would/will happily share the roads with you in all confidence that you're fine to drive.
posted by monopas at 10:03 PM on June 13, 2017 [1 favorite]
Your honesty and decency go above and beyond, but I think you're fine and would/will happily share the roads with you in all confidence that you're fine to drive.
posted by monopas at 10:03 PM on June 13, 2017 [1 favorite]
« Older He doesn't carrot all if there's not mushroom! | Chords to" Wild Honey" off of the album "Alaska" Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by RainyJay at 8:15 PM on June 12, 2017 [2 favorites]