Good afternoon all. I have received the forms from the DVLA I have read and reread, googled for information and assistance and can’t find a singular thing that makes me feel optimistic.
It’s the “Freezing question”. I don’t freeze when I’m driving, but do freeze getting up from sitting and walking. Obviously this is all over my clinical notes! So, is it then a given that I lose my licence? I have to tick the box for freezing, or my consultant almost certainly would?. Any advice appreciated.
Hello Sue … I am 70 years old & have Atypical Parkinson’s. My Parkinson’s issues are mobility. I also freeze when getting up from a chair or when I stand still for more than a couple of minutes. I contacted the DVLA & filled out the form giving my medical teams details. The DVLA wrote to them & they confirmed I was fit to drive.
I also applied for & got a blue disability badge. I had no problems at all.
Any questions please ask.
Best wishes
Steve2
Oh, that’s great news! I had read that if you tick “yes” to freezing you can basically kiss your licence goodbye. I will remain optimistic.
Hello Sue … Obviously do write something to the affect that you drive regularly & safely & have no freezing or shaking issues when driving. Also never had an accident etc…
Best of luck
Steve2
Lovely, thank you for the advice.
Hi Sue.
It might be a help to discuss the form with your Neuro or PNS. just to ensure that your reply will gel with that of your Neuro. Each medical review by DVLA is individual and is to ensure the safety of the PWP as well as other people. I remember advising an elderly lady who could drive well etc but had an issue with her shoulders that if she had been required to make certain changes quickly in an emergency she would not have had the power in her shoulders to achieve the changes. This could have been catastrophic for her and others She considered her situation and voluntarily had her licence revoked. I guess what I am saying is that these forms are not a challenge to be overcome by any means but a necessary tool to ensure everyone’s safety. But then I am sure you know that.
Hope all goes well.
Doug
Hi Douglas, thank you for your reply. I have made my peace with the fact that I may lose my licence now. I’m prepared for that outcome if that’s what it will be.
I did find the form confusing though, as I was not sure if it meant whilst driving or just in general terms.
The form is an opportunity to let DVLA know what your issues are and how you feel they sit with your PD. As you know your Neuro will also be asked for any issues that could affect you driving ability/safety. DVLA will put the two together and reach a conclusion on whether you can drive. You will not be stopped from driving if it is still safe for all if you do so. That is their concern. If you might freeze when getting out of your seat then that might be an issue - I do not know.
Not sure if all that helps but I wish you well.
Regards
Doug
Hello Sue … Do not lose hope on getting this medical driving licence. For me if I could not drive it would be life over for me as I can’t walk far enough to catch a bus. I live alone, it might be that you have a partner who can drive.
Best of luck. Do let us know how it goes.
Best wishes
Steve2
Hi Sue, we can see you’ve had lots of help from the community. If you are still unsure please do reach out to our helpline where a member of the team can offer advice and help you complete the form: 0808 800 0303
Thank you
Hi Sue,
Another way to prove that you are fit to drive is to do an assesment driving course. there are many on line, but I did mine with the Institute of Advansed Motorists. It takes about an hour and it will be in your own car. they give a frank report on your driving that you can send to the DVLA.
Best of luck
Update. I have just received a letter from DVLA to say that they have written to my named GP. Not sure how that’s going to work, I’ve never met my named GP!