Driving licence

[fredikins]

Mid December will be 6 months seizure free, touch wood, unless this post puts the ol' kybosh on it I'll be eligible to reapply for my driving licence, I don't foresee any problem cognitively, physically is another matter though, the most difficult part will be getting in and out due to week legs and drop foot. Has anybody experienced the testing involved as I'm not sure its worth the hassle, also any driving experiences would be good to hear as I imagine driving might be rather exhausting. CBD oil is responsible for the lack of seizure activity for anyone interested.

[paxo05]

Hi there.

I had my test a few years ago know but think things are still the same. Mini medical followed by reaction times then basic short drive around the grounds then the big open road.

Can be tiring but they do make allowances for this. Also physical limits are examined and solutions sought.

It feels like they give you every chance to pass. So long s you are safe.

Yes it is a long day but worth it.

Just remember your limits and you should enjoy driving again.

Good luck

Pax

[cat3]

I was lucky to be back behind the wheel after only 5 months (2 in hospital and 3 afterwards). It seems the DVLA in my area were quite lax as I wasn't asked to take a re-test and got the go-ahead on the recommendation of my surgeon at my 3 month review.

As Pax has said, just be yourself and be truthful about any reservations or anxieties ; the examiner will do what he/she can to ensure you're comfortable and safe in the driving seat.

Good luck Fred ; I hope all goes to plan ! xx

[malalatete]

Apply straight away as it can take months (in my case nearly 2 years) for the DVLA to get their heads round the paperwork. I had so many ' we are sorry for the delay' letters I could have repapered the bathroom with them.

The test itself is a bit like a driving lesson moxed with the driving test. They are particularly interested in cognitive function and awareness of risk. I ahd to drive through a residential bit of Derby then on a dual carriageway bqck to the assesement centre. It was ok - my only difficulty was I couldn't remember how to start the car - ours is an electric hybrid so I last drove a 'normal' car years ago!

[Hidden]

No driving for me as I'm an intransigent epileptic. Apparently always in a state of fit that sometimes boils over when I have my vacant moments.

I do become a little upset imagining myself behind the wheel but I cheer myself up greatly knowing that no government will levy the taxes applied to motorists on me.

And there's more ....

I once had a visit from bailiffs [not Steve McCraken and his South African mate Victor] demanding that I pay the £1003.08 unpaid parking tickets from Westminster Council on vehicle with VRM 'ABC123D'.

I said no and told them I was not the registered keeper and to clear off. They insisted and said they would come in and help themselves to possessions.

I told them if they did that I would see them charged with burglary and they stated their powers exceeded that.

Should have seen their faces when I said I was medically excluded from driving due to epilepsy and that the DVLC or whatever they call themselves now, was aware and that the registered keeper actually lived next door [he had registered at my address].

They just turned and walked off; when they reached the gate to go through it I couldn't help myself as I shouted out 'Go on you parasites, f..k off and don't darken my doors again.'

I also wrote the Company concerned a letter suggesting a DVLA check and voters list check before they attempt to do a job they are clearly not capable of doing but I received no reply!

At least it wasn't the softly spoken, persuasive voice of reason Paul Bowhill ... 'I'm trying to help you .... is there no one else if your family you can get to pay me your dues and who will be forced into bankruptcy for the pleasure?'

[Tim_I_am]

Hi

I applied 2 months before the six months I had to wait following 2 seizures that were a result of my head injury.

All they did was write to my doctor, then my doctor phoned me to check on a couple of things. Then about a week before my 6 months was up my licence popped through the letterbox. Didn’t actually start until the 6 month deadline was reached but it made my day! Living in a little village with hardly any buses was driving me nuts, having lost my freedom.

Now to do it all over with 18 months left for my hgv.

Good luck with getting it back quickly and enjoying the freedom of driving again.

[RogerCMerriman]

Skull fracture/subdural bleeds here and reasonably minor, so I had to wait 6 months reapply, but at that point I could drive.

I found driving and still do cognitively less taxing than public transport in many ways. I do find dark motorways hard work though.

[Hidden]

Dvla sent me to get an eye exam which was strange. I took a professional lesson then some more with friends. Driving was pretty exhausting for a long while. After a couple of years I did d1 minibus driving and passed so the government says I'm a good driver which means it must be true.