Medical issue / driving - advice needed
Discussion
Following a medical incident yesterday my family sought 111 advice which resulted in an ambulance and a night in A&E.
Outcome was being told by the doctor I shouldn't drive for 6 mths and to contact DVLA. The doc had to google to find out whether it applied and there was no documentation.
FWIW the circumstances that caused the issue are never going to apply when I'm driving, I work in a hospital and there is no viable alternative means of getting there without driving.
Advice regarding how binding the docs words are, whether DVLA are informed through any other route and real world (not unlikely hypothetical) implications if I was to drive ?
Outcome was being told by the doctor I shouldn't drive for 6 mths and to contact DVLA. The doc had to google to find out whether it applied and there was no documentation.
FWIW the circumstances that caused the issue are never going to apply when I'm driving, I work in a hospital and there is no viable alternative means of getting there without driving.
Advice regarding how binding the docs words are, whether DVLA are informed through any other route and real world (not unlikely hypothetical) implications if I was to drive ?
Cylon2007 said:
As above you don't know that this won't happen again, instead of asking folk on here that CAN'T answer speak to DVLA as that is what your Doc has told you - DON'T DRIVE. Simple really they tell you this for a reason not for fun. Oh and where you work is irrelevant.
Where the op works is relevant to me so I can avoid the areachunder said:
Following a medical incident yesterday my family sought 111 advice which resulted in an ambulance and a night in A&E.
Outcome was being told by the doctor I shouldn't drive for 6 mths and to contact DVLA. The doc had to google to find out whether it applied and there was no documentation.
FWIW the circumstances that caused the issue are never going to apply when I'm driving, I work in a hospital and there is no viable alternative means of getting there without driving.
Advice regarding how binding the docs words are, whether DVLA are informed through any other route and real world (not unlikely hypothetical) implications if I was to drive ?
If a doctor has told you not to drive, then most people would simply not drive, rather than looking for loopholes or ‘technicalities’ to get round the advice of a doctor.Outcome was being told by the doctor I shouldn't drive for 6 mths and to contact DVLA. The doc had to google to find out whether it applied and there was no documentation.
FWIW the circumstances that caused the issue are never going to apply when I'm driving, I work in a hospital and there is no viable alternative means of getting there without driving.
Advice regarding how binding the docs words are, whether DVLA are informed through any other route and real world (not unlikely hypothetical) implications if I was to drive ?
The doctor would not have instructed that you don’t drive without good reason.
Are you saying it is literally impossible for you to get to work without driving? Can you walk? Get the bus? Taxi? Family member giving you a lift? Get a colleague to pick you up and give them fuel money each week?
Thanks for all the morally correct and nanny advice, guess I would have had more luck in asking how to avoid a ban for speeding.
Things aren't always as black and white as stated - there wouldn't be half as much demand on medical services if everyone always followed the doctors advice.
Which is the question - is it advice or legally binding.
The doc knew there was zero chance of the same circumstance whilst driving, hence why she googled what she was supposed to say - it wasn't you shouldn't do this because, it was because this has happened I have to tell you this.
Where I work is irrelevant, I mentioned only to say I'm not a bus driver (or bin lorry driver).
Cars and driving (I have numerous cars and regularly track a race car) are a huge part of my life aside from the only way to get to work (yes, only alternative a £75 a day taxi) so for me its a big deal.
I imagine the DVLA are black and white though, so contacting them would - what - lead to a removal of my license for 6 mths ? Then how do I prove there have been no other occurrences and get it back - would I need a medical ?
I'm sure there are people around these parts who CAN answer some of those questions.
Things aren't always as black and white as stated - there wouldn't be half as much demand on medical services if everyone always followed the doctors advice.
Which is the question - is it advice or legally binding.
The doc knew there was zero chance of the same circumstance whilst driving, hence why she googled what she was supposed to say - it wasn't you shouldn't do this because, it was because this has happened I have to tell you this.
Where I work is irrelevant, I mentioned only to say I'm not a bus driver (or bin lorry driver).
Cars and driving (I have numerous cars and regularly track a race car) are a huge part of my life aside from the only way to get to work (yes, only alternative a £75 a day taxi) so for me its a big deal.
I imagine the DVLA are black and white though, so contacting them would - what - lead to a removal of my license for 6 mths ? Then how do I prove there have been no other occurrences and get it back - would I need a medical ?
I'm sure there are people around these parts who CAN answer some of those questions.
I'm guessing you don't want to divulge the medical condition or details of the incident. Have a look at he 'A-Z' list linked and decide for yourself.
The Glasgow bin lorry driver had a medical condition that affected his holding of the vocational part of his licence not his standard licence.
As linked below being told not to drive for a period of 3 months or more effectively means you give up your licence.
You may be better placed booking an appointment with your regular GP and asking for their opinion - then make decision.
https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving
The Glasgow bin lorry driver had a medical condition that affected his holding of the vocational part of his licence not his standard licence.
As linked below being told not to drive for a period of 3 months or more effectively means you give up your licence.
You may be better placed booking an appointment with your regular GP and asking for their opinion - then make decision.
https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving
this is my username said:
Speak to your GP. They deal with this sort of stuff the whole time.
This is the only correct answer really.You need to get to the bottom of it properly and correctly. Discuss the medical issue with your GP and let them make the decision on your driving.
If they tell you that you can’t drive then you will just have to accept it, because as I said earlier, they won’t be telling you to stop driving for no reason.
Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it isn’t really for you to be deciding if you can do it or not. Leave that to the doctors.
She may have been Googling this document:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
DVLA fitness to drive regs. I use it all the time because, unsurprisingly, no normal doctor could keep this information in his or her head. You may find your issue on that list, in which case it'll answer your question.
I know you've said it won't happen whilst driving, however bear in mind that were you to have an accident that was serious enough to be investigated, however unlikely that might be, then even if you know the cause was not any medical issue, you might have a problem arguing your case when faced with a doctor popping up in front of a judge to say they told you not to drive because of x.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
DVLA fitness to drive regs. I use it all the time because, unsurprisingly, no normal doctor could keep this information in his or her head. You may find your issue on that list, in which case it'll answer your question.
I know you've said it won't happen whilst driving, however bear in mind that were you to have an accident that was serious enough to be investigated, however unlikely that might be, then even if you know the cause was not any medical issue, you might have a problem arguing your case when faced with a doctor popping up in front of a judge to say they told you not to drive because of x.
cts1975 said:
I'm guessing you don't want to divulge the medical condition or details of the incident.
If its relevant to my queries then I have a condition relating to the esophagus which, when provoked by drinking (alcohol generally) / eating certain things, causes an inability to swallow.Happens on average 3/4 times a year - normally easily immediately cured by drinking a glass of water or just sitting calmly for 5 minutes. Once every few years that doesn't cure it and after 10 minutes I vomit. During these situations blood pressure increases and if vomiting can feel a bit faint.
This time it happened when I had a mouthful of lager and my partner made me laugh. Sounds a bit strange maybe but unable to swallow, laugh or spit it out I lost consciousness for 30s - a minute. I slumped to the ground, my wife caught me, I was unresponsive with glazed eyes and then came round, stood up and my wife had to explain what had just happened.
I was subsequently absolutely fine but it scared my wife hence she called to seek advice. All tests and checks were ok and it was put down to the pre-existing condition. As fairly large amounts of alcohol are involved in 90% of the time it occurs then won't happen when I am driving. Only once has it ever happened when I was in a car. I simply had to stop at the next petrol station and buy a bottle of water.
It is not something that randomly occurs at any moment, I almost have to cause it through my own behavior prior. In no way does it make me a danger on the road nor was the doctor overly concerned - no follow up treatment or checks or even told to visit my GP.
Jonny Wishbone said:
Thanks, very useful.Given the symptoms described and the fact you have been advised by a registered medical practioner not to drive, you should not drive and you should nofity DVLA of the event.
The driving advice will have been documented in the A&E records, the poster above who mentioned Glasgow is on the money, if another event happened these would be scrutinised.
If you read the document mentioned in another post, "assessing fitness to drive" these events are likely to be categorised under cough syncope or LOC unknown cause, both require 6 months so the cas officer is correct
The driving advice will have been documented in the A&E records, the poster above who mentioned Glasgow is on the money, if another event happened these would be scrutinised.
If you read the document mentioned in another post, "assessing fitness to drive" these events are likely to be categorised under cough syncope or LOC unknown cause, both require 6 months so the cas officer is correct
Be careful how you handle this, the doc is only giving advice and if she had to google it, it's the stock answer rather than her opinion.
For now I'd take the advice of not to drive but I wouldn't tell the DVLA yet as you'll have one hell of a job getting your licence back if and when you're given the all clear.
I'd wait a week or so until your GP has had some feedback from the hospital then make an appointment, don't say you've been advised not to drive, just ask their opinion.
For now I'd take the advice of not to drive but I wouldn't tell the DVLA yet as you'll have one hell of a job getting your licence back if and when you're given the all clear.
I'd wait a week or so until your GP has had some feedback from the hospital then make an appointment, don't say you've been advised not to drive, just ask their opinion.
Bone Rat said:
If you read the document mentioned in another post, "assessing fitness to drive" these events are likely to be categorised under cough syncope or LOC unknown cause, both require 6 months so the cas officer is correct
Actually I read that document as falling under Transient loss of consciousness – solitary episode whilst standing with the prodrome being slow enough to meet the guide.The cause was known and it isn't related to coughing which would mean that I may drive and need not notify DVLA ?
Edited by chunder on Monday 8th March 12:14
Op go see your gp, these threads always go the same way. Someone posts asking for advice, gets given advice and then cherry picks the advice that fits their own internal argument.
You are already doing it grasping at posts that confirm you own thoughts instead of really seeking the best path.
The only real independent medical advice you will get is from your doctor.
You are already doing it grasping at posts that confirm you own thoughts instead of really seeking the best path.
The only real independent medical advice you will get is from your doctor.
citizensm1th said:
Op go see your gp, these threads always go the same way. Someone posts asking for advice, gets given advice and then cherry picks the advice that fits their own internal argument.
You are already doing it grasping at posts that confirm you own thoughts instead of really seeking the best path.
The only real independent medical advice you will get is from your doctor.
Absolutely this.You are already doing it grasping at posts that confirm you own thoughts instead of really seeking the best path.
The only real independent medical advice you will get is from your doctor.
OP, you are clearly desperate to find some advice or a gap in legislation that means you can simply ignore what has happened, ignore what the doctor said to you, and carry on driving purely because it is convenient for you.
This is not the right way to do things.
You need to explain truthfully to your GP what has happened and what the doctor has said, and let your GP make the decision.
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