Can I still drive?!

[DanielP1993]

I hope you can help as I am at a complete loss and I don’t know what to do.

I’ve been type 1 diabetic for 12 years and am currently 26 years old. I passed my driving test March 2019 however my license expires today (14th July). I applied for renewal back in March but due to COVID the process has been slow.

Today I received a letter stating that “based on the information that has been received, it was previously decided that you should have a medical examination with your GP, however, due to the ongoing situation with Novel Coronavirus, we are unable to request this examination at present. As soon as we are able to arrange the examination we will write to you.”

It also goes on to say that “with regards to your driving, you must be confident that you meet all medical standards in relation to your fitness to drive.”

I know that for regular driving licenses that expire between February and August this year, an extra 7 months is added as the DVLA renewal process is currently so slow. Do you know if this also applies to my license? For the record, I am completely confident in my ability to drive and my condition has never affected this.

I rely on my car for work and many other essential things so to not be able to drive would be devastating as I would not be able to work.

I hope you can assist as I don’t want to be pulled over and be told I’m breaking the law as the information on this is sketchy and almost non-existent.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Yes you can still drive as long as you have not been told t0 stop driving.
What did you put on your form to upset them?
Can you ring your GP and have a phone apt with him?

It also goes on to say that “with regards to your driving, you must be confident that you meet all medical standards in relation to your fitness to drive.”

 

[DanielP1993]

Yes you can still drive as long as you have not been told t0 stop driving.
What did you put on your form to upset them?
Can you ring your GP and have a phone apt with him?

I definitely haven’t been told to stop driving so that’s handy. The DVLA phone lines are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. I try them every day and never get through.

I’m not sure what I’ve put on the form to annoy them.. I’m thinking possibly the question “have you had a hypo in the last year?” And the answers were either one, two, or more than two. Which I thought was a bit strange because of course I’ve had more than 2 hypos in the last year. Thinking now maybe they thought serious hypos.. which I’ve had none of.

Maybe I’ll ring the doctors and enquire..

 

[freesia]

I hope you can help as I am at a complete loss and I don’t know what to do.

I’ve been type 1 diabetic for 12 years and am currently 26 years old. I passed my driving test March 2019 however my license expires today (14th July). I applied for renewal back in March but due to COVID the process has been slow.

Today I received a letter stating that “based on the information that has been received, it was previously decided that you should have a medical examination with your GP, however, due to the ongoing situation with Novel Coronavirus, we are unable to request this examination at present. As soon as we are able to arrange the examination we will write to you.”

It also goes on to say that “with regards to your driving, you must be confident that you meet all medical standards in relation to your fitness to drive.”

I know that for regular driving licenses that expire between February and August this year, an extra 7 months is added as the DVLA renewal process is currently so slow. Do you know if this also applies to my license? For the record, I am completely confident in my ability to drive and my condition has never affected this.

I rely on my car for work and many other essential things so to not be able to drive would be devastating as I would not be able to work.

I hope you can assist as I don’t want to be pulled over and be told I’m breaking the law as the information on this is sketchy and almost non-existent.

Thank you in advance.

Is it worth ringing the DVLA medical line direct and having a conversation with them? They may be able to say why they want you to have the medical and give you answers on driving.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

I definitely haven’t been told to stop driving so that’s handy. The DVLA phone lines are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. I try them every day and never get through.

I’m not sure what I’ve put on the form to annoy them.. I’m thinking possibly the question “have you had a hypo in the last year?” And the answers were either one, two, or more than two. Which I thought was a bit strange because of course I’ve had more than 2 hypos in the last year. Thinking now maybe they thought serious hypos.. which I’ve had none of.

Maybe I’ll ring the doctors and enquire..

Well if you didn't answer more than two, then alarm bells ring as they automatically assume you are not detecting hypos. Also did you misread any of the questions regarding the hypos as to requiring help? This is the normal problem so try and get through to the DVLA and ask what the problem is.

 

[DanielP1993]

Is it worth ringing the DVLA medical line direct and having a conversation with them? They may be able to say why they want you to have the medical and give you answers on driving.

I try them repeatedly every day and I can’t get through

 

[Pumper_Sue]

I try them repeatedly every day and I can’t get through

Can you email them?

 

[DanielP1993]

Can you email them?

Tried numerous times, no responses. Tried them on twitter twice and the only reply I got was to try and ring them. Very frustrating haha

 

[DanielP1993]

Well if you didn't answer more than two, then alarm bells ring as they automatically assume you are not detecting hypos. Also did you misread any of the questions regarding the hypos as to requiring help? This is the normal problem so try and get through to the DVLA and ask what the problem is.

I remember one of the questions asking if I’ve ever needed help treating a hypo to which I answered no.. otherwise I don’t think so. I went through the application so many times before I sent it off

 

[freesia]

03007906806. This is the number i've used before, apologies if its the same number you have. I wonder if they are still working from home and still only have skeleton staff in.

 

[DanielP1993]

03007906806. This is the number i've used before, apologies if its the same number you have. I wonder if they are still working from home and still only have skeleton staff in.

Sadly it’s the same haha!

 

[Deleted member 27171]

Hi @DanielP1993

Try giving the DUK Helpline call Mon-Fri 9-6, 0345 123 2399, they should be able to advise and if necessary can contact the DVLA on your behalf.

 

[Becka]

I know that for regular driving licenses that expire between February and August this year, an extra 7 months is added as the DVLA renewal process is currently so slow. Do you know if this also applies to my license?

You can check your driving licence online, as this includes the expiry date it will show whether yours has been extended.

View or share your driving licence information

Find out what information DVLA holds about your driving licence or create a check code to share your driving record, for example to hire a car

www.gov.uk

 

[brisr949]

The medical request is probably down to you being new to driving and I'm guessing it will be about how long your next licence will run for. They just want to know your ability to drive.
On my second medical licence renewal they went through me with a fine tooth comb, scrutinised every medication I was taking, one I had to stop completely before they issued my new one.
I've just had my third one now after doing the form online amazingly I got my licence 3 days later.
P.s..on the letter you got im sure somewhere on that it will say you can continue driving in the meantime?
Adam

 

[trophywench]

Why was your first full licence after passing your test not issued for longer than a few months? Not even one full year. That seems exceedingly odd to me.