RE: PH Blog: life without a licence
Discussion
Back in July 1998 I was given a hurried and ultimately incorrect diagnosis of epilepsy after I hit the floor in a crumpled heap in the maternity hospital. My son was born the following month and it took me until October the same year to be given a clean bill of health.
I ended up using the pedal cycle a lot! Buses were very frustrating and it got to the stage where I would rather ride 10 miles on the bike than use the bus. I must admit using a pedal cycle was never very satisfactory for the weekly shop - new born, then toddler nappys take up quite a lot of space.
During the time out of driving my Morgan was given a serious freshen up, which would have been otherwise impossible, (although my then brand new Vauxhall Vectra estate was more or less ignored!)
Finding a good consultant was very helpful with the paperwork for the DVLA.
I ended up using the pedal cycle a lot! Buses were very frustrating and it got to the stage where I would rather ride 10 miles on the bike than use the bus. I must admit using a pedal cycle was never very satisfactory for the weekly shop - new born, then toddler nappys take up quite a lot of space.
During the time out of driving my Morgan was given a serious freshen up, which would have been otherwise impossible, (although my then brand new Vauxhall Vectra estate was more or less ignored!)
Finding a good consultant was very helpful with the paperwork for the DVLA.
On a serious note, what about something like these? Could be good for nipping about?
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/597871515/TXWH_t...
.....Or .....On a less serious note, check this out
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Half-Price-Sheerlines-Sc...
I'm thinking Gulf racing stripes or Martini racing graphics and PH smileys
Might take a while to get to Le mans, but hell what a laugh
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/597871515/TXWH_t...
.....Or .....On a less serious note, check this out
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Half-Price-Sheerlines-Sc...
I'm thinking Gulf racing stripes or Martini racing graphics and PH smileys
Might take a while to get to Le mans, but hell what a laugh
Edited by fatboy18 on Monday 5th November 20:40
Edited by fatboy18 on Monday 5th November 20:43
maninsuitcase said:
I am currently just under 1 month into a 6 month car free period. I had a seizure on the way to work and after 2 days in hospital was required to send my license to the DVLA, though I did so voluntarily as this means I can start driving before once the 6 months is up and my license will just be re issued. If I had filled in the medical forms it would be until the investigation was over, which would probably take longer than the 6 month ban.
At first all I could think about was how much of a nightmare it would be but it's surprising how fast you find out ways to cope. Between the bus, parents and friends there's not a huge amount I've not been able to do. Yes it sucks to be sat back in the back like the kids but I'm getting used to it slowly.
I still may have to have my consultancy but it's likely I'll be having brain surgery early next year which may change the return date but I am looking forward to getting my independence back, not my life, I refuse to let that go.
I'm pretty much 99.999999999 per cent certain that this isn't the case - unless you have some sort of unusual condition and something has been agreed with the DVLA?At first all I could think about was how much of a nightmare it would be but it's surprising how fast you find out ways to cope. Between the bus, parents and friends there's not a huge amount I've not been able to do. Yes it sucks to be sat back in the back like the kids but I'm getting used to it slowly.
I still may have to have my consultancy but it's likely I'll be having brain surgery early next year which may change the return date but I am looking forward to getting my independence back, not my life, I refuse to let that go.
Regarding seizures, it's 12 months that you're not supposed to drive for - and if you start driving again in the 6th month you're taking a massive gamble.
Sorry to sound like a cock, but just don't do it - especially if you don't know what caused it. Unless you're now on medication there's a massive chance you could have another fit - hence the 12-month break from driving - and if you are on medication it'll take longer than 5 months before you're out of the big risk of having another seizure.
It may be tempting, but is it worth gambling with other peoples' lives?
And yes - been there, done that and spent every minute of the 12 months resenting the DVLA, but it's definitely for the best. I only had two seizures, the first went undiagnosed, and the second happened 8 months later when driving.
Apologies if there is something on the DVLA re seizures where it does say 6 months - things may have changed in the past 5 years but if so could you please point it out to me, as it would be particularly relevant to my friend. Thanks.
Edited by pthelazyjourno on Monday 5th November 20:47
Edited by pthelazyjourno on Monday 5th November 20:49
I found this a great document, even though it's designed for doctors
http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/~/media/pdf/med...
FIRST UNPROVOKED EPILEPTIC SEIZURE/SOLITARY FIT
GROUP 1 ENTITLEMENT ODL – CAR, M/CYCLE
6 months off driving from the date of the seizure unless there are clinical factors or investigation results which suggest an unacceptably high risk of a further seizure, ie. 20% or greater per annum.
Solitary loss of consciousness/loss of or altered awareness with seizure markers
This category is for those where there is a strong clinical suspicion of a seizure but no definite evidence.
Factors to be considered:
-
- - - - -
-
-
without reliable prodromal
symptoms
Unconsciousness for more than 5 minutes.
amnesia longer than 5 minutes injury
tongue biting
incontinence
remain conscious but with confused behaviour headache post attack
6 months off driving from the date of an episode of loss of consciousness/loss of or altered awareness.
However, if a person has a previous history of epilepsy or a solitary seizure, 12 months’ freedom from any further episode of loss of consciousness with seizure markers must be attained.
If a person suffers recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness with seizure markers, 12 months’ freedom from such episodes must be attained.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/~/media/pdf/med...
FIRST UNPROVOKED EPILEPTIC SEIZURE/SOLITARY FIT
GROUP 1 ENTITLEMENT ODL – CAR, M/CYCLE
6 months off driving from the date of the seizure unless there are clinical factors or investigation results which suggest an unacceptably high risk of a further seizure, ie. 20% or greater per annum.
Solitary loss of consciousness/loss of or altered awareness with seizure markers
This category is for those where there is a strong clinical suspicion of a seizure but no definite evidence.
Factors to be considered:
-
- - - - -
-
-
without reliable prodromal
symptoms
Unconsciousness for more than 5 minutes.
amnesia longer than 5 minutes injury
tongue biting
incontinence
remain conscious but with confused behaviour headache post attack
6 months off driving from the date of an episode of loss of consciousness/loss of or altered awareness.
However, if a person has a previous history of epilepsy or a solitary seizure, 12 months’ freedom from any further episode of loss of consciousness with seizure markers must be attained.
If a person suffers recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness with seizure markers, 12 months’ freedom from such episodes must be attained.
phope said:
I found this a great document, even though it's designed for doctors
http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/~/media/pdf/med...
FIRST UNPROVOKED EPILEPTIC SEIZURE/SOLITARY FIT
GROUP 1 ENTITLEMENT ODL – CAR, M/CYCLE
6 months off driving from the date of the seizure unless there are clinical factors or investigation results which suggest an unacceptably high risk of a further seizure, ie. 20% or greater per annum.
Interesting. Taa for that. http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/~/media/pdf/med...
FIRST UNPROVOKED EPILEPTIC SEIZURE/SOLITARY FIT
GROUP 1 ENTITLEMENT ODL – CAR, M/CYCLE
6 months off driving from the date of the seizure unless there are clinical factors or investigation results which suggest an unacceptably high risk of a further seizure, ie. 20% or greater per annum.
I've been having epileptic fits every 12 months or so for the past 3-4 years and therefore haven't driven in years and at heart I'm a petrol head. Not sure how much sport you do, but if it's the rush of speed you're after get a decent road bike and find a smooth dual carriage way preferably with a hill. If you've never done it, +30mph on a bike weighing 10KG feels bloody quick, even more so with a car or two blasting by! As for the twisties a half decent mountain bike and a good fire track decent usually works. Good luck!
I lost my licence for 4 Years following a Brain Tumour. I pined for cars and pored over car magazines endlessly like a teenager a comment that I've seen someone else say on here when i found out there was a supercharger kit available for my V6 Audi i just had to have one i figured if i never got my licence back i could insure my cousin and just use it in the summer for day's out. I eventually managed to get hold of one of these kit's off a forum of all places !it's amazing how the Internet has transformed car modifying from a guy in Canada I used fitting the kit as therapy. I'm glad to say that i've had my licence back for 18 months and i'm just in the process of tweaking the A4, as it also has an LPG kit fitted every time i hear that supercharger whine i smile, it was worth it, i love driving even more now than ever.
I have I hope an unusual story to share , I run a contract furnishing business and generally until late 2011 had covered 50,000 miles a year and without wanting to offer any excuses managed to hit 12points albeit for only a 3 week period so had to go to court ,all speed cameras 3 points offences.
My wife was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer in nov 2011 , by the time the court hearing finally happened sept 2012 my wife was becoming quite ill . she had enjoyed myself and or children 11 and 14 taking her out in the car , so off to court I went with my solicitor to stand in front of a district judge who substituted the magistrates to plead exceptional hardship on two counts wifes illness and the business, she found exceptional hardship only for my wife but still banned me for 28 days.
In the general scheme of things the ban was a minor inconvenience got to walk and cycle more , but for my wife who died on october 19th it was upsetting , when I think about the judge I feel sad that she thought what she did was ok , that month
without my licence can never be brought back, I deserved a ban but not under those circumstances.
My solicitor wasnt brilliant but not terrible , just caught an unusually draconian individual on a bad day.
My wife was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer in nov 2011 , by the time the court hearing finally happened sept 2012 my wife was becoming quite ill . she had enjoyed myself and or children 11 and 14 taking her out in the car , so off to court I went with my solicitor to stand in front of a district judge who substituted the magistrates to plead exceptional hardship on two counts wifes illness and the business, she found exceptional hardship only for my wife but still banned me for 28 days.
In the general scheme of things the ban was a minor inconvenience got to walk and cycle more , but for my wife who died on october 19th it was upsetting , when I think about the judge I feel sad that she thought what she did was ok , that month
without my licence can never be brought back, I deserved a ban but not under those circumstances.
My solicitor wasnt brilliant but not terrible , just caught an unusually draconian individual on a bad day.
I have I hope an unusual story to share , I run a contract furnishing business and generally until late 2011 had covered 50,000 miles a year and without wanting to offer any excuses managed to hit 12points albeit for only a 3 week period so had to go to court ,all speed cameras 3 points offences.
My wife was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer in nov 2011 , by the time the court hearing finally happened sept 2012 my wife was becoming quite ill . she had enjoyed myself and or children 11 and 14 taking her out in the car , so off to court I went with my solicitor to stand in front of a district judge who substituted the magistrates to plead exceptional hardship on two counts wifes illness and the business, she found exceptional hardship only for my wife but still banned me for 28 days.
In the general scheme of things the ban was a minor inconvenience got to walk and cycle more , but for my wife who died on october 19th it was upsetting , when I think about the judge I feel sad that she thought what she did was ok , that month
without my licence can never be brought back, I deserved a ban but not under those circumstances.
My solicitor wasnt brilliant but not terrible , just caught an unusually draconian individual on a bad day.
My wife was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer in nov 2011 , by the time the court hearing finally happened sept 2012 my wife was becoming quite ill . she had enjoyed myself and or children 11 and 14 taking her out in the car , so off to court I went with my solicitor to stand in front of a district judge who substituted the magistrates to plead exceptional hardship on two counts wifes illness and the business, she found exceptional hardship only for my wife but still banned me for 28 days.
In the general scheme of things the ban was a minor inconvenience got to walk and cycle more , but for my wife who died on october 19th it was upsetting , when I think about the judge I feel sad that she thought what she did was ok , that month
without my licence can never be brought back, I deserved a ban but not under those circumstances.
My solicitor wasnt brilliant but not terrible , just caught an unusually draconian individual on a bad day.
Some of these posts are staggering and sobering to read! Amazing how many card-carrying PH'ers have been in this position - and 10/10 to Dan for the post on the front page! You all have my respect.
Only time I lost my license it was entirely self-inflicted, so I had no excuses to mope or moan. I still did. Just shows my weakness of character compared to some of you guys!
In the meantime Dan, I'll happily put your MX5 in the garage here. It'd make the perfect winter lapping tool...
Only time I lost my license it was entirely self-inflicted, so I had no excuses to mope or moan. I still did. Just shows my weakness of character compared to some of you guys!
In the meantime Dan, I'll happily put your MX5 in the garage here. It'd make the perfect winter lapping tool...
A fascinating thread and thanks to all who've contributed. Certainly put my situation into perspective and makes my minor inconvenience seem pretty trivial really.
Huge respect to all those who've shared experiences on here, there's some pretty heartbreaking stuff been written about and it takes some bravery to do so.
I doff my cap to you all...
Oh, and to those who've mentioned therapy by road bikes I'm with you on that! Proving a most enjoyable distraction!
Huge respect to all those who've shared experiences on here, there's some pretty heartbreaking stuff been written about and it takes some bravery to do so.
I doff my cap to you all...
Oh, and to those who've mentioned therapy by road bikes I'm with you on that! Proving a most enjoyable distraction!
The GF's dad had a seizure of some sort a few years ago - which ended his career as a bus driver and left him unable to drive anything for 12 months (actually worked-out as 10-and-a-bit somehow, but anyway)
It's certainly a sobering event, but I think, generally, people don't expect to lose their licence because - well - because it's very, very hard to do that unless you're either
a - ill
b - an idiot
Most people reckon they'll live forever (if you see how they eat/drink and drive!) and they all think they have to get 4 lots of speeding tickets and then they do a speed course and then they tell a judge how their licence is essential and only THEN would they lose their licence.
Can't help thinking that's wrong tbh - I think a lot more short-term bans, an initially shorter path to your first ban and a general moving away from the 'licence entitlement' attiude would be a good thing.
It would improve driving standards more than all this b
ks they're cramming into the test which, frankly, is just lining the pockets of driving instructors and not much else.
Best wishes to those suffering the lack of a steer tho - longest I've avoided driving in 25 years is about 5 months and it was WEIRD getting into a car again (esp as it was a shonky van and I had to drive it for hours and hours - it was like being lost at sea!!)
It's certainly a sobering event, but I think, generally, people don't expect to lose their licence because - well - because it's very, very hard to do that unless you're either
a - ill
b - an idiot
Most people reckon they'll live forever (if you see how they eat/drink and drive!) and they all think they have to get 4 lots of speeding tickets and then they do a speed course and then they tell a judge how their licence is essential and only THEN would they lose their licence.
Can't help thinking that's wrong tbh - I think a lot more short-term bans, an initially shorter path to your first ban and a general moving away from the 'licence entitlement' attiude would be a good thing.
It would improve driving standards more than all this b
ks they're cramming into the test which, frankly, is just lining the pockets of driving instructors and not much else.Best wishes to those suffering the lack of a steer tho - longest I've avoided driving in 25 years is about 5 months and it was WEIRD getting into a car again (esp as it was a shonky van and I had to drive it for hours and hours - it was like being lost at sea!!)
No personal experience of losing my driving licence, but for those who have/do in the immediate future, as well as the disabled railcard already mentioned, also worth being aware of local public transport that may become free after losing your licence.
My girlfriend had a fit 3 years ago, fit free for the past 2 years so can now drive but the local authority passes she got after losing her licence were valid for 4 years, so she still has free public transport for the next year regardless of what happens, may as well take advantage of what you can...
My girlfriend had a fit 3 years ago, fit free for the past 2 years so can now drive but the local authority passes she got after losing her licence were valid for 4 years, so she still has free public transport for the next year regardless of what happens, may as well take advantage of what you can...
antneemoore said:
Last year I was forced to voluntarily surrender my driving license due to having an epileptic fit whilst getting ready for work. At first I thought it would be the end of the world, but a year sure can fly by quickly.
I work for a BMW Dealership who were great about it all...
Great to hear that work were good to you, and also, top lurking! I work for a BMW Dealership who were great about it all...
tonymorris said:
I have I hope an unusual story to share ,
You too, that was a long time to wait to make your first post but certainly a very sobering one!I think we can all be guilty of taking our licences for granted from time to time, I have to say reading this thread has made me realise how grateful I am for still having mine.
Hi Dan,
As a lifelong petrolhead I feel for your temporary loss. I had to stop driving for 18 months in 2004 after a stroke. At the time they told me it seemed like my world had been taken away, what would I do, not what a lucky sod I was to actually survive and to only have very minor disability now.
During my stay in hospital it was very humbling meeting people who were in a far worse state than me who struggled with simple day to day tasks & those who weren't going to get any better. I remember to go home I had to be able to walk up and down a flight of stairs, got there on the third attempt. Nurses and Doctors rock!
Just really grateful for the support of my wife, kids & friends, my brothers for taking my daughter out for driving lessons. They probably did a better job than Dad.
You do get to acceptance, public transport and being a passenger in a car. Then before you know it you’re back behind the wheel & thinking bugger I can’t drink I’m designated driver.
Finally had a great time this year doing LeMans Classic with Piston Heads & the Spa Classic (well done Bilko). I will have a TVR next year
As a lifelong petrolhead I feel for your temporary loss. I had to stop driving for 18 months in 2004 after a stroke. At the time they told me it seemed like my world had been taken away, what would I do, not what a lucky sod I was to actually survive and to only have very minor disability now.
During my stay in hospital it was very humbling meeting people who were in a far worse state than me who struggled with simple day to day tasks & those who weren't going to get any better. I remember to go home I had to be able to walk up and down a flight of stairs, got there on the third attempt. Nurses and Doctors rock!
Just really grateful for the support of my wife, kids & friends, my brothers for taking my daughter out for driving lessons. They probably did a better job than Dad.
You do get to acceptance, public transport and being a passenger in a car. Then before you know it you’re back behind the wheel & thinking bugger I can’t drink I’m designated driver.
Finally had a great time this year doing LeMans Classic with Piston Heads & the Spa Classic (well done Bilko). I will have a TVR next year
Bad news, but as has been said, the best thing to do is to use the time in preparation for when you can drive again. Time for some restoration/upgrades on the car that you'd otherwise put off or be unwilling to do? You can get a lot done in a year. There should also be plenty of PHers willing to take you out on a hoon every so often too.
Hi Dan
Sorry to hear your news but if its any consolation I know exactly how you feel. I am currently off the road for a second time due to epilepsy. Fortunately now it is under control and I am half way through my 12 month stint. I am, as most people are on this site a massive petrol head and until reecently was the proud owner of a Subaru Impreza and Alfa Giluietta. As i wont be in the driving seat for a while I thought I would sell both and use the time and money to save up for my next beast.
If you are looking for ways of staying entertained then I would receommend Go Karting, quad biking or having a couple of laps in a Rage Buggy!
I can manage not driving if I do one of the above every couple of months to get my drving 'fix'.
As other people have said previously the time will pass much quicker if you stay positive. I was gutted when I was told in June that I would have another 12 months off the road ( I had a seizure whilst at the goodwood festival of speed of all places), but I already see that Christmas is around the corner and that I should probably start car shopping in April....
From my experience the DVLA have been quite helpful as long as you are straight with them. The rule is that if you surrender you license you can apply for it 8 weeks before you are due it back,this gives them adequate time to process the paper work. If for whatever reason they do not get it back to you in time they will happliy post or email you a letter confirming that you are legally allowed to drive and that your application is being processed.
I have to say that reading this thread is quite encouraging. I thought I was the only car obsessed petrol head out there that wasnt allowed to drive! To Dan Trent and everybody else who is counting down the days, I wish you all the best in your plight.
Maybe we should arragne a celebratory track day for when we are all back on the road again?
Cheers and good luck
James
Sorry to hear your news but if its any consolation I know exactly how you feel. I am currently off the road for a second time due to epilepsy. Fortunately now it is under control and I am half way through my 12 month stint. I am, as most people are on this site a massive petrol head and until reecently was the proud owner of a Subaru Impreza and Alfa Giluietta. As i wont be in the driving seat for a while I thought I would sell both and use the time and money to save up for my next beast.
If you are looking for ways of staying entertained then I would receommend Go Karting, quad biking or having a couple of laps in a Rage Buggy!
I can manage not driving if I do one of the above every couple of months to get my drving 'fix'.
As other people have said previously the time will pass much quicker if you stay positive. I was gutted when I was told in June that I would have another 12 months off the road ( I had a seizure whilst at the goodwood festival of speed of all places), but I already see that Christmas is around the corner and that I should probably start car shopping in April....
From my experience the DVLA have been quite helpful as long as you are straight with them. The rule is that if you surrender you license you can apply for it 8 weeks before you are due it back,this gives them adequate time to process the paper work. If for whatever reason they do not get it back to you in time they will happliy post or email you a letter confirming that you are legally allowed to drive and that your application is being processed.
I have to say that reading this thread is quite encouraging. I thought I was the only car obsessed petrol head out there that wasnt allowed to drive! To Dan Trent and everybody else who is counting down the days, I wish you all the best in your plight.
Maybe we should arragne a celebratory track day for when we are all back on the road again?
Cheers and good luck
James
Not being able to drive is virtually a disability and very frustrating for people used to independent mobility. I tore my quadricep tendon off the top of my Kneecap this summer, ended up with an immobilising brace and couldn't get into a car with out doing a painful limbo impression let alone drive one.
Having to rely on others to ferry you about or suffer the joys of public transport is bad enough but not being able to drive my car or ride my R1 hurt more than the injury.
4 and a half months of feeling trapped and missing the experience and simple enjoyment of a blast round the back lanes or a track day thrashing was bad but I have re-learnt how to walk and am now minus the Robocop stylee ROM brace scaffolding that surrounded the damaged limb, best of all I can drive again.
I can fully understand the frustration you must be feeling Dan, get well soon chap and hope the 12 months passes quickly. Just think of all the money you've saved on fuel, tyres, servicing which can go on Track days or tune ups for your motors.
Having to rely on others to ferry you about or suffer the joys of public transport is bad enough but not being able to drive my car or ride my R1 hurt more than the injury.
4 and a half months of feeling trapped and missing the experience and simple enjoyment of a blast round the back lanes or a track day thrashing was bad but I have re-learnt how to walk and am now minus the Robocop stylee ROM brace scaffolding that surrounded the damaged limb, best of all I can drive again.
I can fully understand the frustration you must be feeling Dan, get well soon chap and hope the 12 months passes quickly. Just think of all the money you've saved on fuel, tyres, servicing which can go on Track days or tune ups for your motors.
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