Trainee Driver Medical - Psychology

[Economist]

After a bit of perseverance, I've finally received a conditional offer for a trainee driver's role. I have a medical coming up and despite having been through the official medical guidance can find nothing on psychology.

As a child I was diagnosed with Asperger's/Autism (bit of a debate over which due to a speech delay) and was statemented so I could get extra support at school. However, I pretty much "grew out" of it. For some recent background:

Held down a professional IT job in the City for the past few years.

Qualified glider pilot (medical signed off by GP, equivalent to a HGV medical). Previously held an Unresitricted Merchant Navy ENG1 medical (now expired, declared Asperger's) since I aspired to become a Deck Officer but was offered my current role and took that instead.

I attend quite a few networking events, basically I can get on with other people.

Passed all the train driver psychometrics first-time.

Never been on any meds for the condition.

Most recent specialist report is over four years old. Tried to get a more recent one but because I'm high-functioning and not in need of support it's been tricky to get the NHS specialists to take it seriously. Understandably, they have more pressing cases.

The question is, will it be a barrier? I would hope not, I do intend to declare it though I'm not sure when to do so in the medical, it's not what I would call mental health or similar.

 

[red2005]

Did you declare it on your application form mate?

 

[Economist]

I didn't, the simple reason being that I didn't need any reasonable adjustments for the application process. I sat all assessments/interviews in the same way that everyone else did.

I don't see that I'll need any reasonable adjustments in the job, I'd simply declare it at the medical out of honesty and to cover myself.

 

[ComUtoR]

Its great you passed and are at the medical stage. Have you sat the MMI and DMI yet ?

I only have one issue and one issue alone. IF there was a question on the application that stated "medical history" or anything along the lines of making a declaration of something that can affect the application. I can see a valid reason to refuse employment.

The recruitment is very competitive and they can use the slightest reason to justify passing you over for another candidate. I don't see it as a barrier to entry but I do see failing to declare as an issue.

I would urge every applicant to declare everything required and then deal with it as the process continues.

The medical group standards for Drivers is easily googled and there are a few links available on this forum if you search. They are well worth a read.

Declare it in the medical and speak to the Doc.

 

[Economist]

Passed the MMi first time, also passed the DMI.

Nothing on the application form about medical fitness apart from colour vision (I recently had an eye check up and it was fine). The only place I could have declared it was in the Equal Opportunities bit which doesn't get taken under consideration unless a candidate requests a reasonable adjustment. I was asked in the interview about current medication and I'm not taking any so the answer was "none".

It was really a childhood thing and that is backed up by the few reports that I have, I just wouldn't want any reason for it to creep out of the woodwork when I was in a job.

I'd hope that any decisions concerning medical fitness would be made solely by medically qualified staff. The media often does a poor job at reporting things like autism and I wouldn't want anyone making a decision based on what they'd read in a tabloid.

 

[ComUtoR]

Medically I don't see any issue. As I said my only worry is non declaration.

 

[misschoochoo]

You will need to declare it on the form they give you on the day you have your medical. They contact the dr of every candidate now just to make sure you've mentioned everything that needs mentioning.
If anyone has a medical issue which could see them become incapacitated and or unconscious at any time then that's usually ok, because the train has so many safety systems in place. What they're looking out for is a condition which could render you capable of overriding said safety systems and still be unwell, diabetes is a big no no.
At least this is what the Dr who did my medical said.
So just declare it on your form on the day and they will ask you about it, just one of those things.
If there's a problem when they request your medical records then they will contact you, if you hear nothing then you're all good.
Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[red2005]

Medically I don't see any issue. As I said my only worry is non declaration.

Yeah same here matey......may be an idea to phone up and mention it to them then, as commuter has said you'll of declared everything and your conscious will be clear and there will be no unpleasant surprises come the medical.

Don't mean to worry you in any way mate especially as a lot of this is historic anyway but the last thing you need is anything honesty related cropping up at a later date.

Also worth remembering these medical things are also there to protect you.......remember the bin driver from Glasgow didn't declare his condition from many years before either and it cost him and tragically others eventually.

 

[headshot119]

You will need to declare it on the form they give you on the day you have your medical. They contact the dr of every candidate now just to make sure you've mentioned everything that needs mentioning.
If anyone has a medical issue which could see them become incapacitated and or unconscious at any time then that's usually ok, because the train has so many safety systems in place. What they're looking out for is a condition which could render you capable of overriding said safety systems and still be unwell, diabetes is a big no no.
At least this is what the Dr who did my medical said.
So just declare it on your form on the day and they will ask you about it, just one of those things.
If there's a problem when they request your medical records then they will contact you, if you hear nothing then you're all good.
Hope this helps somewhat.

I don't think this post is accurate at all. I know at least three people who work in safety critical roles (two as drivers) who have diabetes, and it isn't a problem for them.

I doubt anyone would be passed medically fit to drive a train or a car for that matter if they can become incapacitated with no warning.

 

[misschoochoo]

As I said, that's what the Dr on the day of medical said to me.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Obviously they're not seeking out people with illnesses, that would be just silly. I don't think you quite understood what I wrote.
Diabetes can vary greatly from person to person, I know a trainee driver who has it. It's reviewed on a case by case basis. Perhaps diabetes is a bad example, it was the point about certain things bring a no go area, not about diabetes.
I was trying to get across that some illnesses are a yes or no with regards to being accepted for the program, because of all the safety systems in place. But things that can only partially incapacitate you, are more dangerous, because you'd still be able to override said systems. Do you understand what I'm saying now? Hope that explains it a little better ??????????????????
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Also, just quickly, a car is very different to a train. A car will not stop automatically if you don't react because you're incapacitated, a train will. That's the difference. Anyway, Economist, just declare it on day of your medical and take it from there, that's all you can do really, the rest is up to them. I'll keep my finges crossed for you, although from what you've said, I can't see it being a problem, have a nice Sunday everyone,

 

[ComUtoR]

Type 1 - No
Type 2 - Yes, with caveats.

 

[cwjohnstone]

Anybody know of anyone with chronic sinusitis? I have it and was wondering if this will be a problem as medical coming up soon....

 

[Economist]

Pleased to say that I passed the medical last week, declared the Autism/Asperger's and it was no problem whatsoever. Currently awaiting a contract/instructions on references and looking forward to starting in the New Year.

 

[donpoku]

Pleased to say that I passed the medical last week, declared the Autism/Asperger's and it was no problem whatsoever. Currently awaiting a contract/instructions on references and looking forward to starting in the New Year.

Congrats and well done

 

[Dscs]

Pleased to say that I passed the medical last week, declared the Autism/Asperger's and it was no problem whatsoever. Currently awaiting a contract/instructions on references and looking forward to starting in the New Year.

Well done to you, nothing to worry about then. Which TOC did you get?