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DVLA are messing up my life
Hello all, I really need some help with this one.
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year. The medication I was given has eventually become a big problem and I've stopped taking it. My GP and I are now in some doubt that the diagnosis was correct.
Some time after that, I became aware that my photocard driving licence had expired. In a call to the DVLA to enquire about renewing it, and possible penalties for not renewing, ADHD was declared. I was sent a declaration form on which I provided both my GP's and ADHD consultant's name and sent it back.
After some weeks, I received 3 calls from my 'consultant'. He was extremely unsure of what he was doing and asked me lots of information. It was obvious he had no history on file and in short - I feel that I filled out the form by proxy - except I had no idea exactly what was being filled in with the information I provided. He even thought I had been sectioned when in fact I had been a once a week day patient for therapy a long time ago.
It is important to understand that during our TWO meetings, the consultant made no notes. I admitted to him I have a PREVIOUS history of cannabis use (and alcohol abuse), some years back when I was quite unwell, but have used it VERY occasionally in more recent times (the same applies for alcohol).
I was devastated when my licence was revoked on 10th March this year (approximately 4 weeks later). It took me two weeks to get the medical report from the DVLA which quite frankly looks like a child filled it in. Mistakes and untruths - including very recent use of cannabis at ridiculous daily amounts. I complained to his place of employment and was told he had 'moved on' and even received an irate call from his boss telling me I shouldn't drive because I use cannabis - a statement I made him withdraw. At the end of the call he told me that the 'Doctor' "had to cut his teeth somewhere".
I have written to the DVLA providing this information. I told them this was not an enquiry but a knee jerk reaction in what was clearly a flawed process. They cannot even define the word persistent (as in persistent drug use). Apparently, I am now waiting for a newly issued declaration form requesting the information yet again. Its as though the process must start again from the beginning. This was apparently sent on the 20th May, second class post, but they tell me that the Royal Mail policy is 14 days for lost post. I don't see how this applies as they are not the Royal Mail.
They have not admitted they have done anything wrong.
I dare not ask if my insurance is invalid.
My MOT has expired.
I've turned down four jobs and simply can't apply for any, as my technical qualifications only suit mobile positions.
Do I make a complaint (given that this will take 14 days (18 days including weekends)) or just wait even longer?
Any help greatly appreciated, as I now feel this is affecting my health.
Ian
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year. The medication I was given has eventually become a big problem and I've stopped taking it. My GP and I are now in some doubt that the diagnosis was correct.
Some time after that, I became aware that my photocard driving licence had expired. In a call to the DVLA to enquire about renewing it, and possible penalties for not renewing, ADHD was declared. I was sent a declaration form on which I provided both my GP's and ADHD consultant's name and sent it back.
After some weeks, I received 3 calls from my 'consultant'. He was extremely unsure of what he was doing and asked me lots of information. It was obvious he had no history on file and in short - I feel that I filled out the form by proxy - except I had no idea exactly what was being filled in with the information I provided. He even thought I had been sectioned when in fact I had been a once a week day patient for therapy a long time ago.
It is important to understand that during our TWO meetings, the consultant made no notes. I admitted to him I have a PREVIOUS history of cannabis use (and alcohol abuse), some years back when I was quite unwell, but have used it VERY occasionally in more recent times (the same applies for alcohol).
I was devastated when my licence was revoked on 10th March this year (approximately 4 weeks later). It took me two weeks to get the medical report from the DVLA which quite frankly looks like a child filled it in. Mistakes and untruths - including very recent use of cannabis at ridiculous daily amounts. I complained to his place of employment and was told he had 'moved on' and even received an irate call from his boss telling me I shouldn't drive because I use cannabis - a statement I made him withdraw. At the end of the call he told me that the 'Doctor' "had to cut his teeth somewhere".
I have written to the DVLA providing this information. I told them this was not an enquiry but a knee jerk reaction in what was clearly a flawed process. They cannot even define the word persistent (as in persistent drug use). Apparently, I am now waiting for a newly issued declaration form requesting the information yet again. Its as though the process must start again from the beginning. This was apparently sent on the 20th May, second class post, but they tell me that the Royal Mail policy is 14 days for lost post. I don't see how this applies as they are not the Royal Mail.
They have not admitted they have done anything wrong.
I dare not ask if my insurance is invalid.
My MOT has expired.
I've turned down four jobs and simply can't apply for any, as my technical qualifications only suit mobile positions.
Do I make a complaint (given that this will take 14 days (18 days including weekends)) or just wait even longer?
Any help greatly appreciated, as I now feel this is affecting my health.
Ian
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Comments
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Your complaint is with the consultant who you believe gave incorrect/invalid/inaccurate information to the DVLA.
As you are a self-confessed cannabis user, I don't think you can complain about this being used in a medical report sent by the consultant to the DVLA, and the DVLA then acting upon this information.
As you don't have a valid driving licence at the moment, you cannot get behind the wheel and drive legally on the public roads."You were only supposed to blow the bl**dy doors off!!"0 -
Thanks for the answer, but I should have expected this kind of nonsense.
I haven't smoked cannabis in over six months which is the DVLAs cut off point.
I have passed urine tests (three in the last few months), and would pass a blood and/or saliva test. I provided this information because I am honest.
Even if I sued the consultant what good would that do? Or should I get his boss to make a statement to the contrary of that already made. Even he told me I have to have a drug test, but the DVLA are not indicating I need to do this.
I'm asking if I should wait for the forms or make a complaint.
Do you work for the DVLA?0 -
I have written to the DVLA providing this information. I told them this was not an enquiry but a knee jerk reaction in what was clearly a flawed process.
Which, you have to admit, is exactly what you'd say if the consultant's report was right and you were a drunken druggy... What you need is a new medical report, probably with blood tests to demonstrate you are as clean as you claim to be.This was apparently sent on the 20th May, second class post, but they tell me that the Royal Mail policy is 14 days for lost post. I don't see how this applies as they are not the Royal Mail.
No, THEY aren't... but RM are, you have to admit, somewhat involved in the process of DVLA receiving your letter.They have not admitted they have done anything wrong.
They haven't. They've taken the one and only medical report they have at face value. What, exactly, do you want them to do?I dare not ask if my insurance is invalid.
Since you can't drive anyway, it's academic.My MOT has expired.
So your car is off the road, right?I've turned down four jobs and simply can't apply for any, as my technical qualifications only suit mobile positions.
But you can take other jobs in the meantime, even if they are just stop-gaps at lower pay than you could be getting. If you don't, then your driving licence will become a secondary issue once your JSA is sanctioned since you aren't actually seeking a job you can realistically get.
DVLA are not your problem here.0 -
Sounds like this consultant just wasn't one of the "cool kids" at Uni and is taking his frustrations out on you.....“I may not agree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to make an a** of yourself.”
<><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><> Don't forget to like and subscribe \/ \/ \/0 -
I'm asking if I should wait for the forms or make a complaint......
Pointless making a complaint - by the time you get a response to your complaint the 14 days will be up and you/they can either pursue the lost mail avenue with royal mail or start again with a new form being sent.
(You grumble in your OP that your consultant took no notes when you saw him but the consultation may have been recorded so that your notes could be written up later)0 -
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Which, you have to admit, is exactly what you'd say if the consultant's report was right and you were a drunken druggy... What you need is a new medical report, probably with blood tests to demonstrate you are as clean as you claim to be.
So you KNOW what I would say....No, THEY aren't... but RM are, you have to admit, somewhat involved in the process of DVLA receiving your letter.
I have asked the DVLA to re-send the forms, thereby negating the need to go through the lost post process but they haven't.They haven't. They've taken the one and only medical report they have at face value. What, exactly, do you want them to do?
I want them to conduct an enquiry when they call it an enquiry. Whats wrong with getting a report from my GP who backs me on this issue and knows the information is incorrect. He has my medical records, the consultant didn't.Since you can't drive anyway, it's academic.
No, insurance policies can be affected by the statement made that you have a driving licence.So your car is off the road, right?
I have nowhere to put it.But you can take other jobs in the meantime, even if they are just stop-gaps at lower pay than you could be getting. If you don't, then your driving licence will become a secondary issue once your JSA is sanctioned since you aren't actually seeking a job you can realistically get.
I am to work no more than twenty hours a week while I'm recovering. How do I pay my rent and bills when I'm working jobs that require no qualifications. My qualifications entitle me to work at £30/hour, on which I could manage part time.DVLA are not your problem here.
No, it seems, HERE, my problem is pious individuals who don't want to help but criticise. If you don't have any advice, please don't bother to post.0 -
Pointless making a complaint - by the time you get a response to your complaint the 14 days will be up and you/they can either pursue the lost mail avenue with royal mail or start again with a new form being sent.
(You grumble in your OP that your consultant took no notes when you saw him but the consultation may have been recorded so that your notes could be written up later)
Jesus, what is with the negative assumptions on here? They DO NOT record you. Could you imagine the legal implications of not informing patients they were being recorded. I was not informed I was being recorded and the information is clearly incorrect.0 -
My qualifications entitle me to work at £30/hour
In the job market there's no such entitlement, only what an employer is willing to pay.0 -
So you KNOW what I would say....
No, of course not, but it doesn't take a vast stretch of the imagination to see what the average drunken druggy would say if their alcohol and cannabis addiction was preventing them from getting their driving licence back.Whats wrong with getting a report from my GP who backs me on this issue and knows the information is incorrect. He has my medical records, the consultant didn't.
A GP is not a consultant. He does not have the specialist skills or experience required to be appointed to such a senior position as consultant. Quite frankly, I don't believe your story of this "consultant" being so clueless and green.I have nowhere to put it.
Frankly, tough. Cars with expired MOTs should not be on the road. End of.I am to work no more than twenty hours a week while I'm recovering.
And you've given the medical proof of that to the Job Centre? If so, then you shouldn't be sanctioned if you genuinely are willing to take part-time work.How do I pay my rent and bills when I'm working jobs that require no qualifications.
How are you paying it now? Because you'll be earning more working part-time than JSA gives you. Other benefits should not be directly affected - you shouldn't be worse off working part-time than unemployed. But you're best addressing that specific question to the Employment, Jobseeking and Training board.No, it seems, HERE, my problem is pious individuals who don't want to help but criticise. If you don't have any advice, please don't bother to post.
Don't shoot the messenger because reality is inconvenient to you. That won't help your case one bit.0
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