Driver's Medical Appraisal

[citari]

Thanks Suzanne
That info is really useful - it is the sort of thing you cannot see on the leaflet they sent.
I have booked a lesson this weekend but will struggle to get another one in before Thursday. I was not going to bother but thought better to be safe than sorry. Just hope I get a green mark!

 

[Faith*]

Have you heard anything yet citari? Hope you get your green mark..?

I've had a letter back from them saying they are now writing to my consultant - which is what they should have done in the first place! Fingers crossed ey!

 

[citari]

Did the test on Thursday, the good news (I hope) is that I got all green A's and B's. The examiner said my driving was fine and although he didn't actually say it, I think he was bemused about why I had been given the test. The examiner was not given details about any medical conditions and said that he just sends the report off to the DVLA and they make a decision. I wonder how long they will keep me waiting this time.

My concern was the statement I was asked to sign before starting the test -
"I hold a current driving licence for the category of vehicle detailed below and I am not under the influence of
drink, drugs or medication that could affect my driving ability. The use of the assessment vehicle for the
purposes of the assessment is covered by a valid policy of insurance which satisfies the requirements of the
relevant legislation"

I was slightly uncomfortable about signing it but I did not want to throw any spanners in the works at this stage. I knew exactly what my blood sugar was (as I always test before driving) and knew it was edging up from 6.3 when I left home and it was 7.6 just before I went into the test centre for the test at 10.30am.
I do not think that any diabetic on insulin can truthfully sign this form.

When we sat in the car ready to go I told the examiner that I was an insulin dependent diabetic but that I got good warning signs of hypos and that if I felt any symptoms I would stop the car, test my blood sugar and take remedial action if necessary.
He replied that he hoped that would not happen. Looking at the words they could be interpreted as concern, but the implication was that if that happened I would fail automatically. My diabetes is well controlled but under conditions of stress like this, blood sugars can do strange things! Fortunately mine usually go up.
I said this to the examiner mainly because I did not know the reason for the test, but on reflection I should not have said anything.

I phoned the DSA this morning and was told that the declaration was something that the DVLA asked for.
When I asked what would have happened if I had not signed it, I was told my licence would have been revoked.
It appears that the DVLA are now asking diabetics to lie in order to keep their driving licence.

I spoke to Diabetes uk after the test and the lady I spoke to agreed that a diabetic on insulin really could not sign that statement and I have sent all the information to their advocate to look into.

I am not really sure what else I can do, I am hoping that I will get my licence approved pretty quickly but am worried for other diabetics who may be put in the same situation.

 

[Faith*]

The ridiculousness just continues doesn't it. I think that just confirms really that the DVLA have no understanding of the disease. If they're going to give us all such a strict criteria for driving etc then I think they should employ former diabetes specialist doctors/nurses on to the panel to inform the admin staff of the ways in which it works if you know what I mean.

I'm still waiting to hear back but rang up and the DVLA confirmed they've received all there information and will make their decision soon.

I hope you hear back quickly. Keep us informed

 

[phoenix]

If they're going to give us all such a strict criteria for driving etc then I think they should employ former diabetes specialist doctors/nurses on to the panel to inform the admin staff of the ways in which it works if you know what I mean.

They do have a panel of mostly doctors to advise them on policy but I suspect that they don't always realise/foresee how what they decide is implemented. Presumably though some of them actually have patients that get caught up in the red tape.
You can see who they are and read the minutes of the meetings here:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/medi ... nutes.aspx
I noticed that they do get into discussing the forms so for example

Following meetings held between DVLA and Diabetes UK, there have been amendments to the medical enquiry form completed by drivers applying or re-applying for a Group 1 licence. The Panel considered this form in detail and suggested some further amendment

 

[Faith*]

I didn't realise that. I thought they just had paper guidance to go off. I suppose thats a little more reassuring then haha

 

[citari]

Still waiting

Might phone the DVLA......

 

[Faith*]

OMG that's ridiculous - did you phone them? See what they say. I thought i'd already posted but hadn't, they've renewed me again for 3 more years but advised again that they will be in contact with my consultant and GP nearer to the time - evil DVLA!!

 

[iHs]

OMG that's ridiculous - did you phone them? See what they say. I thought i'd already posted but hadn't, they've renewed me again for 3 more years but advised again that they will be in contact with my consultant and GP nearer to the time - evil DVLA!!

Thank goodness Faith..... pleased that youve got another 3yr one

 

[Faith*]

Still nothing citari?

 

[MattyK]

I had the exact same thing, I am 33 and been diabetic 18 years. The DVLA said they had found 'discrepancies' with my medical report and records, I was told to revisit my GP for a full medical report, which coincidentally was exactly the same as the previous one!
I completed the report with my GP who also found the whole experience ridiculous, I asked if my GP knew why I had all the hassle when previously all was ok, she told me that DVLA would not disclose that information. It took 8 months for my licence to be renewed.
The whole thing was ludicrous and such a waste of money, my diabetes control has always been good and never a problem with previous renewals.
I feel sure that DVLA just 'pick' on people to investigate further to ensure quality, but at least tell people so that they don't think that there is something majorly wrong!
Lets see what happens next time then!


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[citari]

I phoned the DVLA last Thursday, 4 weeks to the day since taking the driving test (and passing). Got an arsy plonka who told me that the medical team were currently reviewing information that came in mid November so that I should expect a wait of another 2 - 3 months. I pointed out that I had played the game and could not see why it should take so long to process the fact that I had passed my driver's medical appraisal. He said that the doctors would still need to review all the records!??
Although he knew nothing about my medical condition he told me that there had obviously been good reason to give me the test since they funded it and would not waste money.
I would have been quite happy to have a medical examination which would have been more relevant to any concerns and also probably cheaper. That was never asked for.
I pointed out that in 2 - 3 months it would be over 12 months since they processed my initial application for renewal and that the covering letter I have that allows me to drive would no longer be valid. He said he would send me another form D1 (fresh application) but that I did not need to fill in the medical declaration.
I asked how to find out why the DVLA are concerned about me, bearing in mind I have been driving over 30 years without an accident and he said that they would not know about any history of accidents. If I wanted to know why I was being investigated to write in and request an explanation. I am still waiting for the form but will certainly ask the question when I return it.
Wonder if I will ever get a reply, probably should not hold my breath.
When I asked them if there had been cutbacks at the DVLA to explain the delays in them dealing with information, hed said no but that some poeple just took longer than others....
It has always taken about a month before so not sure what is going on there.

Well done Faith - glad to hear that you have got your licence without too much fuss

 

[Faith*]

Oh gosh, citari, I'm so sorry to hear this! I can't believe how long it's taking. I would consider putting in a complaint you know, To have to wait this long is absolutely ridiculous. I wonder how they can say one person takes a few weeks to be sorted and another a few months up to a year. I'm absoultely shocked. I don't think the situation was helped with the new laws from last October. Wonder if they're investigating all diabetics now when they reapply. Very odd. Let me know what happens. I'm literally keeping fingers and toes crossed for you

 

[citari]

Still no news (good or bad) from the DVLA.......

 

[Faith*]

OMG - I'm utterly dumbfounded!! What the heck are they doing!!!

 

[citari]

Still waiting
Have sent in another form D1 because my covering letter only lasted for 12 months following my renewal application (May 26th 2012) but that date varies a bit depending on who you speak to........

I have sent details to my MP since in my opinion the DVLA are not fit for purpose

 

[Faith*]

I can't believe you've still not heard anything! I think a definite complaint to MP/DVLA is in order because it's absolutely shocking to leave you waiting for so long. Have you called them did they say anything new?

 

[citari]

Hi Faith
When I phoned them in the first week of May they said it would be another 2 - 3 months which is why I had to fill in another form D1. They told me to fax it since if posted it might not be processed in time for the deadline of May 31st. They had no intention of informing me that this was necessary, I was only told because I asked the question and was never sent the form I had been promised back in March. I do not have a fax machine and asked for an alternative and was told a way to submit online, which did not work. I phoned again and was given another date - May 26th and told a different way to submit online which did work, I was also told to post the D1 as well and phone on the 26th to check that the form had been processed otherwise I would not be covered to drive.
I did not phone since I am quite happy to argue with anyone who wants to see my licence that I have done everything correctly.
I have stopped stressing about it now since there does not seem to be any point. My only worry is that they will finally process the info and decide I am not fit to drive (can't think why, but who can tell?). I will then have to go through the whole process again but without a licence which would be more than annoying. I have asked the people working at my MPs office to look into it but have heard nothing back yet.

 

[Faith*]

well as always my fingers and toes are crossed that you get somewhere soon with it all. I just don't understand how they can be dragging it out so long. They seem to be so unorganised. They should have been in touch with all the necessary forms etc.

 

[chrisjmann]

I do wonder just how much we diabetic drivers are going to be victimised before someone in authority starts fighting our cause. Since being diagnosed I have had my HGV taken off me. Then a few years later I lost the right to drive a minibus. Now I am petrified every 3 years in case some bureaucrat in the DVLA spots a full stop missing or a cross not on a T. I lost one job as an HGV mechanic when I lost my licence. Now if I lose my car license I will lose another job, I live 46 miles from work with no public transport. I get checked every year, I visit the eye clinic as I had laser treatment some years ago and I am not stupid either. I dont wish diabetes on anyone but having people make really important decisions based upon no knowledge or experience isnt fair and shouldnt happen. Clearly the people in the DVLA dealing with this dont know about the condition. They just know about form filling and looking for mistakes.