Dla and sleep apnoea

uolypool

Hi all have been speaking to a friend of mine who has just been diagnosed with sleep apnoea , her gp has suggested that she should apply for DLA and also that she should stop learning to drive .Will she have her provisional licence revoked when she tells the DVLA ? These are purely questions that she has asked me, she has fibro as well and all the stress that comes with that.She is sitting next to me asking me to ask these things.Many thanks guys

graduate

A summary of the DVLA guidelines on fitness to drive can be found here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/ataglance.aspx (look at page 44) and there is also a link to a leaflet as well (http://www.dvla.gov.uk/dvla/~/media/pdf/leaflets/INF159.ashx?)

Hope that helps!

Anubis_2

I am presuming her fibro isn't too severe if she is able to drive, because if it is, she should consider not driving based on the fibro alone, as other symptoms come into play.

As she has now been advised not to continue driving due to her new diagnosis, I would seriously get her to consider giving it up.

uolypool

Well she says it really hits her and having fibro myself I know that some days I am "ok" but others I have not even got enough energy or strength to get up out of bed. I do know that she does have days when she suffers dreadfully, she was starting to have lessons for driving as she thought it would give her more freedom, since the local council have said that having fibro does not qualify you for a bus pass. I have said to her that she does need to tell the DVLA and let the decide as to whether she should be able to continue having a licence.

I know myself that there is no way I could drive , as my tablets make me so tired and I sometimes have a 'foggy' head as well as all the other things that go hand in hand with Fibro and meds for it.

sangiar

Whatever is wrong with you, whatever the diagnosis, you have to show, describe and provide medical evidence that backs up your claims that you have care needs and/or mobility problems. Whatever you state you need help with on the form, must be backed up with evidence of that need.

uolypool

ah ok, I'll tell her to ring DVLA and tell them and take it from there.Thanks again for your help:)

Rhiannon01

The DVLA require drivers who are diagnosed sufferers of Sleep Apnoea to advise them of thier condition. Don't think it effect insurance or premiums if DVLA know & have permission to drive.

victorias_dad

I suffer both of the conditions sleep apnoea and fibro plus many other conditions I have a cpap machine and attend a sleep clinic the rules re sleep apnoea and driving are if you use a cpap machine you are considered fit to drive by the dvla I know that on some days I am not fit to drive due to pains and excessive tiredness but on these days I am not fit to get up and function let alone go out, I do have a mobility car and my insurance company are aware of all my problems however without my car I would not get out at all. It is the same as any medical conditions you have to be sensible and act accordingly

kazzah60

just to echo Victoria's dad - my dh has diagnosed sleep apnoea and also uses a cpap machine
and has been certified as fit to drive by the DVLA

I would urge your friend to seek treatment at a proper sleep clinic as it could greatly improve their life and also allow them to continue driving

not sure how they would qualify for DLA though - I wouldn't say my dh had any extra care needs arising from the condition
karen

Richie-from-the-Boro

uolypool wrote: »

ah ok, I'll tell her to ring DVLA and tell them and take it from there.Thanks again for your help:)

Look here page 1 ~ & ~ page 2

NOTE1 : ''' The law requires you to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any condition that may affect your ability to drive safely '''. If you are involved in an accident and it is found that your health condition was a contributing factor, you may be prosecuted and your insurance may not be valid .. .. better [ everyone is ] safe than sorry my friend !

NOTE2 : If your friends GP feels for any reason his patient is not fit to drive s/he is required by law to inform the DVLA, and there is no requirement to notify the patient that s/he has one so.

NOTE3 : S-Apnoea itself is on the ' notifiable ' list