Depression

Author
Discussion

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Saturday 17th December 2016
quotequote all
I've always been the provider for my family. I've always been proud that even though it's hard work getting up at 5am everyday and doing 3+ hour commutes in the end of the day I'm providing for my family. It's nice seeing their happy faces at the end of a long hard day.
However this will all change thanks to the DVLA. I was assured everything will be ok both by my consultant and DVLA but out of the blue I get a letter today saying that my license will be revoked tomorrow.
I've got a clean license and have been driving for years without any accidents. I've always been very careful on the roads as I know how important it is to be able to drive.
Brings the whole world crumbling down on me and I'm broken. Really broken that I've cried my heart out. I feel embarrassed and shameful and to be honest afraid. Very afraid of the future...
I've never been this low my entire life, I'm scared and sometimes feel like I've been pushed to the limits.
Really scared for the future for my family... feel so useless...

Joey Ramone

2,151 posts

126 months

Saturday 17th December 2016
quotequote all
What are the circumstances behind this? What are your own circumstances in terms of alternative methods of getting to work?

GT03ROB

13,268 posts

222 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
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shakotan said:
Thank you.

It certainly helped me recognise there's a problem.
You sound just like me.

There is no problem, I'm sane wobble.


crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
quotequote all
Joey Ramone said:
What are the circumstances behind this? What are your own circumstances in terms of alternative methods of getting to work?
I'm diagnosed with ADHD years ago and recently my consultant mentioned I should informed DVLA. He said he is happy that I'm managing my condition well and will tell DVLA the same. I did ask about revocation of my license and he said that will never happen in my circumstance. I've also called DVLA help line to ask (twice!) and they've assured me that everything is ok if it's cleared by my doctor, I just need to fill in and return a questionaiire.

So there must be some miscommunication somewhere I hope. I have to anxiously wait until tomorrow to give DVLA and my doctor a call. Luckily I booked tomorrow off however I really don't know about the future.

Work is 40+ miles from home one way which normally takes about 1,5 hours driving and II don't have any alternative methods of getting there. I'm just feeling so lost now... not sure what the future holds. My son's 1st birthday today and I can barely hold myself together.

drainbrain

5,637 posts

112 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
quotequote all
crazy about cars said:
I'm diagnosed with ADHD years ago and recently my consultant mentioned I should informed DVLA. He said he is happy that I'm managing my condition well and will tell DVLA the same. I did ask about revocation of my license and he said that will never happen in my circumstance. I've also called DVLA help line to ask (twice!) and they've assured me that everything is ok if it's cleared by my doctor, I just need to fill in and return a questionaiire.

So there must be some miscommunication somewhere I hope. I have to anxiously wait until tomorrow to give DVLA and my doctor a call. Luckily I booked tomorrow off however I really don't know about the future.

Work is 40+ miles from home one way which normally takes about 1,5 hours driving and II don't have any alternative methods of getting there. I'm just feeling so lost now... not sure what the future holds. My son's 1st birthday today and I can barely hold myself together.
Cheer up mate. I had to report disability and medical use of opioids to DVLA who revoked my licence. But when I stopped using the opioids after a few weeks, the doc confirmed it to DVLA and back came the licence. They didn't even take that long about it. You'll soon be driving again.

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Sunday 18th December 2016
quotequote all
drainbrain said:
Cheer up mate. I had to report disability and medical use of opioids to DVLA who revoked my licence. But when I stopped using the opioids after a few weeks, the doc confirmed it to DVLA and back came the licence. They didn't even take that long about it. You'll soon be driving again.
Cheers buddy. News couldn't came at worse time (letter arrived same day as license revoked which is on Saturday). I'm just being overly anxious and thinking of the worse... Just seems weird the letter stated I have "recently suffered a psychiatric illness" when this has been diagnosed and managed for years. Here's hoping there's light at the end of the tunnel tomorrow.

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Monday 19th December 2016
quotequote all
Made a few calls and it turns out there has been mistake made in forms sent by my consultant. He was helpful in stating that he's sorted it with the DVLA in a quick call back I've got. However when I tried to call back second time requesting additional information I've been put through a very defensive person who basically said there's nothing else they can do and I need to contact DVLA for further updates.

Spoke to 2 different persons in DVLA but a nice lady told me there is a chance upon receiving information from consultant into the system I could get my license reinstated (without needing to reapply). Otherwise the other option is to re-apply which could take a while to go through the system. Re-applying also meant I cannot drive until I've received my license back...

Told my boss who is very understanding however got a call back from him after he spoke to FD requesting that I forward scans of letters from DVLA so they can process with HR. The reasoning given was so they can try to appeal on their end but I can detect from his tone on second call things not looking too good. I did offer to come in via public transport perhaps 1-2 days a week until this gets sorted or even offer to dock it from my holidays but haven't heard back yet.

To top it all off I now also have to call my insurance to explain.

Few more anxious days or weeks for outcome for something which shouldn't escalate to this level. So sorry for rant but there's no other medium for me to express, trying to put on strong face for family but deep inside I'm very concerned. frown

mouse1991

21 posts

133 months

Monday 19th December 2016
quotequote all
First Christmas day on my own this year, I feel utterly abandoned. I just want to ignore the whole thing and get on with 2017.

Over two years now since I was forced out of my family home. Thought by now it'd be back on my feet but I feel even worse than I did that first Christmas.

Where the hell did it all go so wrong?


maxxy5

771 posts

165 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
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mouse1991 said:
First Christmas day on my own this year, I feel utterly abandoned. I just want to ignore the whole thing and get on with 2017.

Over two years now since I was forced out of my family home. Thought by now it'd be back on my feet but I feel even worse than I did that first Christmas.

Where the hell did it all go so wrong?

Well you could just ignore it, nothing terribly bad will happen if you do and it will soon be over (bah humbug!) Or you could think of something positive to do for others or yourself, volunteer somewhere? Go away somewhere? Easier said than done, I've never done that myself, but it's better than stewing at home with your own thoughts.


Joey Ramone

2,151 posts

126 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
crazy about cars said:
Snip

I don't know what to say except I hope this gets sorted in your favour as quickly as possible. I suppose all you can do is try to keep abreast of the situation at the DVLA.

mouse1991

21 posts

133 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
maxxy5 said:
Well you could just ignore it, nothing terribly bad will happen if you do and it will soon be over (bah humbug!) Or you could think of something positive to do for others or yourself, volunteer somewhere? Go away somewhere? Easier said than done, I've never done that myself, but it's better than stewing at home with your own thoughts.
I opened up to my friends last night and I've now got Christmas day and New Years Eve booked smile Would still happily skip the next 2 weeks though.

Determined to make next Christmas a happy one for myself.

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
Joey Ramone said:
I don't know what to say except I hope this gets sorted in your favour as quickly as possible. I suppose all you can do is try to keep abreast of the situation at the DVLA.
Thanks bud. Definitely not nice time knowing prospect that I'll loose the ability to support my family because someone made an error and now trying to push blame around.

edit: to top things up BT decided to put me into Hard Mode by capping my bandwidth. Working remotely via VPN hasn't been so challenging! Always light at the end of the old tunnel eh? smile

Edited by crazy about cars on Tuesday 20th December 20:43

xjay1337

15,966 posts

119 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
crazy about cars said:
edit: to top things up BT decided to put me into Hard Mode by capping my bandwidth. Working remotely via VPN hasn't been so challenging! Always light at the end of the old tunnel
Especially an ipsec one. :-)

chilistrucker

4,541 posts

152 months

Tuesday 20th December 2016
quotequote all
crazy about cars said:
Joey Ramone said:
I don't know what to say except I hope this gets sorted in your favour as quickly as possible. I suppose all you can do is try to keep abreast of the situation at the DVLA.
Thanks bud. Definitely not nice time knowing prospect that I'll loose the ability to support my family because someone made an error and now trying to push blame around.

edit: to top things up BT decided to put me into Hard Mode by capping my bandwidth. Working remotely via VPN hasn't been so challenging! Always light at the end of the old tunnel eh? smile

Edited by crazy about cars on Tuesday 20th December 20:43
crazy about cars,
I've just seen your posts on this subject and am genuinely sorry to hear your news.
Can I ask who is causing you these issues directly, is it the DVLA, or the DMG, (drivers medical group.)
If its the DMG tread carefully BUT stay on top of them/and or the DVLA at all times.
I have my own story with these fking idiots, well documented on PH and without trying to make you worry more, they have ruined my life for 2 years. I know that sounds extreme, but sadly it is the truth and can fully relate to your feelings. They have quite literally put me in a very dark place, which I tried to deal with myself, but I have finally had to speak with my own GP and others for help, that's how much of an effect the DVLA/DMG have had on my life.

Just so you know, and well worth a look, a report came out a few weeks back from the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman, (PHSO.) They have been following/investigating the DVLA/DMG for a while now and fortunately for the like of you and I the report shows all the failings of the DMG. It states quite how bad this group is on all levels and the affect the DMG have had on peoples lives, especially in the way the DMG clearly made some very wrong decisions which cost some people their jobs, their businesses, their homes and even some relationships.

The DMG literally boil my piss beyond belief, and were I ever fortunate enough to be locked in a room with them I'd happily ruin their's.
Sounds extreme to many I know, but this is the person they have turned me into. Through their somewhat dubious decision to revoke my LGV licence I have virtually lost everything.

My story and that of another guys is in this months Truck and Driver magazine, so if you're passing a W.H.SMITHs it may be worth a nose, I also think there is a link in the magazine to the PHSO report I mentioned.

If you have to talk with the DVLA/DMG make sure you drop the PHSO report into the conversation.

I'm sorry to come across as a dark cloud, but just trying to give you a heads up of what you could be up against in the worst case scenario.

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Wednesday 21st December 2016
quotequote all
xjay1337 said:
Especially an ipsec one. :-)
LOL! Good one wink

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Wednesday 21st December 2016
quotequote all
Thanks for the insight bud. I did google some legal help and came across a website which has a case study on a HGV driver. He had license revoked for 5(!) years and as he had won appeal I guess that's not necessary at all.

I'm dealing with DMG department of DVLA which deals with all medical issues. Basically this should've been simple case of declaration on my part and them confirming that I've declared and happy that my consultant gives the all clear.

This has now turned into a major ststorm for me and I've still need to bear the brunt of increased insurance costs which again is totally unncessary.

All I know is either the consultant's office cocked up in the forms or DVLA/DMG has mis-interpreted the paperwork and was to gung ho in revoking. Either way it's a major pain getting anything help or useful information from both parties as they've put on a massive defensive wall up. At this stage I can't afford any further delays and aggro so just have to be nice and apologise for calling ever so often.

I did get one nice lady from DVLA/DMG but the rest are just plain useless. "I cannot give you any further information than what's on the letter". "I cannot confirm how long it will take to process. You'll have to call and check for any updates but I can tell you that your license has been revoked (yeah cheers for that)". "It will take at least 4 working days to scan docs emailed/faxed and we also have to factor time to process the documents in the system. If you post documents in that will take additional 2 working weeks to scan into system. I cannot tell you how long the whole process will take".
"I can't offer any further advise than to re-apply, speak to your doctor for further information. I cannot tell you how long the whole process of re-applying will take, not even a rough estimate. You'll have to call and check for updates once in the process".

I then tried to call my consultant again just to get further clarification but put through his assistant and the reply is "There's nothing else we can do on our end. You cannot speak to the consultant directly, I will be speaking on his behalf. All I can say is we've done what we could. I'm not saying we've made any mistake on our end. Speak to the DVLA for more information".

This is with me telling them my job is at risk and would appreciate any help! GRRRRRRrrrr smile

chilistrucker said:
crazy about cars,
I've just seen your posts on this subject and am genuinely sorry to hear your news.
Can I ask who is causing you these issues directly, is it the DVLA, or the DMG, (drivers medical group.)
If its the DMG tread carefully BUT stay on top of them/and or the DVLA at all times.
I have my own story with these fking idiots, well documented on PH and without trying to make you worry more, they have ruined my life for 2 years. I know that sounds extreme, but sadly it is the truth and can fully relate to your feelings. They have quite literally put me in a very dark place, which I tried to deal with myself, but I have finally had to speak with my own GP and others for help, that's how much of an effect the DVLA/DMG have had on my life.

Just so you know, and well worth a look, a report came out a few weeks back from the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman, (PHSO.) They have been following/investigating the DVLA/DMG for a while now and fortunately for the like of you and I the report shows all the failings of the DMG. It states quite how bad this group is on all levels and the affect the DMG have had on peoples lives, especially in the way the DMG clearly made some very wrong decisions which cost some people their jobs, their businesses, their homes and even some relationships.

The DMG literally boil my piss beyond belief, and were I ever fortunate enough to be locked in a room with them I'd happily ruin their's.
Sounds extreme to many I know, but this is the person they have turned me into. Through their somewhat dubious decision to revoke my LGV licence I have virtually lost everything.

My story and that of another guys is in this months Truck and Driver magazine, so if you're passing a W.H.SMITHs it may be worth a nose, I also think there is a link in the magazine to the PHSO report I mentioned.

If you have to talk with the DVLA/DMG make sure you drop the PHSO report into the conversation.

I'm sorry to come across as a dark cloud, but just trying to give you a heads up of what you could be up against in the worst case scenario.

chilistrucker

4,541 posts

152 months

Wednesday 21st December 2016
quotequote all
Sadly I have dealt with everything you list for over 2 years now.
I received some fairly bad head injuries after a fall in May 2014. Got the all clear from my consultant in Sept 2014 and DVLA let me return to driving LGV's. 2 weeks later a letter dropped through my door from the DMG, stating they disagreed with the consultant so revoked my licences again.

I was gobsmacked and instantly phoned them. The lady I spoke to on the helpline number explained that I was not allowed to speak to any of the doctors at the DMG only a medical professional could do this??? I asked for their email address, and was told the DMG don't deal with emails, they will respond only to a letter sent by post??? WTF?

I did this, they took 5 weeks TO REPLY. I phoned them several times whilst waiting, only to be told they would not talk with me. All I was told is that there was a backlog. OK, is the backlog going to pay my fking bills?
When that reply finally came through, it stated that in their opinion, (i still don't know who they are?) that because of the nature of my injuries they think I am a possible seizure risk.
I have never had a seizure in my life.

Worth noting that its not always a medical professional there that deals with your case, sometimes as highlighted in the PHSO report, cases are dealt with by case managers.

The DMG are not fit for purpose, they are a fking disgrace and have ruined peoples lives and it is all there in black and white. I tried everything you can think of, and got nowhere. As all this was happening, I was slowly watching my finances suffer immensely, I've virtually sold anything I had of value just to get by for the last 2 years. Its all gone now, I have nothing left, including at times of late, the will to carry on.

My problem is a bit of a catch 22. All I really know is truck driving, did it for 21 years, from the age of 23. I'm now 46 and trying to find another decent career at my age is not always easy, plus who wants to take on an unskilled 46 year old. My only real skill was on the wagons, I was clearing £900 a week when I had my fall.
Now clearing £7.20ph as a van driver. It hurts, but the DMG/DVLA don't understand and clearly don't care.

I can't stress strongly enough, keep records of everything, every single communication you have in relation to the DMG, keep it all, and keep it safe. Dates, times, names, the lot. Any letter you send them, make sure it is recorded delivery, and keep copies of all letters you send. They are experts at misplacing things.

Luckily, I have all of the above from day 1 which may possibly be useful, but I am not getting my hopes up just yet.

Sorry again to be the bearer of bad news, just trying to give you an Idea of what you could be up against.

My letters, phone calls, screaming from the rooftops, involving my MP and Downing Street has got me nowhere in 2 years, but THE PHSO report may just help.

Good luck.

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Thursday 22nd December 2016
quotequote all
Wow, really sorry to hear that. That's a really horrible position to be in. My understanding from DVLA/DMG is that once an all clear from consultant or doctor they will be fine with it.

I rarely have to deal with government offices but so far DVLA/DMG has been a nightmare to deal with. Total not interested at all to help.

I've budgeted for worse case scenario which will involve renting a place closer to work and walk to work whilst waiting for this to be resolve. I'm hoping in my case it should be a simple mistake that can be rectified rather quickly. So increased cost not only for insurance but also for potential renting of flat. This just gets better and better... Surprised there's no recourse I can take if proven to be a mistake which affected me financially.

I'm really regretting not to record the initial call by my consultant as that's very good evidence that a mistake has been made and I shouldn't have been in this position frown Every day sitting here at home feels like prison to me without the ability to go to work.

I don't care if they revoke any other classification on my license as long as I get to drive a passenger car!

chilistrucker said:
Sadly I have dealt with everything you list for over 2 years now.
I received some fairly bad head injuries after a fall in May 2014. Got the all clear from my consultant in Sept 2014 and DVLA let me return to driving LGV's. 2 weeks later a letter dropped through my door from the DMG, stating they disagreed with the consultant so revoked my licences again.

I was gobsmacked and instantly phoned them. The lady I spoke to on the helpline number explained that I was not allowed to speak to any of the doctors at the DMG only a medical professional could do this??? I asked for their email address, and was told the DMG don't deal with emails, they will respond only to a letter sent by post??? WTF?

I did this, they took 5 weeks TO REPLY. I phoned them several times whilst waiting, only to be told they would not talk with me. All I was told is that there was a backlog. OK, is the backlog going to pay my fking bills?
When that reply finally came through, it stated that in their opinion, (i still don't know who they are?) that because of the nature of my injuries they think I am a possible seizure risk.
I have never had a seizure in my life.

Worth noting that its not always a medical professional there that deals with your case, sometimes as highlighted in the PHSO report, cases are dealt with by case managers.

The DMG are not fit for purpose, they are a fking disgrace and have ruined peoples lives and it is all there in black and white. I tried everything you can think of, and got nowhere. As all this was happening, I was slowly watching my finances suffer immensely, I've virtually sold anything I had of value just to get by for the last 2 years. Its all gone now, I have nothing left, including at times of late, the will to carry on.

My problem is a bit of a catch 22. All I really know is truck driving, did it for 21 years, from the age of 23. I'm now 46 and trying to find another decent career at my age is not always easy, plus who wants to take on an unskilled 46 year old. My only real skill was on the wagons, I was clearing £900 a week when I had my fall.
Now clearing £7.20ph as a van driver. It hurts, but the DMG/DVLA don't understand and clearly don't care.

I can't stress strongly enough, keep records of everything, every single communication you have in relation to the DMG, keep it all, and keep it safe. Dates, times, names, the lot. Any letter you send them, make sure it is recorded delivery, and keep copies of all letters you send. They are experts at misplacing things.

Luckily, I have all of the above from day 1 which may possibly be useful, but I am not getting my hopes up just yet.

Sorry again to be the bearer of bad news, just trying to give you an Idea of what you could be up against.

My letters, phone calls, screaming from the rooftops, involving my MP and Downing Street has got me nowhere in 2 years, but THE PHSO report may just help.

Good luck.
Edited by crazy about cars on Thursday 22 December 09:39

crazy about cars

4,454 posts

170 months

Thursday 22nd December 2016
quotequote all
Right after more chasing up DVLA/DMG finally have my consultants notes and also scanned copy of my completed forms in their system.
Frustration is that they have to take up to 4 working days to process the PDF forms I've sent. Why? Because they have to print and scan into system.
Argh...

chilistrucker

4,541 posts

152 months

Thursday 22nd December 2016
quotequote all
Good luck.