DVLA and getting them to give you the OK to drive again

[Sinbad1900]

Due to a health issue back in September, doctors told me not to drive and update the DVLA accordingly. Which I did.

After a bit of a battle to find someone in the NHS to give me the OK, I’ve kinda got that now.

I’ve seen a copy of what the GP has sent to the DVLA, ending with the comment, “You must not drive until you have had confirmation from the DVLA”

Just putting this out to see if anyone has any similar experiences recently in respect of timescales. I found a post from 2021 but I’m hoping things have changed since then.

[pherlopolus]

Mine was a little different in that verbally I was told I should consider whether I am fit to drive and act accordingly. 5 weeks later the letter came through with a hard "no", I was given the go ahead to drive again at the hospital and was told I could drive from that point, letter went to DVLA some point later (weeks).

The biggest delay was my specialist actually we writing to DVLA

I carried on driving and carried the "ok to drive" letter. Obv my experience was different

[rev-erend]

My wife had this a while back.

We came to the conclusion that DVLA is not for for purpose. The poor old nhs consultants and doctors end up making multiple letters to say fit to drive to DVLA. Now many are very reluctant to say unfit.. because it takes multi patient visits just for this purpose..

[Lester H]

This is too late to apply to the O.P., but for a temporary medical problem, wouldn’t it be easier just to stop driving, tell no one else in ‘authority’ and simply carry on when doctor gives the ok?

[Pica-Pica]

Lester H said:

This is too late to apply to the O.P., but for a temporary medical problem, wouldn’t it be easier just to stop driving, tell no one else in ‘authority’ and simply carry on when doctor gives the ok?

I would go with that. Plus it is the GP and consultant who tell you are fit to drive again, not the DVLA, plus you can normally drive after you have put the application in, if GP/Consultants say so.

[martin mrt]

Can’t you drive under section 88?

The medical team at DVLA were months behind last year I know that

[Pica-Pica]

Lester H said:

This is too late to apply to the O.P., but for a temporary medical problem, wouldn’t it be easier just to stop driving, tell no one else in ‘authority’ and simply carry on when doctor gives the ok?

I would go with that. Plus it is the GP and consultant who tell you are fit to drive again, not the DVLA, plus you can normally drive after you have put the application in, if GP/Consultants say so.

[Teddypicker]

My doctor has said I fine to drive I have mild depression and it's not effecting my driving at all i had my licence revoked but the dvla have never asked me for medical I just hope they accept my doctor

[Sebring440]

Teddypicker said:

My doctor has said I fine to drive I have mild depression and it's not effecting my driving at all i had my licence revoked but the dvla have never asked me for medical I just hope they accept my doctor

Why did you have your licence revoked?

It wasn't for "mild depression".

[Ifinishposts]

I had this recently following a very mild stroke (TIA). It was so mild that at first they were unsure if it actually was a stroke but following various tests it was proven.

I have very mild speech impairment ( I notice it more than anybody else) and my right leg is sort of stiff making me walk with a bit of a limp.

When I first went to the hospital they asked if I had driven there and suggested not to drive home but nobody has taken this further so I have just carried on as usual.
I am working in the centre of Manchester at the moment so it is much easier to use the tram which means the car is parked during the week.
I would be devastated if anything happened to force me to stop driving.

[croyde]

I had a heart attack in 2009 and my licence was revoked whilst I spent 5 days in hospital. No idea how that happened.

Getting it back proved difficult until I felt forced to book a meeting with the consultant on my paperwork, privately.

I was allowed to go back to driving within a couple of days of him writing to the DVLA.

Would love to know how someone in AnE or on the cardiac ward afterward, had the time to contact the DVLA.

[Teddypicker]

They said it was for mental health reasons but I fine now it's been like 7 months and still no nearer getting my licence back they not asked for medical just my doctor to write to them

[Pica-Pica]

To summarise.
See your GP or consultant. If they say you are fit to drive, reapply for your licence. Then under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you can drive. See and read this:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/secti...

[Teddypicker]

Hi my doctor has sent a letter to dvla and I have sent d1 form in but I don't know if dvla want anymore information they might talk to my doctor but it's been 7 months since been revoked and dvla have not asked for a medical or driving assessment