DVLA DELAY

[Cornishcoastcat]

I have been waiting 8 weeks for a response to the result of my VFT from DVLA. Is this usual? The continuing anxiety is causing me to feel frozen, I can make no plans as I don’t know whether I will be allowed to drive. Have others waited this long?

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Going by other forum members posts, times vary greatly. The best thing to do will be to call the DVLA for an update.

[Martin-A]

I waited a total of 6 months to hear from the DVLA. I guess they must be busy.

[Cornishcoastcat in reply to Martin-A]

Hi Martin, what was the result?

[Martin-A in reply to Cornishcoastcat]

5 year medical licence and my grandad rights to driving a 7.5 ton truck were removed.

[Cornishcoastcat in reply to Martin-A]

Good result! Hope mine is similar

[BeeLib]

Hi, I understand these feelings. I had my 3 yearly driving test this year & waited much longer than previously to hear back from DVLA. I did phone to see what was happening and was told that my case hadn’t been looked at so at least I knew. I think they are very busy/ behind. You could phone and this might give some reassurance. Good luck.

[Bev155]

I waited nearly a year but you can continue to drive while they decide.

[Mangobrain]

I waited ages but was told that you can drive as long as it has been applied for to the DVLA.

[Hollyberry3]

My husband has early stage alzheimers and now has to have his licence renewed yearly. He applied long before expiry, as with my own glaucoma condition, I know how slow and disorganised DVLA can be. It took at least 3 months to obtain my husbabd's new licence, involving our doctor sending in her report twice (DVLA claimed they hadn't received the first one), and various phone calls and emails from me to see why there was such a delay. Then, strangely, he received a letter from DVLA saying that the medical officer was going to contact his doctor for a report!!! Another phone call from me, which involved a long wait to actually speak to someone. As we were going round in circles , in sheer frustration I made a complaint to the government website to look into this matter. If you google 'complaints DVLA' the gov. uk details should come up. Give dates and details.Good luck.

[Hollyberry3]

Re my comment above, try googling 'formal complaints DVLA' and you will be able to get to the government website.

[woodthorpe]

Dear Cornishcoastcat, I had exactly the same experience. My first response was to 'phone Specsavers to make sure that the Visual F. results had been sent, and then to 'phone the DVLA to ask whether they'd received them. [The manager at Specsavers was very helpful]. I had to do all this THREE times and it all took many many weeks. Next, in desperation I contacted our local MP who said I wasn't the first with this problem. He received a reply from the DVLA, (I didn't), but he forwarded a copy to me.

Eventually, after 12 full weeks, I received my new driving licence. The optometrist at Specsavers should be able to advise as to whether, in his/her opinion, you would pass the Visual Fields test, but as you'll be aware, he/she doesn't have the final word.

As regards this story, only politeness prevents me from using much stronger language. I hope your problem will soon be resolved. By the way, we've enjoyed some wonderful days walking along the SW Coast Path. Yours, 'Woodthorpe'.

[Cornishcoastcat in reply to woodthorpe]

Thanks. Hope mine gets resolved.

[TOM63]

The best decision is to lay formal complain complaints to DVLA' the gov. UK details,