Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?
I've read most of this thread in a state of disbelief.
It seems that some people actually believe the DVLA enjoy taking licenses away for no good reason. That amazes me.
There also seems to be a large confusion between the DVLA having a duty of care in issuing licenses and criminal prosecutions resulting in license removal.
Someone who drink drives or speeds, is dealt with by the criminal courts. If they lose the license, it is specified, if and when they can re-apply. The DVLA would then apply any tests necessary and pass or fail or the driver based on that.
It is a completely different situation with Diabetic drivers. We are licensed to drive. Think about that last sentence for a minute. The DVLA, allow ALL drivers who have passed their test to drive, under license.
Being diagnosed diabetic contravenes that license, and the DVLA then revoke it, and perform medical enquiries. If we are deemed fit to drive, we are licensed again.
Pre-diagnosis and while at University I drove minibuses for sporting events. Every year I had to attend a 4 hour police lecture about safe driving and the responsibility of the (upto) 16 lives on the bus while I was driving. We were told to imagine the situation where 16 sets of parents or wives were getting knocks on the door at 3am from the police because we had taking a chance while driving, or allowed those in the back not to wear seat belts, or drink. We were even told to think of surviving an accident in which there had been fatalities.
Now, if anyone here has visual difficulties but can still read a number plate at 20 feet, are you honestly saying if you were involved in an accident where there was a fatality, and you "didn't see" the other party, you would be alright with that? Aside from that, if someone is involved in an accident with you and it becomes apparent that you are a diabetic with questionable vision, do you think their lawyer and insurance is going to ignore that? You will be doing these tests for the police, and if you fail, you will be facing severe criminal penalties.
I back the DVLA 100%. If there is even the slightest chance that someone (me included) has impaired vision then it's not just their right, it's their duty to revoke a license. I might agree that it is too easy to get a license, and far too easy to regain one lost for speeding or drink related offences, that isn't part of this argument.
It might not be fair, jobs might be lost, inconvenience might be had. That, sadly, is life, it isn't fair.