Hi everyone. Just got a letter in that I have to go for a medical driving assessment since telling the DVA that I have MS. I am so nervous I literally haven’t stopped crying/fretting about it as I don’t know what to expect? I feel like I’m a good driver and the MS doesn’t affect my ability to drive at all but I’m just scared incase they find a reason to take my license off me. Any advice or what to expect?
@beth.mccracken14 it’s been a long time since I had to let the DVLA about my ms. I just had to have an eye test as that was the start of my ms journey. Optic neuritis. I believe that they also contacted my GP and hearing from them and also about my eye sight they just wrote me a letter informing me that unless anything changes then I could carry on driving as normal without any restrictions. It wasn’t just an “X" amount of years. Just to let them know if anything changes regarding my ability to drive. Things may be different nowadays. There’ll possibly be others who would have had more recent dealings with them. Mine was over 20 years ago now. Wishing you all the best with the best possible outcome for you to be able to continue driving.
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Hi, 7 years ago, on disclosing my MS, I had to go to a DVLA approved optician and have an eye and peripheral vision test to driver standards. They also wrote to my MS Team. Once that was completed I was given a 5 year licence.
@beth.mccracken14 It depends so much on the nature of your disabilities. Have you been instructed to physically attend a test centre or is it more of a medical?
I’ve just received my second 3-year medical licence because on disclosure my standard 10-year licence was revoked. Have never been for a test, DVLA have relied upon reports from my MS team that effectively say I’m still OK to drive based on mobility, coordination, cognition & vision. If your report says you are OK to drive an adapted vehicle, you’ll still be OK to drive, as long as your vehicle has the appropriate mods.
Please, try not to worry! They’re not trying to trick you and in your heart of hearts, you will know in yourself if you still feel safe to drive.
Graeme
Hi, I had to get a medical assessment/driving test when first diagnosed and I’m expecting one soon. I get dizziness as a symptom and suspect this is why.
I got some driving lessons beforehand but I had a period of about 5 months where I couldn’t drive and wanted lessons as I didn’t know how I’d be driving.
The actual test, the examiner was clear they were testing to ensure I was safe and my MS could be managed in relation to driving, it wasn’t to the same protocol as passing first time. He asked about my dizziness and crucially what if it came on when driving etc. How would I know, would I have time to pull over safely before it became dangerous? All answered with no problems.
The actual test was fine and I was awarded for 3 years, which was probably right giving how I’m affected. Hope that’s helpful.
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