Dyslexia and Dyspraxia - I think I am entitled to a free bus pass but need...

DannyWhoWorks

Hello, I am 25 years old and suffer from Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. This means, along with other things, it is very hard for me to pick up a new skill and general motor skills. This has resulted in it becoming near impossible for me to learn how to drive! (I have had more than 100 lessons but nowhere near test standard and my instructor has said but not so bluntly - it may be time to give up!). I have had a little search on the internet and it seems that I may be entitled to a free bus pass for travel.

I have looked under the requirements and it says I must have a letter from my doctor.

The thing is, I have never had to see the doctor for my Dyslexia or Dyspraxia. It was all sorted out with at College and then University and I get all my support currently from University.

So what exactly should I do? Should I make an appointment and just explain this to him and hopefully he will write a letter? or is this just taking up a valuable slot, or should I write a letter to him, including my educational report as proof and ask him if he could write a quick letter? or do I not stand a chance because there's no notes on my doctors records and therefore he can't confirm that I need the bus pass?

Frustrating as I know my dyslexia and dyspraxia tutor, who knows my needs and would happily write a letter as she knows what I suffer with etc.

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

jacques_chirac

I'm not convinced your condition would entitle you to a bus pass. There are two criteria that could apply to you:

* a learning disability - a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning, or
* would have an application to drive a motor vehicle refused due to your disability.

In the first I doubt your condition would be deemed 'significant' enough - as a university student it is unlikely your intelligence would be deemed significantly impaired.

In the second, on the information given you would not be refused a licence, but rather your ability to learn is limited - the two are not the same thing.

Richie-from-the-Boro

(1) Screened for Dyslexia or Dyspraxia by an educational psychologist in a school or uni setting or (2) formally assessed by standardised testing by an educational psychologist. ? I'm not sure either would be acceptable standard of proof for what you want.

Essentially you might be better served by getting a 'clinical' diagnosis on your medical records rather than a screening / assessment on your educational records. It must have cost you a fortune for 100 driving lessons, continuing the lessons just means you lose even more money money that could better be used elsewhere.

OneYorkshireLass

I'm proof you CAN get a concessionary pass for dyslexia/dyspraxia problems.

I cannot tell left from right most of the time, especially not quickly; I cannot comprehend reverse images, so looking in a mirror is a no-no as I'm very likely to crash into someone; my reaction times are either too quick or too slow and I cannot follow directions. Amongst other things my GP decided I would be dangerous on the roads and he wrote the letter for me.
I got a private diagnosis but the GP was kept informed. There's no reason why you can't take all your reports that you've received and state your case for a pass. It took me and the GP three attempts at getting them to understand why I needed one but we got there in the end.

jacques_chirac

OneYorkshireLass wrote: »

I'm proof you CAN get a concessionary pass for dyslexia/dyspraxia problems.

I cannot tell left from right most of the time, especially not quickly; I cannot comprehend reverse images, so looking in a mirror is a no-no as I'm very likely to crash into someone; my reaction times are either too quick or too slow and I cannot follow directions. Amongst other things my GP decided I would be dangerous on the roads and he wrote the letter for me.
I got a private diagnosis but the GP was kept informed. There's no reason why you can't take all your reports that you've received and state your case for a pass. It took me and the GP three attempts at getting them to understand why I needed on but we got there in the end.

The fact that the OP has been allowed to have 100 lessons would indicate his condition is different from yours. If you are a danger to be on the roads an instructor has a duty to stop you immediately - the fact this has not happened contradicts any assertion that the OP is a danger to others.

poet123

I would get your tutor to write a letter giving details of the assessments done and support required and take it with you to the doctor. You may have to pay for a doctors letter.

OneYorkshireLass

jacques_chirac wrote: »

The fact that the OP has been allowed to have 100 lessons would indicate his condition is different from yours. If you are a danger to be on the roads an instructor has a duty to stop you immediately - the fact this has not happened contradicts any assertion that the OP is a danger to others.

I don't know that though. I've not had lessons. Perhaps the instructors not very clued up? My friend had 150 lessons before she passed and having been in a car with her I still think she is a danger to others!

jacques_chirac

OneYorkshireLass wrote: »

I don't know that though. I've not had lessons. Perhaps the instructors not very clued up? My friend had 150 lessons before she passed and having been in a car with her I still think she is a danger to others!

Your previous post demonstrated that you would be a danger to yourself and others - you didn't need lessons to know that. Any instructor would be sufficiently clued up to spot someone that should not be on the road - being unfit to drive also includes being unfit to learn.

OneYorkshireLass

I'm not going to enter into a debate about different peoples' experiences and what instructors do and don't do (do you know every instructor in the country? I think not.)

The OP asked if you can get a pass/how to get a pass and I said yes, you can. That's all. Where's the harm in him asking?

Widelats

Lucky you lot, in Scotland they will not accept doctor letters. Making it real hard to get around.

paddedjohn

Widelats wrote: »

Lucky you lot, in Scotland they will not accept doctor letters. Making it real hard to get around.

Why does it make it hard to get around? if you could drive would you expect a free car, free juice, free insurance etc? My sister cant drive a car so can she have a free bus pass?