Driving Assessment

[Lou21]

Hi as anyone had a driving assessment, I have just got a appointment to take a assessment and I don't know what to expect,I am desperate to get my license back. It as taken all my independence away. I didn't mention that I have Ataxia .

Lou 21

[wobblybee]

Hi Lou😊

You will have to notify the DVLA about Cerebellar Ataxia, it's a legal requirement.

But, it doesn't automatically exclude you from holding a driving licence😊

They'll contact your Neurologist/Doctor, and quite often a 3yr licence is approved, then reviewed😊

As it happens, I'm actually reapplying for mine now, hoping it's rubber stamped😊xB

[Lou21 in reply to wobblybee]

Hi wobblybee

I did inform the DVLA about my Ataxia,and I had to submit my driving license on the request of my consultant, but now I have requested it back, So I have been called up for a driving assessment,to determine my fitness to drive .

Lou 21

[robo1]

Hi Lou

You must tell DVLA about your Ataxia but this will not change your assessment. However, you cannot use your own car for the assessment so you end up in a strange car. When I had problems with their car and I told the assessor that I was having difficulties adapting to their car, I was told, correctly, that a driving licence was for any car. When I replied that I only drive my own car it made no difference. ~ Bob

[Lou21 in reply to robo1]

Hi robo1

Did you get yourlicense back?

Lou

[robo1 in reply to Lou21]

No. My car is up to date with all the latest gadgets but the assessment car was very basic, even Motability cars are fitted with reversing sensors but the test cat had nothing. Its surprising how quickly you get used to the latest technology and come to rely on it. All the best for your assessment. ~ Bob

[Lou21 in reply to robo1]

Hi robo1

I got mylicence back only for a year ,and said I could only drive an automatic but that doesn't bother me . At least I have my independence back for another year

Best wishes

Lou

[Catherine100]

Again, you must tell the DVLA. I had my driving assessment in Derby. It is challenging. I drove for an hour round an unfamiliar city. Some of it I had to narrate. I had to do 60mph down a dual carriage way. If you are already a good driver, you will be fine. Just expect it to take an hour.

[Coxy123]

Hi Lou,

I took the assessment last September in Whitney, It consisted of a 45 minute interview to understand about my condition and mobility, then an hour drive round Whitney in their car. There is nothing to worry about as the people I saw (RDAC) are advisory only and they will try and keep you driving so long as you are safe to yourself and other road users.

Like other people have said, you must tell the DVLA and I was advised to also inform my insurance company. They weren't interested and there was no hike in premium but I'm glad I did as I had a major accident in January (my fault) and took the decision voluntarily to stop driving. I now rely on public transport which is a pain but safer for me and other road users

[Lou21 in reply to Coxy123]

Hi CoxyThanks for your reply ,it sounds reassuring,I haven't driven for a year I hope I'm not to rusty and having to drive in an unknown place ,sorry you have had to rely on public transport . With my balance been so bad I can't rely on public transport . So do the assessment drivers put you at ease ?

[Coxy123 in reply to Lou21]

The guy I had was fine. He was an ex driving instructor and we had a good rapport. Just relax, they're on your side