I’m having problems with my Consultant declaring if I’m fit or not to drive.
Back in Nov 2019 I was given DBS. The Neurosurgeon told me not to drive for 2/3 weeks, which I thought was sensible, and so I didn’t. After the three weeks I continued driving, no problem.
In March this year I had a routine appointment with my Consultant Neurologist and during the appointment I happened to mention that my three year licence was due for renewal in July 2021. No problem she said but I would like you to conduct a cognitive test first. No mention as to whether I should in the meantime stop driving. Cognitive test scheduled for late June. Meanwhile I thought I better contact the hospital to see whether I should have actually stopped driving pending results of cognitive test. Within 10min her secretary got back to me and told me that I shouldn’t be driving until I had the test, so again I did as was asked. I completed the test and there were no major changes since before my DBS and nothing that would affect my driving. It was also mentioned in the report that the test was very limited and wasn’t specific to driving skills. No quick decision from my consultant as to whether I could continue driving was forthcoming. My licence expired on the 7th of July still without a decision. From what information I have my Consultant has responded to the DVLA but she refuses to acknowledge that she could give me permission to drive under section 88 of RTA while application in progress. We live in a semi rural location and public transport is not reliable. My GP, Tai Chi class and Support group is 5 miles away so not being able to drive has an affect on my quality of life. If my Consultant, who is a 100 miles away in Liverpool, had any inclination that my driving days was numbered I think the least she could have done was to talk it through with me with a degree of sympathy. Meanwhile now have to wait for DVLA to get back to me and with COVID-19 who knows when that will be
Anyone else had similar experiences?
I surrendered my driving licence the day after I was diagnosed. My consultant said they would inform the DVLA, but I did it first.
Our household was impacted (and continues to be) by someone who shouldn’t have been driving. It’s inconvenient not being able to drive, but I can see the danger.
2015 I gave up driving as my mental health was poor,
2019 I felt better and at the age of 71, I applied for my licence and got it.
I regularly get tested and until I fail, driving is very important for my well being,we also live in a village, Eaglesham, and for almost 5 years I found it unbearable as my mobility is poor I resorted to a wheelchair for that time
Hope you get your licence back
Gcy
Yes, like you I found the car almost essential for my wellbeing, given the reliability of public transport. If I had to stop driving I wouldn’t mind as long as was prepare for it. As it happens I feel that my consultant is playing games and not been clear or honest with me. With the DVLA in a bit of a pickle with covid right now I can’t get a direct answer from them either.
I was told 2010 that I had PD the consultant ask me if I was Driving,
yes i said. well at the moment you are fine. The DVLA gave me a driving licence for 3 years Now this is also an issue YOU MUST LET YOUR INSURANCE COMP KNOW!
Each time my licence was renewed. Then in 2023 My licence up for renewal sent all details via the doctor’s PA 4 weeks later had not heard anything, Phoned DVLA they had not received any paper work for. my case. YES!!! they say you can drive with PD if your GP says you are OK, but he/she are not going to say yes if you are waiting for assessment, DOC/Pa said sorry your application went to bottom pile just waiting for doctor to sign it, but she is on holiday and when she gets back i am also going on holiday. To cut a long story short It was getting on for 6 months of not driving so in the lost confidence, then though the pot my up to date licence arrived. I will not drive again I think that you know and feel when it’s time to stop driving and of cause the other people on the roads are safer. Living at the top of a hill. my husband also finished driving and sold the car. but I do miss it.
