Driving License (UK)

[Rhoobarb2005]

Can anyone help?

My consultant told me that I am no longer able to drive until my CPAP use is continuous and consistent, and that I have to tell the DVLA as such, void insurance, etc.

What happens when I tell the DVLA?
Do I have to hand my License in?
How do I get it back?
Do I have to retake the driving test again?
How long is the process?
Is there anyway I can appeal to the consultant as my wife is disabled and we need the car?

Many Kind Thanks
Paul

[Joe McManus]

If you found the forums directly, you might not have yet seen the blog post I did about this topic recently:

http://blog.cpap.co.uk/2007/09/sleep-apnoea-and-sleepy-driving

It has almost everything in it regarding the official DVLA procedure.

Not every case is treated the same so the exact answers to your questions won't be known but my best guess is this...

When you tell the DVLA you will be given a questionnaire. It takes a few weeks (8 I heard recently for someone) for them to assess this and determine the outcome. What you told so far, most likely your license will be revoked and you will be asked to send it in. See http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...ers/DG_4022417 for details and alternative scenarios.

You will get it back only when a medical professional confirms you are fit to drive, when the prescribed treatment catches on sufficiently.

You can try appealing indeed, if it doesn't change the outcome it at least delays the process. There is a program called "Access To Work Support" which might be worth looking into further if you currently have a job (or your wife). However, other than efficient treatment, nothing will make up for your condition. Unfortunately, I doubt they will take family circumstances into equation.

Depending on her disability and the routes required to take, maybe a smaller, weaker-engined or electrical car can bypass the need for requiring a licence. But even then, there's still the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Could be worth checking out though.

It's a difficult situation for you. I hope it works out some way or another!

[Joe McManus]

Also, let me quote "Tony the Busman" (knows a lot about CPAP, OSA and Transport) who said:

Hopefully you will allow me to wear my professional hat for a minute to advise forum members on the situation regarding free concessionary bus passes.

All local authorities (mostly at County Council or Unitary authority level in England) will have a local Concessionary fares scheme. This will entitle the holder to free bus travel anywhere within the local authority area (and into neighbouring authorities areas in certain cases).

One of the qualifying criteria is if you have had your driving licence revoked by DVLA on medical grounds, or you would be likely to be refused a driving licence on medical grounds.

You can normally find details of the local authority's scheme under the public transport page on their websites.

If you live in Scotland or Wales, you have an even better deal as you are entitled to free bus travel anywhere within Wales or Scotland. However, members who live in England should become entitled to free bus travel in England by 2008, if the present government keeps to it's pledge to introduce this piece of legislation.

Hopefully this will be of help to members, if they find themsleves in the position of having their licences revoked for any length of time by the DVLA.

[JackTheSnorer]

Never knew there were these programs to help you get to work. I know someone who will be very happy to hear about that! Thanks!

[Rhoobarb2005]

Thanks for the links, at least Ive got an idea of how the process works now

[mart9012]

Just my two pennyworth...

I had already informed the DVLA about my diabetic status when I had to inform them about the sleep apnoea too... To be honest I had no problems with them. They sent me the form, I dealt with it.. Once I had started CPAP the consultant had no problems with me.

I have to say though that its very difficult. As someone who drove for a living I obviously didn't want to fall asleep at the wheel but would often be dozy while driving. By going to the Doctor and taking responsibility for it you can lose your licence and maybe your job... I sure (fingers crossed) though, a big majority find CPAP sorts it for them. My experience is that the DVLA tend to be quite reasonable surprisingly enough.

[acebass]

My own experience was that by the time the DVLA had sent me the form, received my completed one and reviewed it, the consultant had already written to them to say I had taken well to CPAP and they took no further action. I did keep the letter they sent however, so that I could inform my insurance company that the DVLA were satisfied with my ability to drive.
I also keep copies iof the letter the Consultant issued for use when travelling or joining sports clubs etc.....to aid with medical history.

For a small fee the Sleep Apnoea Trust will issue a medical alert card, The card carries a message warning paramedics and doctors of the medical condition. The card also bears a contact name and phone number of your sleep clinic. http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org

[MauroCipriani]

Hi, I was recently diagnosed, just picked up CPAP machine at weekend from hospital.

I have a company car, I notified the DVLA immediately (completing form SL1 available online). Within two weeks I was notified that I had my licence revoked, now cycling to work.

The hospital are seeing me again in the next 2 weeks. This will review my use of the machine and treatment. If all goes well I can re-apply for my licence. 3 Weeks if they do not need to obtain info from consultant or upto 90 days if they need to correspond with them.

Don't know if this is of any use.

[rayfw1]

Hi

I am now being successfully treated and have been advised by my Doctor and consultant that I am fit to drive.

I have re-applied for my licence and So far its taken the DVLA about 7 weeks , just to send my GP a form.

How long should the DVLA take to conduct their investigation ?

[rayfw1]

Well

I phoned the yesterday and they say its in the post.

For the record the process took Three months.

[Tom @ Intus]

Thanks for sharing your experience rayfw1, glad to hear you didn't have any issues.

Generally speaking, if you're receiving treatment then it should be a formality. The key thing with OSA is the tiredness it causes rather than the condition itself, so if that's under control then they usually have little cause for concern.

One study we saw recently showed that only 1% of those with OSA lose their license so there's little to worry about - it just may take a little time, as rayfw1 found out.