DVLA - Lupus

[loopy-lou]

Happy new year! I went to a car insurance comparison site and got to a part asking about illness/disability. I looked on the DVLA site and didn't see lupus (unless I missed it). I further read that if you have any illness/disability you should still check with the DVLA. I was wondering if anyone has done this? I want to ensure I do it correctly before searching for a new car insurance quote. Thank you for any help.

[DorsetLady]

There are a couple of related posts as a result of your question - have you looked at them?

As DVLA site suggests you contact them if your illness isn’t listed, then suggest you do that to clarify the situation and put yourself on the right side of the law.

[loopy-lou in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your reply. I totally agree I will contact the DVLA to ensure my new car insurance is correct. Intered in what others may have been informed.

[DorsetLady in reply to loopy-lou]

As an aside, I lost sight in one eye with late diagnosis of GCA [Giant Cell Arteritis] - I contacted DVLA and insurance company- no problem with either [sight in other eye fine] . But always best to make sure..

[loopy-lou]

Sorry to hear what you have gone through. My usual car insurance renewal was higher than I had anticipated so this is how it started. I certainly don't want any quotes that are not accurate so am not going any further until I contact the DVLA.

[DorsetLady in reply to loopy-lou]

I’m resident in UK [on holiday at moment in NZ visiting family] and noticed car insurance had increased on last renewal… but then mine is probably age related as much as anything. I did a comparison - but ended up with my usual company - as price was only a few pounds more than others - and they have always been very helpful when [!] needed.

As for eye - happened 10years ago - and to be honest it hasn’t stopped me doing much - just a bit annoying at times!

[loopy-lou in reply to DorsetLady]

Enjoy your holiday! Interesting you noticed a price increase in car insurance. My new quote for the year was approximately 40% higher! I haven't even made a claim so that is why I was surprised and thought I should shop around.

[Kevin53]

Hi

The DVLA is asking:

Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely.

So if you can drive safely with Lupus you don’t need to contact the DVLA.

For peace of mind you could also ask your GP.

If the insurance form asks about illness, mention Lupus, again you could say it doesn’t affect your ability to drive.

Happy New Year. Best wishes Kevin

[loopy-lou in reply to Kevin53]

Hi, Thank you so much. Your response was very helpful. Happy new year.

[Hamptons]

yes, I did this following back surgery. They were more interested in my Lupus. It was a simple process. Then I got sent a letter confirming my eligibility to drive.

[loopy-lou in reply to Hamptons]

Thank you for replying. Interesting they were more interested in Lupus. Did you have to stop driving while waiting for the letter to come through?

[Hamptons]

yes, but but I was not driving as I was still recovering from back surgery.

[Prunes]

I informed DVLA of my SLE a number of years back. They sent forms to complete. They were subsequently more interested in the possibility of retinal damage due to HCQ so I had to provide more information of the annual screening that I have - all my screenings to date have been clear.

They told me I could continue to drive whilst they carried out the assement. Took over a year for the whole process before I received a final letter from then saying it was okay to drive.

[loopy-lou in reply to Prunes]

Thank you so much for your reply. It is very interesting. What a long time for the whole process to be finalised. Are you having additional eye screening rather than normal eye tests due to taking HCQ? It is one of the drugs I am taking too. I will definitely be contacting the DVLA.

[Prunes]

I have annual HCQ screening done at my local hospital - just the usual required for patients taking long term HCQ.

[loopy-lou]

Thank you for this. I must follow this up for me too. Enjoy your holiday.

[Caribbeanholiday]

I would recommend at least eye screening twice a year, including OCT scan and field vision test. I have recently been diagnosed with Bullseye maculopathy cause by hydroxychloroquine toxicity. I was told to stop hydroxychloroquine straight away, however the damage is irreversible and the drug can be in your system for up to 250 days. I have lost a part of my field vision. I would also advise getting amsler grid charts so you can monitor your own eyesight. I wish I would have known about these sooner.

Happy New Year

[loopy-lou in reply to Caribbeanholiday]

Thank you so much for all this information. It is much appreciated. I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I certainly didn't realise hydroxychloroquine can remain in your system for up to 250 days. I also wasn't aware of being able to purchase amsler grid charts. I will follow this up. How long were you on hydroxychloroquine? I have been on it for almost 17 years.Happy New Year

[Caribbeanholiday]

I had been on Hydroxychloroquine for 32 years. My opthalmologist said I should of had a drug breaks,but I was never told I needed to

[loopy-lou in reply to Caribbeanholiday]

Thank you for this.I thought nearing 17 years of hydroxychloroquine was bad enough. I am going to ask about this.