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Warning!
I am a "well controlled", "very stable" diabetic, with a "good understanding of the condition" to directly quote my GP (in writing!). I have had diabetes for 27 years (since I was 6), and been driving for 16 years (since I was 17) without an accident or incident related to my diabetes. A clean sheet so to speak.
Five weeks ago, the DVLA took my licence off me. I am a victim of a new EU law passed in June (2012). I honestly answered the questionnaire sent through as normal regarding diabetes completely unaware of any changes. The question have I had 'more than one episode of severe hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of another person in the last 12 months'.
Unfortunately, as a result of a house sale falling through, over the Christmas period last year (so estate agents closed!), and notice having being served on my rented property, I think it's safe to say I was under extreme stress. I had 2 nocturnal hypos (you know - in my sleep, therefore not anywhere near a car - nor wanting to drive one!), and my fiance got me some gel in the morning to help bring me round.
By answering 'yes' to this questions, with that in mind the DVLA promptly revoked my licence. I was devastated. I never even dreamed this was a possibility.
On opening the letter I phoned the DVLA immediately and was told the "case was closed" by a very rude woman, who said it was "automatic" having "ticked the box". Devastated does not even begin to explain how I felt. I was in shock.
A trip to the GP and a very supportive letter later, as she was shocked herself and quite definite as my doctor and a medical professorial that I was no threat and quiet safe to drive (see quotes above), the DVLA have "upheld" there decision as this new EU law states nocturnal hypos are treated as any other.
The law is ridiculous and I am at a loss.
If I had been done for drink driving I would have kept my licence until a court date where a case would have been heard and a judgement made after all facts had been presented and considered. By ticking a box in a questionnaire, I have not been allowed any of this courtesy, and I haven't broken the law, nor put anyone else at risk! Crazy!!!
The DVLA and EU are deeming themselves as better judges of my physical well being than my GP.
I have been onto my local MP and MEP's with a plea for help, but just wanted to warn others.
Despite a statement from the DVLA on August 20th 2011, stating "we consider every case individually and refuse licences only where absolutely necessary" I would suggest this is rubbish, as again the woman on the phone said to today the decision has been made following a box being ticked, regardless of circumstances or medical evidence that suggests the decision is wrong.
Distraught does not begin to capture my emotions as I am at a loss as to how this can be allowed to stand.
Ironically if I lived on my own I would have managed it myself, not have ticked the box and still be driving. I'm being penalized for my fiance helping me! Or for being honest... Think on...
It is a mess.
I am a "well controlled", "very stable" diabetic, with a "good understanding of the condition" to directly quote my GP (in writing!). I have had diabetes for 27 years (since I was 6), and been driving for 16 years (since I was 17) without an accident or incident related to my diabetes. A clean sheet so to speak.
Five weeks ago, the DVLA took my licence off me. I am a victim of a new EU law passed in June (2012). I honestly answered the questionnaire sent through as normal regarding diabetes completely unaware of any changes. The question have I had 'more than one episode of severe hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of another person in the last 12 months'.
Unfortunately, as a result of a house sale falling through, over the Christmas period last year (so estate agents closed!), and notice having being served on my rented property, I think it's safe to say I was under extreme stress. I had 2 nocturnal hypos (you know - in my sleep, therefore not anywhere near a car - nor wanting to drive one!), and my fiance got me some gel in the morning to help bring me round.
By answering 'yes' to this questions, with that in mind the DVLA promptly revoked my licence. I was devastated. I never even dreamed this was a possibility.
On opening the letter I phoned the DVLA immediately and was told the "case was closed" by a very rude woman, who said it was "automatic" having "ticked the box". Devastated does not even begin to explain how I felt. I was in shock.
A trip to the GP and a very supportive letter later, as she was shocked herself and quite definite as my doctor and a medical professorial that I was no threat and quiet safe to drive (see quotes above), the DVLA have "upheld" there decision as this new EU law states nocturnal hypos are treated as any other.
The law is ridiculous and I am at a loss.
If I had been done for drink driving I would have kept my licence until a court date where a case would have been heard and a judgement made after all facts had been presented and considered. By ticking a box in a questionnaire, I have not been allowed any of this courtesy, and I haven't broken the law, nor put anyone else at risk! Crazy!!!
The DVLA and EU are deeming themselves as better judges of my physical well being than my GP.
I have been onto my local MP and MEP's with a plea for help, but just wanted to warn others.
Despite a statement from the DVLA on August 20th 2011, stating "we consider every case individually and refuse licences only where absolutely necessary" I would suggest this is rubbish, as again the woman on the phone said to today the decision has been made following a box being ticked, regardless of circumstances or medical evidence that suggests the decision is wrong.
Distraught does not begin to capture my emotions as I am at a loss as to how this can be allowed to stand.
Ironically if I lived on my own I would have managed it myself, not have ticked the box and still be driving. I'm being penalized for my fiance helping me! Or for being honest... Think on...
It is a mess.