Give me my licence back please.

[SueMidlands]

Hello, I'm Sue and 5 months post surgery to resect a colloid cyst from my third ventricle. I'd like to know if I have to sit another driving test before I can get my driving licence returned from the DVLA, as I'm sure you all know that we have to submit them by law after Head/Brain trauma/surgery. I'm hoping that I'll get it back soon. I hate having no independence, I was relying on driving to kick start my life in a new area. but illness struck and here I am, new town, new home, no real friends to speak of. I think anything to do with the brain scares a lot of people off. but I say its their loss. as I'm no different to how I was before my little 'friend' showed up as far as I'm aware, but no memory of last year so who knows?

[randomphantoms]

Hi Sue and welcome to the forum.

Please don't worry about it. You are much more likely to be sent for a "driving assessment' . This is nothing like a driving test.

It is more about your levels of awareness and responsibility.

Check with your consultant about your fitness to drive .

Failing that and the consultant being prepared to write to the DVLA you can expect a minimum of 1year without driving before getting g a letter from the DVLA asking you to make an appointment with the assessment centre.

[SueMidlands in reply to randomphantoms]

Thank you for your welcome Random, and more so for the encouragement of your answer regarding the return of my licence. I'm really not prepared to wait a year to be assessed by the DVLA, as my surgery and illness was not as serious as some peoples. I will be pushing my consultant to write a letter for me to forward or write directly to the DVLA. so I can get my licence back asap. He will have experience about how much I should be able to do after the surgery I had.

[DTBI]

I can't give you any advice I'm afraid as I 2017 is my fourth year without a licence. I drove for 30yrs before my TBI so it has been challenging. Should you experience any further delay though it is worth obtaining bus and train disability cards. Good luck with the DVLA.

[SueMidlands in reply to DTBI]

Thank you for your answer DT. I'm sorry you lost your licence I feel lost without mine. I live in the back of beyond and my family live 30 miles from me, the public transport is diabolical. at least 2 changes, And I need to regain my confidence and bravery before I hang around bus and train stations. but thanks anyway.

[DTBI in reply to SueMidlands]

Sue, I reckon your strong enough to do it. I recommend you can reassure yourself by reading 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne. x

[moo196]

Morning,

Have you already applied for your licence back ? If not, do so now... I was told to apply in advance of "officially" being allowed - because of the time lapse of them reviewing medical details etc. I was without my licence for a total of 8 months.

do you have a bus pass in the meantime ? You would be entitled I believe.

In my case I had no test or assessment to do . But DID find it very taxing at first - and still prefer not to do more than a couple of hours behind the wheel. My first few journeys were more like ten minutes and I slept for hours after.

Good luck !

[Fyll]

Although I didn't have a problem getting my licence back (with a supporting GP letter) I now choose not to drive as I know that my ABI still very much affects my levels of concentration etc. It has been extremely hard not to drive as I have been a daily Driver / Motorcyclist for 35 years along with being an advanced motorcycle observer, and founding member of our local Blood Bikes charity, Driving & Riding played a huge part in my life but common sense and not wishing to be the cause of an accident have won out. Its not at all easy adjusting to my new life, but it is what it is.

[SueMidlands in reply to Fyll]

Sorry to hear that you concentration etc. is questionable Fyll. I would never get behind a wheel again if I wasn't absolutely sure that I wouldn't damage anyone or anything due to my condition, but according to my NS I should be as good as new within 18 months. I need my licence for my work as I live in the back of beyond. but maybe I'll check out public transport.

[Fyll in reply to SueMidlands]

Totally understand, I also live very rurally, but am now work unfortunately, on the plus side my wife is able to drive though. I hope all goes well for you, and your recovery is sooner than expected, like someone else said apply sooner rather than later,

All the best Phil