DVLA and Licence

[Capricorn9157]

Got a letter from DVLA stating they have withdrawn my driving licence and I can apply for a 'medical review licence'. I voluntarily stopped driving because of my condition and tremors which can occur anytime without warning. I now have 7 days left to decide whether to apply for the new licence or surrender completely. As giving up my licence completely would mean my final total loss of independent travel in the future I am not sure what to do. Has anyone else been in the same situation? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you

[Veteran250]

Hi Capricorn.

I had to notify the DVLA when I was put on insulin for my diabetes....... because it causes hypoglicemic siesures sometimes, otherwise known as hypos..... I asked for my licence to be returned but was refused because by then I was using two types of insulin and I’m glad they refused because I was losing the feeling in my feet due to the diabetes, my wife had to learn to drive and I’m now a disabled passenger.

🙁

[tedjohnson]

Hello. Capricorn

My consultant told me I would know when I felt I should stop driving and this proved to be correct Six months later(after I handed in my license) she told me I had done the right thing and added that if I hadn't done so she would have had to notify the DVLA. Difficult as it is we must accept that we reach a time when we are dangerous to ourselves and others------or can be!! In my case my eyes let me down but fortunately my wife can drive

By all means go for a review as this will confirm the position for you

Good luck. Ted

[Capricorn9157 in reply to tedjohnson]

Thank you for your reply. It is helpful towards my decision.

[isabelalfaiate]

Dear Capricorn,

I think it is wise to give up driving before you are forced to. I have just stopped driving because I feel my reactions are not as quick. My doctor also said I should stop driving only when I felt I needed to. Many years ago, my father who also had Ataxia insisted on driving, also pushed by my mother, who sould not drive. We felt he was a danger for himself and others ans can you believe it, but were greatful when his car was stolen. Having that experience, I thought it wise to give up. I still have a licence for another year but only drive in the village up the road for about 500 metres to go to a shop, but I prefer not to. I will have to renew and get a medical certificate before the end of 2018 but I will not renew it. Ataxia has slowed out reactions and it is wise in this case to accept and voluntary give up before hurting ourselves or others.

Do not feel sad about but think of it as a wise step to take.

Best regards

Isabel

[Capricorn9157 in reply to isabelalfaiate]

Thank you Isabel. I have already stopped driving and it is probably the thought of the loss of 'independence' which is at the back of my mind. Like you, my local store is about 500 yards from home and takes me approx 40 - 45 minutes to walk there and back, what a pain, and is exhausting. You have been very helpful.

Steve

[bevvick1964]

Hi there

I had my license revoked because I’m on antidepressants and because I had a bad bout earlier this year I can re apply after 12 months. It seems that we are penalised if we get depressed too !!!

[lorrainewalls]

Hi Capricorn,

When I asked the neurologist some years ago about driving, he wanted to see how quickly I could react to a simple task. I failed miserably so I stopped driving. Not too much of a problem as my husband could drive but I felt the loss of independence. I got accustomed to it. However, when my husband died (10 years ago now), I realised I still had a driving licence. I had a few refresher lessons with a driving school. I had to notify DVLA (it is compulsory to notify them of any long term medical condition). After a few months I was told I could still drive. I bought a car and started to drive again. During the time I had lessons and starting to drive again, my reactions had slowed and the sensation from foot to brain had lessened. Suddenly I didn't feel in control. When I first learned to drive, my instructor told me "When you are behind the wheel of a car, you are in charge of a lethal weapon". Enough said. Now I use taxis, have groceries delivered (Sainsburys, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose - they all deliver). There are a lot of things I can't do, but a hell of a lot I CAN. It's not the end of the world.

[Capricorn9157 in reply to lorrainewalls]

Thank you Lorraine. It is probably the thought, in the back of my mind, of the loss of 'independence' stopping me from deciding. I already stopped driving because of the tremor bouts but having it made official makes it harder. You have been helpful in my decision. Thank you

Steve

[SamGH]

Hi I'm going through this as well. I voulenterary gave up driving 2 yrs ago. It's now from drs enforcement. There's no way back.

The DVLA advised me Not to surrender my license but for them to revoke it. This will at least allow me to provide proof to the council that I need a free bus pass.

[Capricorn9157 in reply to SamGH]

Hi Sam. Thank you. I already have a travel pass and it is probably the thought in the back of my mind of the loss of 'independence' that is stopping me.

Steve

[Sqd-2415_hoc]

DVLA have revoked my licence this time around because I do have mild eye issues. When I get over tired have slight diplopia (double vision) this is corrected out by prisms as after fifty years driving didn't fancy an eye patch. Having prisms fitted has sorted the problem like any prescription change. DVLA set an arbitrary 2 -3 months to adjust which I don't get unless optician agrees to me having adapted some sort of eureka moment Last time DVLA and their Medical Dept both sent me a licence - one for each eye! Nicked them both anyway. Massive change to lifestyle as wife doesn't drive - On Line the way forward. Anyone had any success with DVLA - or perhaps Ataxia Foundation has a view? My friend just had bi-focals same rules don't apply does a good Nodding Dog impression when driving.

Rodders

Andover

[SamGH in reply to Sqd-2415_hoc]

How big/strong are your prisms?