DVLA assessment

[Beehive1]

Hi has anyone had a driving assessment following declaration of health issues to DVLA and what was involved?

Thanks

[CDreamer]

I have never heard of anyone having an assessment. Usually it is filling out the questions and possibly a letter to your consultant.

[Beehive1 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

I'm going through that procedure at the moment. Although I held a clean Group 1 licence for 50 years before the stroke, I will be issued with a one day provisional licence for a driving assessment at a disability test centre. I'll reply separately and at length when I'm at my computer.

[Beehive1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks they have told me to continue driving until they make a final decision following assessment.

[BG2017]

Hi, I had to voluntarily surrender my license on diagnosis of PAF, SSS, Atrial flutter, Atrial Tachycardia And Bradycardia, by request of my cardiologist. This was due to pauses of 6 seconds plus. 10 months later after an ablation and pacemaker, I was allowed to reapply. I filled out a form and they contacted the hospital but I was never requested to attend an examination. It was very straight forward and came through quickly. I hope yours is easy too!

Becky

[Beehive1 in reply to BG2017]

Thanks Becky I have to be assessed. I think it's because of the stroke. Cardio and Neuro have said I'm ok to drive so I have no idea what GP said or if he didn't respond to their queries (very likely as I reminded him 3 times following receipt of letters from DVLA). I am really upset over the whole thing.

[BG2017 in reply to Beehive1]

Oh I hope it all goes well for you. It is so hard not driving and after everything you have already been through- best wishes x

[Beehive1 in reply to BG2017]

Thanks

[Stumpy47 in reply to BG2017]

Likewise , I have reapplied & hoping to get back driving soon, I understand it is just paperwork from consultants confirming I'm clear to drive again.

[Beehive1 in reply to Stumpy47]

Hope it goes well

[Hidden]

There has been a significant increase in the number of people having their licences revoked for health issues. The House of Commons Briefing Paper SN409 dated 11 January 2017 refers to report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in October 2016 into the DVLA, and states there is a flawed and inconsistent decision making process (on the ability to drive). Further, that some medical panels relied on evidence that was 20 years out of date or relevant to road safety standards in Canada.

I was blind on the right hand side after a stroke on 6 July 2016 and my group 1licence was revoked 3 months later. I applied for restoration of my licence in June 2017 as the minmum 12 months had almost elapsed. I submitted the evidence they requested in May 2016 including tests by my Opthalmist to the DVLA Medical Group's requirements and, evidence that I had completed a one hour driving assessment to current driving test standards on a non-public road. After 14 weeks they wrote asking for more information. I re-submitted the Opthalmists's test results and a lengthy letter from my GP. I now have consent to apply for a one day provisional licence so that my driving can be assessed at a DVLA disability driving centre. The assessor's report is then submitted to the DVLA Medical Group who will decide if I can apply for a medical driving licence. Although I had a clean driving licence for 50 years and maximum no claim bonus, I will lose the no-claim bonus if I do not insure a car within two years.

[Beehive1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you John-Boy. I hope it all goes well for you. I have completed a raft of paperwork and hope all will be ok as I need to drive for my line of work.

[lyneh in reply to Hidden]

Hi. I’ve just read your post. Would love to hear how thexassessment went & what it involves. My son is 18 months post TBI with left peripheral blind spot just short of DVLA 50degree either side criteria. After Exceptional Case appeal they too are giving him one day PDAL fir on road assessment due do evidence he has adapted & is functional. All the best

[Beehive1 in reply to lyneh]

Hello Lyneh

All went well at the test. I had a cognitive assessment to test perception, reaction times and attention (mainly) followed by a one hour on road test. The route was through normal city driving and dual carriageway. Not as stringent as the driving test just general observation of reactions etc.. The examiners did everything to put me at ease.Good luck!

[lyneh]

Thank you. The waiting for DVLA is making him crazy but good to move forwards 🤞🏻

[john-boy-92]

I had a different experience of the DVLA assessment. At one point the driving assessor said at a give way tee junction: "advanced driver John would have glanced left and continued right". I was not an advanced driver and neither should the assessment be at advanced level. The two assessors couldn't agree on whether I should have refresher lessons or be failed, but in the end I was failed and that means a life-time ban. The writen report had a box that alleged the entirety of the driving assessment was off-road although it was all on public roads. Statements in the same sections of the report contradicted each other. The case is with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

[Beehive1]

Sorry to hear that. The rwo instructors I had explained everything in detail before and after. Thankfully it went well even through lunchtime traffic. The DVLA has emphasised that it remains my responsibility to ensure that I do not drive if I feel unwell or unable to drive.