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[Kate]

Hi Everyone!

I recently moved to London in order to improve my chances of finding work.  I would really like a driving job and saw an advert for free training for women who would like to be bus drivers.

I went to an interview for the course and filled in a few forms and did literacy and numeracy tests.  One of the forms was a basic medical questionnaire.  I declared that I have suffered from depression. 

I was then told that I would never ever be allowed to be a bus driver.  I said that I had recovered from the condition and it didn't affect my driving anyway.  I was told that this didn't matter and I would definitely never be allowed to be a bus driver.

My question is this:  If you have suffered from depression can you never be a bus driver?

I realise that people with depression could be a danger on the roads but it seems wrong to suggest that they will never ever recover.

What do you all think about this? I'm very disappointed to be honest.

[Welung666]

Next time say no

[Kate]

I thought about not telling them anything about my depression but didn't want to waste my time as I might get turned down for my PCV provisional as they contact your doctor I think?

[Welung666]

I thought about not telling them anything about my depression but didn't want to waste my time as I might get turned down for my PCV provisional as they contact your doctor I think?

No they don't, they send you for a medical but they have no rights (unless you give them permission) to look into your medical history

[mantahatch]

Hope this may help http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/ataglance.aspx

[Kate]

Hope this may help http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/ataglance.aspx

Thanks that really helpful.  I think the training place has been telling me a load of rubbish!

[cem_devecioglu]

Kate, its one of the hardest jobs around ..

so imo think twice before accepting it..  :-/

[Tony H]

Kate, its one of the hardest jobs around ..

so imo think twice before accepting it..  :-/

Especially in London 

[Kate]

Kate, its one of the hardest jobs around ..

so imo think twice before accepting it..  :-/

Especially in London 

Yes that's a very good point!

[r1]

sorry to here you didnt get the job but please dont get depressed about it......

[Lazydocker]

Hmmm... Don't think bus driving would be my choice. I'd rather do HGV work again!

[Seth]

Any job's what you make of it Kate ........

I did nearly 25 years on the buses in various capacities, and loved it.
Privatisation killed the industry - that's why I left and went on the railway with it's far superior pay and conditions. If the bus industry became likewise, then I'd seriously consider returning to it.

I suffered from depression some years back, and I've still got my 'all types' PCV driving licence.

Personally, I'd forget London bus driving, and stay up north - expect around 8 quid an hour on OPO stage-carriage work!

[Amigo]

Hi Kate. I can't imagine you'd earn enough on the buses to live in London & the job would be unbearable today, it's not like this any more...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d55a6EDxqAA.
   Regarding past conditions, some may still hold thier licences despite suffering in the past but applying for a new one is a different matter. The way things are going holding a new psv/hgv will involve a uni course. The so called powers that be...& know best??? Are making the whole thing so difficult to pass that even if you do the working conditions & pay don't justify it. Sorry to be negative but i'd look elsewhere. Guy.

[damon80]

Hi Kate,

If you've previously been diagnosed by your doctor as suffering from depression, and now you're fine and dandy, what you need to do is book another appointment with your doctor for another consultation to get their professional opinion you're now "all clear", and and ensure they note it on your medical record.

Depression affects different people different ways, and stress can often be mis-diagnosed as depression - there is a significant difference between the two.

Either way, depression is not always a lifetime condition, which is why it's important for your GP to give you the "all clear" on your med rec once you've recovered.

If you've fully recovered, then I can't see any reason why your employer wouldn't agree you're medically fit to drive a PSV.

All the best 

[Banjax]

my uncle was a bus driver for 30yrs, he died peacefully in his sleep last year.




not screaming in terror like his passengers

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