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.
1 Like
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
1 Like
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. 
1 Like
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.
1 Like
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
1 Like
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
2 Likes
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
1 Like
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
2 Likes
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!
I think the concept of a named GP is a fiction rather than a fact as it appears to have nothing to do with who deals with your health issues!! Any movement from DVLA?
Regards
Doug
Exactly that! I’ve heard nothing, other than that they were writing to my GP about three weeks ago. It’s quite stressful waiting.
Hello Sue … If you are fit enough to drive you will be allowed to drive. Don’t worry.
I’m sure you know whether you can drive safely or not,
Best wishes
Steve2
I still haven’t heard back from DVLA. How long does it usually take to hear back from them?
It can sometimes take months as they are not a fast process and also have to write to your doctor about your condition. The latter can really slow the process. Do not worry though. You are good to continue driving as long as it takes.
Doug
1 Like
Thank you Douglas.
Hi Sue
My PD diagnosis coincided with my driving licence requiring renewal so I advised DVLA. They sent me for a driving assessment and I didn’t have to pay. It was a straight forward drive around Belfast with an assessor who made the point that he wasn’t interested in strict adherence to the highway code, just my ability to safely drive. I passed and my licence was renewed for 3 years. That is the situation where I live in Northern Ireland so not sure if the same applies to you. Basically, don’t be afraid of sitting an assessment - if you can drive ok, you’ll pass.
Take care
Andy
1 Like