Dvla and SAH : Evening all Just after some advice... - Headway

Headway

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Dvla and SAH

11 Replies

Evening all

Just after some advice from anyone whose suffered a SAH and drives. I know there's a form on the dvla site to fill in but what happens once it's been submitted? Do you have to retake your driving test before they let you drive again?

Thanks

11 Replies

Have you spoken to your gp/ consultant etc as I believe the DVLA contacts them in the first instance

When my husband got his bi, the consultant forgot to notify DVLA and I never thought about it. He carried on driving for 20+ years until we saw a neurologist last year who thought DVLA needed to be informed. It took ages for a decision to be made, medical reports galore, forms to fill in, etc. It was a real test of my patience, every time I thought I had finished, another letter came asking for something else. My advice to you - write to them and send a photo copy of everything you can think of plus names and addresses of every person you have seen who might need to give an opinion plus your GP.

Hubby was given his licence back, only to have it taken away again this week. Despite them deciding last year that he was OK to drive, because of his age he needed to re-submit everything and this year they decided that last years decision was wrong! And this was after an eye test, medical, etc. We have had enough paperwork about this to paper the bathroom wall!!

Good luck with it.

Daviesfiesta profile image
Daviesfiesta

Hi I am going through this process with my son at the moment. We sent the form off to DVLA who then obtained his medical reports from his consultant. We then had to have a medical with his GP and are awaiting the outcome. Sometimes they send you to a driving assessment centre. Hope this helps and good luck x

AS to wether you need to retake the test that will be down to the DVLA, one option that you can take to speed up the process, is to contact the relevant assessment center and 'go private' through them, we did this and then when the DVLA referred me to them, the center refunded what we had paid, but we were able to keep the date that we had arranged.

Details of the UK wide centers

mobility-centres.org.uk/

Wales one that we used (current cost is £93)

wmdas.co.uk/

Hope this helps you.

neilhapgood profile image
neilhapgood

Hi I was banned for six months and then could drive, no re test. The reason you can't drive is because you are at higher risk of a seizure but if you are fit free for 6 months minimum you can drive again. There is a form to fill out to notify them. If you had an sah you might find this site interesting braininjuryftp.com

All the best

CactusC4 profile image
CactusC4

Hi Yojo, I am currently going through this process I had to notify DVLA if my SAH and complete medical forms they suspended my licence and I have now re applied for it more medical forms had to be completed and Vincent firms and now waiting for my consultant to inform them of his opinion this should take around 6 eeks but at one point I had a letter from DVLA every week asking for different info, very waring so not holding out much hope of them returning my licence anytime soonsadly as I am lost without my car 😢 Good luck but it is a long process .

dizzywench profile image
dizzywench

i got the ok to drive from my gp sent all forms to dvla and as long as you voluntary gave up your license you can drive under section 88 of the driving act as soon as dvla have acknowledged your forms while they do there checks with gp and surgeon

We had a letter from the DVLA during the week saying my husband can no longer drive - the same day as another letter asking for another medical! Today we have had yet another one saying they are sorry it's taking so long and they are waiting for more info! How inefficient can it get. My husband had a driving assessment, that might be a good thing for you to do although you have to pay privately.

Dottiejay profile image
Dottiejay

I had an sah in December and had to wait till May for a decision. I think it depends a lot on the severity of the original bi, I was extremely lucky with my outcome. My driving could now be at risk from sleep apnea, which might be caused by the sah damaging the part of the brain needed for automatic signals. I know there is an assessment centre near me that will assess for a fee, and there must be an appeal process.

Good luck.

cat3 profile image
cat3

I had a SAH and, after coming out of ICU, I was given a declaration to sign by the hospital notifying DVLA of my condition.

At my first check up, 3 months after discharge, my neurosurgeon told me to contact the DVLA by phone and tell them he now considered me fit to resume driving. I phoned them and was told 'Thank you for letting us know ; you're free to drive'.

There are so many different stories about getting back to driving. I was initially told it would be at least 12 months before I'd be allowed behind the wheel again which was far from the case, and I was never asked to surrender my licence.

Good luck Yojo ! xx

Elenor3 profile image
Elenor3

I was made to sign a form for DVLA to surrender my licence while in the neuro unit. I've been told it wil be a long time before I can reapply due to dizziness :(

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