Medical Licence - Results delay

[t55ddy]

With fairly severe myopia and now glaucoma in my left eye I had to take the DVLA test for 1st time last year which resulted in a 1 year Licence. I did the test again 5 weeks ago and have heard nothing (my sense is that the test did not go well but always difficult to tell). My Licence is due to expire in 9 days - I have tried phoning - they are not taking calls, and emailing without response. Clearly if the decision is negative then I will appeal but this situation is leaving me no time to do that. Is this response delay usual or has anyone figured a way of getting a clear response more quickly? Thanks

[muddledme]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties with the DVLA delays.

If the delay is caused by the DVLA you are still allowed to drive whilst your application is with them (Section 88 of the road traffic act).for further info visit gov.uk and search INF188/6.

There is also a special e mail for glaucoma patients, as you say you can never get through otherwise. [e-mail].

I think many of us on this forum have had problems with all the delays.... I had to wait about 6 months or so. Apparently it is quicker to do things online , but still gets frustrating when contact is so difficult.

Good luck.

[t55ddy in reply to muddledme]

Thanks for the reply, very helpful and perhaps I will just sit tight. I did do the application online and they responded with a request to do the Specsavers test very quickly. It is the result of that test that I am awaiting. My normal optician is on 'stand-by' to repeat the test in case I need to appeal but it feels like I will not have much time to do that without a period of no Licence. Sigh ...

[Hidden in reply to t55ddy]

Hi t55ddy,I, too, and 63. I can share my timeline, but I hope you will not have such long waits.

22/03/21 - Diagnosis with bilateral glaucoma

28/07/21- Took Esterman binocular [HUMPHREY machine]DVLA funded test

13/11/21 - Driving licence revocation dated 13/11/21.

18/12/21 - Took independent Esterman binocular test on [HENSON] , which I passed with 100% on first attempt. ( delayed due to lack of local optometrists offering the test & SPECSAVERS lacking capacity to undertake independent tests, funded by clients)

22/12/21 - Submitted successful test and supportive report from Consultant to the DVLA Medical Group.

27/01/22 - received forms from DVLA to apply for a new driving licence & medical questionnaire, requesting contact details of GP and Consultant, for their contribution

I'm not expecting to hear any news for some time, as WATCHDOG on - line reports the BMA have told GPs to 'deprioritise' car drivers, in favour of truck drivers and drivers of emergency vehicles, in light of their involvement in the vaccine roll - out.

BTW - rimless glasses were the key to my success. Also, as my window for Informal Appeal was closing, I informed DVLA of my intention to make a Formal Appeal, which resulted in e - mails and a letter! Perhaps, pure coincidence.

Good luck!