Hi all, what a crap day!
License has been revoked by the DVLA because my condition is progressive. Was asked by my top neurologist just before christmas why I wasn’t driving - I thought everything was going well, until today. This totally destroys my lifestyle as I drive for a living.
What do next? I don’t know. Do I just give up?
Thanks for your expert opinions
Mel
Hi Mel
Sorry to hear about your day, what an awful thing to happen. Please don’t give up as long as you feel you are capable of driving. Contact DVLA on Monday and inform them that you’re dissatisfied with their assessment. Ask them to write to your Neuro / GP if they’re unsure about your health.
I was terrified I’d lose my license as I have PPMS, a spinal cord injury at neck level and I’m on a lot of medication including a high dose of morphine morning and night. My Neuro knows I’m alert and sensible, won’t drive if I don’t feel able to. DVLA were happy with his assessment of me and accepted that I was capable and sent me my 3 year renewable license which is what everyone I’m aware of with ms has.
I hope this has reassured you that they can be reasonable and it’s worth pursuing. You will have to notify your insurance about your condition but they are not allowed to increase your premiums because of it. It might also be worth your while to apply for a disabled parking badge if you qualify too, they’re a great help when you’re feeling rough.
Good luck and don’t give in unless your Neuro thinks you’re not well enough to drive.
Cath xx
Hi Mel, my licence was also revoked im also ppmsThe reason for me was side effects of meds. I rang DVLA they said put in writing your appeal, complete and enclose a D1 form (new driving licence form) and copy their ref no from the letter you received notifying you. They reminded me I should still not drive during the appeal period!! I also rang my consultants secretary to inform and asked for consultants opinion, I also spoke with my ms nurse to ask if this was supported by them, they both said they couldn’t see any reason to revoke licence, they are waiting for DVLA to contact them. March 14th I appealed 10 days later received a letter from DVLA informing me they are writing to my consultant, still waiting.
I drive to work , Access to Work have agreed to paying for taxi’s when I return if decision not made before my return date. I know your case is different but you could ask what they can do for you.
Seems like everything is a fight sometimes
Don’t give up, I believe it gets better
Pauline xxx
Just as if you haven’t had enough kicks in the teeth already! Surely there must be some formal appeal procedure in place, like there is with the benefits, rather than the ad hoc process Pauline describes. If there isn’t, there b****y well ought to be. I’ve been driving on hand controls for 2 years now, but only got my ppms diagnosis in January, and the neuro said I should tell DVLA. I wrote to them ages ago and haven’t had even an acknowledgement yet. (Still waiting for my ATOS result, now I come to think about it.) You must appeal! I will be if they ground me. Good luck, Mel.
Thank’s to you all,gives me hope,still an uphill strugle though, if my strength hold’s out.
Mel
Mel,
I surrendered mine as I was too scared to drive, I think you’d know if you shouldn’t carry on - fight it Mel, as it doesn’t sound like you are.
Take care
Sonia x
Hi Mel, I have ppms & my licence was revoked in Jan 2012, two months after ms diagnosis.
For you, it’s your job & income so I’m sorry to put a damper on your hopes but try not to rely on total success (it’s rare that dvla revoke immediately). I really wish you well in your appeal & support from medical team x.
In my own circumstances, unfortunately dvla stuck to their own medical advisors decision & wrote to my gp, more or less saying his medical opinion is not medical evidence! The DVLA explained their decision is based on my cognitive disfunction and I could misjudge stopping distances, misunderstand road signs, be unable to apply an emergency stop.
That was 2 years ago & I have to concede it wouldn’t be safe for me to drive with my hidden disability, it’s worse now, and I don’t want to risk serious injury to anyone.
I hope you are able to have the thumbs up. Good Luck x
Hi Mel, Like Sonia, I chose to give up driving due to cognitive issues, my inability to concentrate makes me a danger to myself and others. Also my confidence took a major nose dive! You’ll know if and when that should happen to you…in the meantime fight on and I wish you the very best of luck. Nina x
Hi Mel, how are you getting on?
Pauline
Hi all,got my neuros backing,ms nurse and GP,so the fight goe’s on,not going to let them get away with it (hope).Will let you know as soon as i hear anything
Mel x.
Good for you Mel! Nina x
Yay! I’m so pleased
Sonia x
, had an unexpected phone call from my neuro specialist in Hull today and he is disgusted that the DVLA have revoked my license. He’s going to call them in the next few days - finally some good news!
Mel X
Good to hear!
Good luck Mel.
Pauline x
Excellent news Mel. I’m so glad your doctor’s are listening to and helping you. You know whether you’re well enough to drive. I really hope you get the decision overturned and life will go back to being worth living again. Please keep us posted, good outcomes like this give so much hope to so many people. When you get it back maybe consider a post on Everyday Living as I’m sure it’ll inspire so many. Good luck.
Cath xx
Hi all i am going trough the same strugle, they want to rewoke my driver license has well, i am scared, if they do i don’t know what will happen to my family and my life, the problem is that i am able to drive any car, and i feel that i can drive with no problem, still awaiting their decision lets see.
Hi Jorge
Fingers crossed, but if its a no, appeal against it. Also get letters from anyone medical who deal with you.
Let us know how it goes.
Pam x
Jorge It’s awful waiting for a decision, I wish you luck and as Pam suggested, get as many medical reports, and ask your ms nurse to see if she can get evidence from the Neuro to help. If they refuse and you don’t agree, then challenge them and appeal.
Good luck.
Cath xx
Hi Cath thank you for your kind words, beleive it or not i have no MS nurse or have been given any sort of medicine for my MS,
i have no help i am glad i found the MS Society website, and having people like you to help, because i am much worst since i was diagnosed in 2007 and still no help.
Kindest regards, Jorge
Hiya Mel, to be a driver for a living having the license revoked must be a heartbreaker for you, but, the DVLA must protect other drivers, just imagine a crash due to your slower reflexes and that it Involved a fatality, what then, must someone possibly be hurt rather than your lifestyle/work prospects, be honest than disappointed, Brian