CMT & DRIVING

[Chriren2702]

hi everyone, just a quick one, has anyone had their driving licence taken away because of their CMT getting worse?

[Amanita]

No. I very much hope it hasn't happened to you - or is it something you are worrying might happen ?

I expect you already know that you are obliged to tell the DVLA if you have a medical condition that could potentially impair your driving ability, and give them the contact details of your medical consultant. If you fail to notify them you could be fined £1000. I told them about my CMT and yes they did indeed contact my neurologist.

Later I was advised (by an OT) to go for a medical driving assessment (waiting list approx.6 months) and duly got my GP to refer me.

I had the assessment 4 years ago, with the result I was told I was no longer fit to drive a manual car, and should get a fully automatic during the next 2 or 3 weeks - and get lessons first in driving with my R foot on the accelerator (=normal) and left on the brake (not normal but much safer when you have poor proprioception) When I reported back to my assessor that there was a waiting list for lessons of about 6 weeks and meanwhile I was absolutely dependent on driving, she pointed out that it was my responsibility to ensure I was safe to drive, and that if I were involved in an accident that could even partly be attributed to my CMT I would not be covered by my insurance, and could be prosecuted. So I drove extremely carefully until i had had the lessons and got an automatic. My licence has been amended.

My new car has been fitted with an extra-large brake pedal at my request, as I was afraid of missing the original one.

There are other car adaptations of varying degrees of sophistication that can be installed to help you

You said nothing of your own situation, so I hope I haven't just been telling you stuff you already know - and I hope you are still able to drive....

[Hidden]

I'm 64. My license has been recently downgraded to 3 years, at which time I have to reapply.

Dont know what I would do if I lost my license. I would be trapped in the house!

I'm pretty sure CMT only gets worse!

[curlyburli in reply to Hidden]

I had to take the medical fitness to drive last year. Now got a three year driving license, like you I would be lost without my car. I live alone and depend on it. Seems every cmt sufferer now has to reapply for the licence every 3 years.

[Thel]

No not that I've heard of,I'm still driving and I have got much worse as I get older.

[Jilybeans]

I didn't have mine taken away but I cannot drive anymore. I have such bad cramping and muscle spasms it's almost impossible. I also have days where my feet are numb.

[Morllyn]

Nope.

[CMTUnitedKindom Partner]

It's highly unlikely, but if you are worried, get a driving assessment done to be absolutely sure you're safe to drive.

Most people with CMT are now being issued with three year licences on renewal. Doesn't mean a thing, except more bureaucracy

[Tweet0r]

Hi, I was diagnosed with CMT last year.

I renewed my licence last year and have had a medical with my doctor which I passed.

I sent off my application with the medical form a report from my Neurologist

The DVLA have been reviewing my licence for 3 months now and still can't tell me if they will renew or revoke my licence.

I am stuck in limbo and I can't drive without my licence and I still have to work (I am a plumber and heating engineer. I am fit to work and walk or ride a bicycle to get to jobs if they are not near public transport.

I walk between 5-7 miles per day and ride a bike, yet I am still not fit to drive.

The irony is... the more I walk to more my leg muscles waste and the worse my condition gets. It is just ridiculous.

I hope that nobody else has to go through this.

[Amanita in reply to Tweet0r]

Hi, Tweet0r,

I am appalled at the way the DVLA is treating you.

Have you contacted them to see what is happening? (is it possible to contact them?)

Your post has thoroughly aroused my alarm, as I had to surrender my licence for renewal and sent it off (with their ordinary reminder form plus a medical one I printed from the internet) a couple of days after getting the reminder. They have had it a month now and I have not heard a thing. I do know it arrived and have scans of the recorded delivery receipt and their signature (squiggle) on getting it. The licence expires 22 March, so not really that far ahead, when I have various commitments in April and May which will require driving quite long distances. I told them about the CMT in early 2013 - after I'd had a medical driving assessment- which restricts me to an automatic.

I live alone and my mobility is very poor so I totally depend on driving everywhere myself.

Think I will seek out a phone number and try to speak to them tomorrow.

[Amanita in reply to Tweet0r]

Hi again, Tweet0r,

This morning I received a demand from DVLA to get a medical examination, with my GP, so have booked one. Progress of sorts.

A thought - could contacting your MP about your predicament help?

Am imagining you plodding several miles to work with all your spanners and plumbing stuff on your back.....