Dla and sleep apnoea

uolypool
uolypool Posts: 1,207 Forumite
edited 23 August 2011 at 3:47PM in Disability money matters
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
Paul Walker , in my dreams;)

Comments

  • graduate
    graduate Posts: 79 Forumite
    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
    Anubis_2 Posts: 4,077 Forumite
    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.
    How people treat you becomes their karma; how you react becomes yours.
  • uolypool
    uolypool Posts: 1,207 Forumite
    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.
    Paul Walker , in my dreams;)
  • sangiar
    sangiar Posts: 63 Forumite
    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
    uolypool Posts: 1,207 Forumite
    ah ok, I'll tell her to ring DVLA and tell them and take it from there.Thanks again for your help:)
    Paul Walker , in my dreams;)
  • Rhiannon01
    Rhiannon01 Posts: 125 Forumite
    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.
  • 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
    kazzah60 Posts: 752 Forumite
    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
    Richie-from-the-Boro Posts: 6,945 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 23 August 2011 at 11:13PM
    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 :D

    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
    Disclaimer : Everything I write on this forum is my opinion. I try to be an even-handed poster and accept that you at times may not agree with these opinions or how I choose to express them, this is not my problem. The Disabled : If years cannot be added to their lives, at least life can be added to their years - Alf Morris - ℜ
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