DVLA

[Plum47]

If I have to wait a year then so be it but two months have gone since the event already. And summer is coming. I live in Cornwall and can get a bus or even walk to the beach and get bus back. Nowhere to park down here between April and October. Trying to put a positive spin on it! But if I have to wait a year then I'll take a couple of refresher lessons.

[sherman]

Plum47 said:

If I have to wait a year then so be it but two months have gone since the event already. And summer is coming. I live in Cornwall and can get a bus or even walk to the beach and get bus back. Nowhere to park down here between April and October. Trying to put a positive spin on it! But if I have to wait a year then I'll take a couple of refresher lessons.

You wont need lessons. Most instructors wont be able to take you anyway due to you having a full (non provisional) licence. Just go out with a friend who has a licence and drives regularly for a drive or 2 to get your confidence back.
Its like riding a bike you dont forget how to do it.

[Plum47]

Thank you 😊.

[mike9009]

Plum47 said:

If I have to wait a year then so be it but two months have gone since the event already. And summer is coming. I live in Cornwall and can get a bus or even walk to the beach and get bus back. Nowhere to park down here between April and October. Trying to put a positive spin on it! But if I have to wait a year then I'll take a couple of refresher lessons.

I was banned for almost 18 months due to a couple of seizures. I live near the beach too. The time goes by so quickly and to begin with I thought about not getting a car again. Change of role put an end to that.

[Plum47]

How did you feel at first? I was devastated - every morning I woke up feeling as if I had a rock in my stomach. But I'm 75 so know I possibly haven't got much longer to drive. I'll bet you enjoyed getting your licence back though.

[mike9009]

Plum47 said:

How did you feel at first? I was devastated - every morning I woke up feeling as if I had a rock in my stomach. But I'm 75 so know I possibly haven't got much longer to drive. I'll bet you enjoyed getting your licence back though.

Ah, when I was first told to stop driving, I went through a roller coast of emotions. Mainly, extremely angry. But it passes and you start to enjoy other things in life, to the point I didn't miss it at all. Like you say, walking to the beach/ shops / work was a great time to reflect - which I don't do now.

Getting lifts everywhere was great, but unfortunately I had to stop drinking as well because of the medication.

[Plum47]

Thanks Mike, I'm glad you're well again. Shame about not being able to drink when you didn't have to worry about driving. At least if it happens again you know can cope. When I lived and worked in London I had the Central line but that was different life and times. I've always been a bit of a roamer - just going to places that looked interesting and would think nothing of driving to Yorkshire or London to see my best friends. But since Covid I lost my nerve for the MI and M25 and lots of people say driving is not a pleasure anymore, Those huge lorries terrify me now . Probably an age thing. Take care Mike and thanks for the positive response.

[moorx]

mike9009 said:

Plum47 said:

How did you feel at first? I was devastated - every morning I woke up feeling as if I had a rock in my stomach. But I'm 75 so know I possibly haven't got much longer to drive. I'll bet you enjoyed getting your licence back though.

Ah, when I was first told to stop driving, I went through a roller coast of emotions. Mainly, extremely angry. But it passes and you start to enjoy other things in life, to the point I didn't miss it at all. Like you say, walking to the beach/ shops / work was a great time to reflect - which I don't do now.

Getting lifts everywhere was great, but unfortunately I had to stop drinking as well because of the medication.

The most recent time I had to surrender my licence (end of 2012) I was living in west Wales and working in Bristol four days a week. That was interesting in terms of logistics(!) I was staying with my parents during the week anyway, but still needed to get to and fro twice a week (combination of train, taxi and lifts). It was further complicated by the fact that my parents lived about 20 miles from my office. Luckily, I had a couple of lovely colleagues who gave me lifts during this time. I'm sure everyone was heartily relieved when I got my licence back, I certainly was!

Ironically, it would be easier to manage now that I have a job more locally, as I could (theoretically) work 100% from home and my OH could drive me where I need to be, but I still live in a very rural area of west Wales and wouldn't want to be without the independence a car offers.

Edited by moorx on Sunday 11th February 11:24

[Plum47]

I can imagine West Wales is as difficult to get around as West Cornwall. I am retired but have no OH to give me lifts unfortunately. Friends have been quite encouraging but it's not the same. I don't know how long it'll be or even what's wrong. Haven't had anything wrong since December 18 after brief disorientation in Sainsbury. The strange thing is that I know if I had been with someone it would not have happened but seizures will surely happen whoever and whenever? I was completely aware and in control and just knew I had to reorient myself and as soon as I saw the checkouts I was okay, but shaken. I thought it was a TIA. I can imagine I'll be a year or so. Anyway licence goes back at end of week, meantime get car valeted and put it on FB. I've got some questions about that as well but I'll head over to another page to ask. Keep well!