Driving and the DVLA

[warthog]

I was referred by my GP about a month ago and had the appointment last week. I went to the Brompton Hospital.

[James @ Intus]

If that's going well then yes, it makes a lot of difference. You can then write to them in a few days saying yes you were diagnosed and yes, you were treated and respond well to it. Get your doctor to confirm this and to mention you're no longer tired (if true) and they'll let you off the hook.

The sleep clinic will be able to check your performance and comment on it to the DVLA.

Where did you get treated that quickly?

[warthog]

Thanks for that - at the same time I was diagnosed, I was issued with a CPAP so treatment has started already. Does that make a difference?

[James @ Intus]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Here comes some hair splitting...

If you were diagnosed with OSA (apnoea events during the night but not necessarily tired in the day) you are OK. If it is OSAHS (the syndrome, meaning both the nightly events as well as the daytime sleepiness) then the DVLA needs to know because you're a risk on the roads unless treated properly.

Here is a detailed post on it:

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

If you can get treatment fast, you can tell the DVLA about your sleep apnoea and at the same time tell them it's under control. But if you're on a waiting list, you may not be able to stall informing them too long. And remember, in the end of the day, it's about road users safety. If you feel tired chronically, you shouldn't drive. You won't be the first OSA sufferer to kill one or more people if you do.

So access times to treatment is key here really. The sooner, the better.

[warthog]

I've just been diagnosed with S.A. and the Doctor said I had to inform the DVLA. Will the DVLA take my licence away??? I'm really stressing as I need my car for work! Any advice gratefully received!