hi everyone can I still legally drive a car if I need oxygen now and then ??

[sirolf3742]

hi every one , just to ask does anyone know if I have to inform DVLA if I need oxygen some time if needed ?? been really bad with an exacerbation of COPD since Dec, had an assessment for continual oxygen last week cannot walk due to breathlessness and now have to wait for 10 weeks to see if I need ambulant oxygen!!!?? meanwhile just sit and wait

worked as a physio all my life and feel so let down , I love the NHS it dearly needs help thanks for listening looking forward to the reply's xx

[mrsmummy]

You can still legally drive and do not need to inform the DLA unless your condition may affect your driving ability (for example epilepsy). Do ensure you carry your oxygen cylinders safely. Here is some advice from an oxygen company:

bcga.co.uk/assets/publicati...

[sirolf3742 in reply to mrsmummy]

wow thanks so much for the very quick answer that has cheered me up xx thankyou

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hello sirolf3742 and I use oxygen all of the time now and I also still drive. I have the portable cylinders-if on a journey other than just local errands,I always ensure I carry spare oxi and spare cannula's and they are secure in the boot of my car. The one I use whilst driving,is placed in the foot well of the passengers seat,so it doesn't go flying around! Hope this is of some help and I wish you many happy hours,driving whilst still needing oxygen. Never be afraid to drive as long as you feel well enough and confident,I'm certain you'll be fine. Do let us know how you get on.

[sirolf3742 in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

thankyou for the info

have to wait 'til my assessment on 29th March before I know if I get it or not best wishes and keep well x

[Hidden in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

nice answer squirrels holt.

[Carnival567]

The DVLA has a whole long list of medical conditions which you have to tell them about on their website, but oxygen use and pulmonary conditions are absent. I know this esoteric piece of information because I had to inform them of my congenital heart disease, as the hospital told me about doing so, as if you don't tell them you are liable for a £1000 fine. I've only had it 74 years and a driving licence for 40 years! New thing, reasonably enough. I had a pleasant letter back telling me I was ok to drive, thank goodness.

[sirolf3742 in reply to Carnival567]

thankyou for the reply and keep well x

[mskpjb]

Hi sirolf3742 I can't understand why there should be a 10 week wait to see if you need Ambulatory oxygen. If you need oxygen at all you certainly need it when you're walking about. Maybe I'm misunderstanding something - possible 'cos I'm not very bright before midday. Anyway I'm wishing you well and must say I've been very grateful to all the physios I've seen in my numerous hospital stays over the years. Take care, Sheila x

[sirolf3742 in reply to mskpjb]

no that is right , 10 weeks to wait !! and if I need to go into hospital then I will be taken off the waiting list as you have to be well to have the tests !! the other test suggests that I do not need it all the time as sats were 92 ( on a good day) they only have the gym on a Thursday at the York hospital !! hence the delay , YOU COULDN'T MAKE IT UP IF YOU TRIED COULD YOU LOL!! GOOD JOB WE STILL HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR !! thank so much for the reply take care xx

[Hidden]

its not funny though specially when you've given so much to the nhs.

[sirolf3742]

thankyou xx