DVLA: Hello all Just become aware that you are... - Vasculitis UK

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DVLA

Riff1954 profile image
10 Replies

Hello all

Just become aware that you are required to notify the DVLA if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy.

Has anyone any experience of the subsequent process having done so? I am particularly concerned by the requirement to list all consultants my wife is under - going to be rather a lengthy list!

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Riff1954 profile image
Riff1954
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10 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRpro

Why not phone them? In my experience they are wonderfully helpful once you get through. It may be they only need the doctor who deals with the PN - after all, a gynaecologist won't contribute a lot to the discussion for example!

laidbackreader profile image
laidbackreader in reply to PMRpro

I have just been told that I have peripheral neuropathy....a new vasculitis symptom....the fun never stops! I'm worried about driving. I was unable to drive for two years after my CSS caused a stroke. Found DVLA to be very 'black and white' about things, although I guess that's their job.

Katie18 profile image
Katie18

I informed them when I had foot drop due to churg Strauss syndrome & peripheral nerve problems. I had to learn to drive a car with a left foot accelerator at the William Merrit centre in Leeds. It was recorded on my licence that I have an adapted car. The motorbility centres can give you advice my closest one was William merrit. I didn't have problems with DVLA good luck

Riff1954 profile image
Riff1954

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to ring the DVLA today to check how much information they need and will post an update later.

suffolkgirl profile image
suffolkgirl

I have foot drop in my left foot, and notified DVLA. I am now only allowed to drive an automatic, but this is not a problem as we already had one!

Riff1954 profile image
Riff1954

I spoke to the DVLA. They agreed that the condition (EGPA in my wife's case) was too complex to fit into the ticky box form. They agreed that we can just put the basic details on the form and explain the rest in a covering letter which will go before the assessor.

2534 profile image
2534

Hi Riff

I have nerve vasculitis and erythromelalgia (burning feet syndrome) which results in not being able to stand, or sit with my legs vertical. The only way I get about is across the back seat of someone else's car with my legs up on the back seat (and with ice packs on). I looked this up on a government website which refers to ‘medical exemptions’ and they say to ask your GP for a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’.

gov.uk/seat-belts-law/when-...

. I asked my GP and my surgery is refusing to do this as a matter of principle not just in my case. I think they are rebelling against the workload that is thrust on them by government but it leaves me in a difficult place. Oh well, if I am stopped I will simply say my GP practice doesn't do this on principle. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this.

Mal06 profile image
Mal06

I've had to infirm them for some years - became type 2 diabetic from the steroids and had to go on insulin immediate referral. They ask a load of questions be honest, lost all illnesses, all drugs, all consultants etc. They ask permission to contact, the more info you give I've found d they're less likely to need to follow up. I get a licence for 3 years at a time, it's annoying (upset me a lot first time!) and have to go through same process each time about 3-4 months before it expires the only issue is the write snotty letters. 'If you do t reply we may withdraw your licence' type of ones!! I've rung up in past to query something and they've. Even very nice. Hope all gets sorted. I think your GP can do a letter stating she's fit to drive which can help.

Riff1954 profile image
Riff1954 in reply to Mal06

Thanks for the reply.

Good suggestion about asking the GP for a letter - it might (!) cut down a lot of the to and fro-ing (well we can hope).

Best Wishes

Mal06 profile image
Mal06

I too have EGPA and a range of associated issues now - I provide a letter from GP Kristi g all and listing meds. They basically are looking about potential 'collapse' risk at wheel more than anything. I take high dose painkillers but explained don't take before driving. Good luck.

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