Grassed up to the DVLA?

MaidMARIAN11

Hi, I have epilepsy and the DVLA are aware of this. Today, I was shocked to receive a letter saying the DVLA had received information from a third party and I needed to complete a medical questionnaire.
I haven't had a seizure since I have had my driving licence. I missed a hospital appointment with my consultant about my epilepsy a while back. Would he have reported this to the DVLA? Or has someone been making malicious stuff up about me? I am offended by this letter. I have to waste money on a stamp now when my health is the same as it was the last time I filled the medical out. Haven't had a seizure since 2014 so I'm fit to drive.

AnotherJoe

What exactly is malicious ??? Maybe the consultant whose appointment you missed is worried that you have had a seizure and aren't reporting it in case your licence is revoked. He'd be in trouble should you have an accident and he hadn't raised a concern.

Or maybe it was a colleague, relative or acquaintance unaware the DVLA know you have epilepsy. Seems public spirited they report you in that case, obviously they couldn't approach you about it directly since judging by your tone here you'd get aggressive with them.

Fill the questionnaire in and return it.

If the cost of a stamp seriously concerns you, post a spending statement and people will come up with ways you can save money.

elsien

If there's not a problem, just fill in the form and send it back.
"Offended" seems a little strong for the DVLA merely doing their duty in ensuring that you are still fit to drive.

MaidMARIAN11

I don't really think offended is too strong. Unless a medical professional has raised concerns, I find it discriminatory of the DVLA to take JOE PUBLIC'S word over my GP'S regarding my condition. I feel I am being treated differently to anyone else because I have epilepsy. I'd be the first to tell anyone if I had a seizure as I would never put myself at risk. I am not being aggressive. If my so called friends, colleagues or acquaintances were acting my interests, I'd like to think they'd have faith in me to report issues regarding my health to the DVLA myself.

Does anyone know if members of the public can report health suspicions to the DVLA? I thought I read only medical professionals can do that.

Warwick_Hunt

MaidMARIAN11 wrote: »

I don't really think offended is too strong. Unless a medical professional has raised concerns, I find it discriminatory of the DVLA to take JOE PUBLIC'S word over my GP'S regarding my condition. I feel I am being treated differently to anyone else because I have epilepsy. I'd be the first to tell anyone if I had a seizure as I would never put myself at risk. I am not being aggressive. If my so called friends, colleagues or acquaintances were acting my interests, I'd like to think they'd have faith in me to report issues regarding my health to the DVLA myself.

Does anyone know if members of the public can report health suspicions to the DVLA? I thought I read only medical professionals can do that.

If you're not happy with the DVLA then send your licence back to them I'm protest.

MaidMARIAN11

Great idea. Why didn't I think of that?

Warwick_Hunt

MaidMARIAN11 wrote: »

Great idea. Why didn't I think of that?

I couldn't possibly say.

AnotherJoe

Yes members of the public can report and thank goodness they can, because otherwise how would problem drivers get reported if only medical officials could report them, if those drivers didn't see their medical officials and didnt wish to report for fear of license being taken away?

And who says they are "taking Joe Publics word" over yours ? They are asking you some questions. I would expect at that point they might take your word if it's backed up by that of your doctor or consultant. And given your attitude here I'd be very surprised if any of your colleagues etc dared to question if you were OK to drive.

Look at the big picture. You say you would never drive if it was dangerous so in effect "how dare they question you" and get super-offended, but not everyone is as public spirited as you say you are.

Recall the bin driver in Glasgow a few years back ? Pity there was no Joe Public to dob him in before he killed some innocent bystanders. How are DVLA meant to know which category you are? Maybe it was a mean and maliciously person but I'd far rather the DVLA checked than did nothing for fear of offending the easily offended, and then people die when it turns out they were in bin driver category.

elsien

Nope, anyone can report because some people are less responsible, or don't realise or try ignore how lethal they've become. That bus driver who killed someone with his blackouts being an example.

https://emaildvla.direct.gov.uk/emaildvla/cegemail/dvla/en/drivers_med_03.html

Aylesbury_Duck

MaidMARIAN11 wrote: »

Or has someone been making malicious stuff up about me?

What's malicious and made up? You have epilepsy and someone's told the DVLA you have epilepsy. So it's not made up or malicious.

MaidMARIAN11 wrote: »

I am offended by this letter.

So what?

MaidMARIAN11 wrote: »

I have to waste money on a stamp now when my health is the same as it was the last time I filled the medical out. Haven't had a seizure since 2014 so I'm fit to drive.

There is of course the possibility that a caring friend or relative has spoken to the DVLA in the belief that they are helping you, but if your manner in real life is as it seems on here, I doubt that's the case.

System

MaidMARIAN11 wrote: »

I feel I am being treated differently to anyone else because I have epilepsy..

You are along with everyone else who has a health condition which can affect their fitness to drive.