Mental health and driving and riding
For those living with a mental health illness, driving and riding can be a real challenge.
Experiencing a mental health problem, whether it be a bout or ongoing, is daunting and lonely in itself. The worry that it may also take away independence and freedoms on top of that is of no greater comfort.
To support those affected, we’ve put together some expert advice and practical tips to help keep them safely on the road.
Mental Health Motorbike
Launched in March 2020, Mental Health Motorbike (MHMotorbike), a charity dedicated to providing mental health support and a safe place for people in need, is training bikers in the adult mental health first aid course and aiming to build the country’s first free dedicated support network for bikers across the country.
Partnering with IAM RoadSmart, MHMotorbike will be training IAM RoadSmart members to become first aiders, whilst raising awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health. We'll reveal more details on this partnership soon.
Download our mental health leaflet here.
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Tips to looking after your mental health
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have four practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Further reading for driving or riding with a mental health illness
Mental health can affect you at any point in your life. You could be new to the road or you could have years of experience and a wealth of knowledge under your belt. If you do have a mental health illness and/or are taking medication, you may need to tell the DVLA so they can advise whether or not you're safe to be on the road.
Mental health charity, Mind and insurance company, We Are Marmalade, have put together an overview with some helpful information to help you decide if you're fit to drive.
Ben is the automotive industry's support service and they provide lots of tips on how to handle different types of mental health issues. Along with these useful links, we've put together a list of our own advice to help you stay safe on the road.
