Hi all,
I was wondering how the process was getting your DVLA form filled in and sent off disclosing the diagnosis of MS.
Im well at the moment and don’t have any symptoms at all, last time saw my neurologist last year I was getting slight intermittent weakness in my left leg. That’s now gone better and I also drive an automatic.
what was the outcome for you all?
thanks
Hi, eons ago, I reported to DVLA that I had MS but was fine to drive an automatic car. It took 4 months to tell me it was fine.
Boudsx
I filled in the form and sent it off. I was absolutely fine, still able to drive manual. The DVLA wrote to my consultant and I was awarded a three year medical licence, due for renewal this November. Really no hassle at all.
Same for me. Took them a while to reply because they had to get info from specialists but then they sent me a three year licence. Whilst they are getting the info the first time you can continue to drive with your current licence.
You lose class C and D if you had these previously but if you require them for work purposes etc then you can apply to have them included although you may need to attend a test centre to prove your ability.
I believe it will either be a 3 or 5 year licence although I’ve only ever heard of 3 year ones. There is an advantage to the short term medical licence in that you don’t have to pay for it. On a full 10 year picture licence you need to renew it and you have to pay. The medical renewal doesn’t cost you anything except the stamp (which will likely be nearly £10 soon anyway).
Hi thanks everybody for your replies 
it’s good to know that you’re still able to drive on your current license since they take a long time getting back to you.
Mine took about 12 weeks from start to finish. Mainly because I have type 1 diabetes as well. I was still allowed to drive my manual car and have a 3 year licence as I had before the MS diagnoses.
Seems like the issue of a 3 year driving license is common, though some have also had a 5 year and others haven’t had any restrictions. 12 weeks is a long time! I will hopefully get my application sent on Monday hopefully.
have you guys been able to find car insurance quotes ok?
MS is a protected characteristic under the 2010 Equalities Act so insurance are not allowed to discriminate just based on that.
They are allowed to make changes based on a specific risk assessment of an individual but it must be specific. Th Citizens Advice website has more info on that. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services/discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services1/goods-and-services-what-are-the-different-types-of-discrimination/what-doesn-t-count-as-unlawful-discrimination-in-goods-and-services/insurance-services-when-discrimination-is-allowed/
I’ve had a few new Insurance policies for my car and for travel since diagnosis and I’ve never had a problem getting it and it’s never been increased due to my MS.
I was told I could still drive whilst they were checking things out so it wasn’t an issue. Ins they can not penalise you as you have been passed fit to drive and hold a driving licence. Do check what categories have been removed though. Having a 3 year licence is fine by me as then people who are not fit to drive can be removed from the road. I’ve always had a 3 year licence due to my diabetes so it’s the norm if you see what I mean
I told the DVLA when I was diagnosed 13 years ago and they put me on a three year license. Last time it was renewed they gave me a five year one for no apparent reason. I assume they’re still writing to my neurologist even though I haven’t seen him since diagnosis!
Becky x