if a gp tells you to surrender a driving licence are you likely to get a bus pass?

MS1950

PollySouthend wrote: »

Hi,

I have a driving licence but don't drive often now as not a fan of driving and have had blackouts ocassionly. I really should get this checked out by a gp but have always been scared that I would loose my licence. Now I've recently got a job where I can walk to work so the licence isn't essential.

If a doctor does take away my license is it almost guareteed I will get a bus pass? Also any ideas if I will loose my licence forever or pay higher insurance costs in the future?

Polly

To answer the question you asked I think the answer is yes.

From your username I assume you live in Southend (or at least in Essex)

The following link will take you to the Essex County Council application form for a disabled person's bus pass:

http://www.essexhighways.org/uploads/files/essexenctsdisabled.pdf

On page 2 it sets out the eligibility and the last one says "G Persons who if applied, would have their application for a driving licence refused on the grounds of medical fitness"

and the evidence required would be:

"Letter from D.V.L.A. confirming the refusal/revocation of a driving licence for a minimum period of 12 months, or a letter from your G.P. or another suitable medical professional confirming that you are most likely to be refused a driving licence due to your medical condition. This does not include those excluded from holding a licence due to the persistent misuse of drugs and/or alcohol".

janiebquick

I don't think a GP is able to take away your licence.

What they do is contact the DVLA concerning your unfitness to drive and the DVLA then revokes your licence.

Marco_Panettone

I'm epileptic (fit free since 2008). When I learnt to drive (having been fit-free for a year) I subsequently had a seizure. I contacted the medical people at the DVLA and returned my licence. I then contacted my local council (Hackney, at the time) who gave me a disabled persons travelcard (valid for 3 years).


Get checked out and give the DVLA a call. As you don't drive anyway you don't need the licence, insurance, etc, anyway, and shouldn't be driving if there's a likelihood of blacking out (it may be something that can be controlled with medication - your GP should be able to tell you). Once you have the right info call the council to see if you're eligible for a pass.


You could always just get a bike, especially if journeys are going to be local.

barbarawright

Marco_Panettone wrote: »

I'm epileptic (fit free since 2008). When I learnt to drive (having been fit-free for a year) I subsequently had a seizure. I contacted the medical people at the DVLA and returned my licence. I then contacted my local council (Hackney, at the time) who gave me a disabled persons travelcard (valid for 3 years).


Get checked out and give the DVLA a call. As you don't drive anyway you don't need the licence, insurance, etc, anyway, and shouldn't be driving if there's a likelihood of blacking out (it may be something that can be controlled with medication - your GP should be able to tell you). Once you have the right info call the council to see if you're eligible for a pass.


You could always just get a bike, especially if journeys are going to be local.

One of my colleagues (also in London) has occasional blackouts (though an op has reduced these a lot) and he gets a Freedom Pass for the same reason as you. So I would guess it's fairly standard if you are barred from driving because of health reasons. But you would need to see a GP which would obviously mean further tests. No bad thing though

SailorSam

What areas do the passes cover.
Say for example i were issued a pass here in Merseyside does that mean i can travel the whole of the UK.

moneyistooshorttomention

Good luck OP.

I would take exactly the same view as you personally, ie "If THEY aren't letting me drive, then THEY must provide me with a bus pass instead so that I don't have to".

You do have to stop driving if you would be putting other people at risk of an accident as a consequence, but I fully agree that THEY should then provide you with a buspass instead.

I would estimate you will get one okay.

Good luck.

[Deleted User]

Rather curiously, blackouts are not one of the conditions that it's compulsory to notify.

BTW: The NHS won't do anything, it's up to you. When I was diagnosed with arrhythmia they didn't even tell me it was compulsory to notify the DVLA, let alone tell the DVLA themselves. Prior to finding out by accident, I had asked if I was fit to drive, but the cardiologist just squirmed in his chair a bit and avoided the question.

barbarawright

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Good luck OP.

I would take exactly the same view as you personally, ie "If THEY aren't letting me drive, then THEY must provide me with a bus pass instead so that I don't have to".

You do have to stop driving if you would be putting other people at risk of an accident as a consequence, but I fully agree that THEY should then provide you with a buspass instead.

I would estimate you will get one okay.

Good luck.

Really? You don't think people should take a personal responsibility themselves to prevent accidents? I've never been able to afford to run a car - doesn't mean I expect free travel.

Marco_Panettone

barbarawright wrote: »

Really? You don't think people should take a personal responsibility themselves to prevent accidents? I've never been able to afford to run a car - doesn't mean I expect free travel.

There's a difference between not being able to afford something you're legally entitled to do, and being legally banned through no fault of your own.

Buellguy

jack_pott wrote: »

Rather curiously, blackouts are not one of the conditions that it's compulsory to notify.

BTW: The NHS won't do anything, it's up to you. When I was diagnosed with arrhythmia they didn't even tell me it was compulsory to notify the DVLA, let alone tell the DVLA themselves. Prior to finding out by accident, I had asked if I was fit to drive, but the cardiologist just squirmed in his chair a bit and avoided the question.

Well this is what the DVLA say about what the doctor HAS to do:


It is the duty of the licence holder or licence applicant to notify DVLA of any medical condition, which may affect safe driving. On occasions however, there are circumstances in which the licence holder cannot, or will not do so. The GMC has issued clear guidelines* applicable to such circumstances, which state: “1. The driver is legally responsible for informing the DVLA about such a condition or treatment. However, if a patient has such a condition, you should explain to the patient: (a) that the condition may affect their ability to drive (if the patient is incapable of understanding this advice, for example, because of dementia, you should inform the DVLA immediately), and (b) that they have a legal duty to inform the DVLA about the condition. 2


And this is the bit from the doc re arrhythmia:


Driving must cease if the arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.
Driving may be permitted when underlying cause has been identified and controlled for at least 4/52.
DVLA need not be notified unless there are distracting/disabling symptoms.



So draw your own conclusion