DVLA revoked my licence on medical grounds due to GP's mistake - now what?

Betwixt

Hi all,

I'm currently living a nightmare at the moment and wondering if anyone may have some insight or advice.

I've been on a one year restricted driving licence due to mental health for the past three years. The form to fill in to reapply came through in July 2019 (licence due to expire in Octover 2019) - filled it in and turned it around within a day. The DVLA are supposed to make their decision within 3 months. I phoned each month to chase and still no movement and then finally two weeks ago (almost 5 and a half months later!) the DVLA wrote to me to inform me that my licence has been revoked on medical grounds.

I've phoned the DVLA and they clarified to say that it's due to "dissatisfactory engagement with treatment" (everything else, my GP has noted that I'm perfectly safe to drive and have been for a long time - it's just one tick box that seems to have swung it).

To say I was shellshocked is an understatement. I've been fully compliant and always have been and was mightily confused as to why this has been put down.

I had an appointment yesterday with my GP and she said she felt dreadful... She ticked the wrong box. I've lost my driving licence over a MISTAKE. (I'm also astounded that given how all the other questions were answered that the DVLA didn't make further enquiries before making their decision).

My GP is sending a letter to the DVLA tomorrow to inform them but this doesn't help me at present.

It took the DVLA 5 months to even get to my form. What the hell do I do now?

(I work 15 miles away, on a farm in the middle of nowhere. I quite literally need my car to work and to pay the bills - I've been at my workplace for 6 years and have a career there. I'm also currently supporting my partner through the loss of her father - I've helped her out financially so that she can get to out to Ireland and not have to worry, as she's on unpaid. I won't even be able to get her home from the airport when she returns.

This is going to cause massive hardship. My career is up in the air as a result. At the moment, if I need groceries, my sister can pick me up to take me out but daily... I've basically lost my independence to boot.)

I spoke with a solicitor who quoted me £1500 to manage my case. I don't have that kind of money right now. I've already lost money amending my car insurance and paying for alternative transport over the past two weeks as a result of all this.

There is also the question of Section 88 - previously when the DVLA took time beyond the expiry date of the licence, I was allowed to drive under Section 88.

Now I have a revocation on file, when my licence runs out due to the DVLA's poor timekeeping, I could find myself in the same situation each year - not allowed to drive even though this revocation had NOTHING to do with my fitness to drive, effectively being punished going forward.

Can this be overturned...?

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

loskie

can you engage a no win no fee solicitor to take your case on, such as Digby Brown as medical negligence

JohnM5206

The paperwork you receive will give information on how to appeal against the revocation. I cannot help because the process where I am (Scotland) is different.

Manxman_in_exile

I would claim (whatever that might be) against my GP because they negligently(?) admitted ticking the wrong box.


Simples...

Rhealea

Get your GP to phone their gp line.

This will speed everything up.

Herzlos

Have you phoned the DVLA to try and expediate it? Or is it in writing only?

JohnM5206

A quick question answered here:
"If you want to appeal the decision, you will need to make a written application to your local Magistrates Court within 6 months of your licence being refused or revoked. You will need evidence, including medical evidence, to support your argument that the DVLA made the wrong decision and that you are fit to drive."
That is local and if the evidence is sufficient the revocation is cancelled.

iwb100

I'd simply be getting your GP to ring the DVLA and explain her mistake. There is nothing else to be done. Writing might take too long. Get her to ring and explain she made a mistake. I'd expect it to be sorted very quickly then following that. I'd also be right on top of it chasing her and the DVLA at every opportunity.

m0bov

First thing is to get the license re instated, so ye...your GP should have already run DVLA and corrected it. Have they done this? If not, get down there and make sure she calls and updates you. Keep a note of everything that happens with dates and times.

To get to work, use a cab, you can sue for the cost of this later but at least you keep your job.

Once DVLA get your license back, then go for the compo.

AdrianC

DVLA remove licences easily, and give them back slowly. This is as it should be - driving is not a right, but a privilege, and people who may not be physically healthy enough to drive should not be driving.

Yes, it's inconvenient. But so is having a health episode of whatever kind whilst driving...

When you say your licence has been restricted because of mental health issues, is that because of effects of the medication? Or because of symptoms that are being controlled by the medication?

Your GP dropped a hairy one by ticking the wrong box - but DVLA are being correctly cautious.

Mistral001

Has the GP offered to help you with your transport problems? Have a talk with them if they have not.