DVLA Blackout Syncope

dullbue

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced a blackout and subsequently been told not to drive by the DVLA, and how they resolved this? 

Husband felt unwell whilst out for dinner in December, which lead to him passing out for a few seconds. As this came on when he was sat down, he went to the doctors for tests, and was told not to drive in the interim. 
All tests are coming back as normal - no issues whatever and has been given a clean bill of health. Doctor thinks it was just 'one of those things'

We've now received a letter from the DVLA saying he can't drive for 6 months, but can re-apply to have his application reconsidered.

My question is, what determines whether they will say yes or no in 6mo time!? 
They will consider his reapplication subject to satisfactory medical reports, however there will not be any further tests to support any diagnosis, as the doctor has concluded there is nothing wrong. Letter also states that cause and treatment is required- but all tests are coming back that he is fine - erg, no treatment! I feel like we are going round in circles. 

Has anyone experienced this, and able to shed some light? 

sheslookinhot

Who informed the DVLA ? 

dullbue

sheslookinhot said:

Who informed the DVLA ? 

He did, as advised to by the GP (Dec 23)

Mildly_Miffed

We can all agree, I'm sure, that we don't really want to be around drivers who are at risk of blacking out unexpectedly?

The simple answer is that it'll depend on whether they think he's at risk of another unexplained blackout.

If he's fine for the six months, then he'll probably get his licence back quickly.
If he has another blackout, then forget it until the cause has been identified and treated...

dullbue

Mildly_Miffed said:

We can all agree, I'm sure, that we don't really want to be around drivers who are at risk of blacking out unexpectedly?

The simple answer is that it'll depend on whether they think he's at risk of another unexplained blackout.

If he's fine for the six months, then he'll probably get his licence back quickly.
If he has another blackout, then forget it until the cause has been identified and treated...

Yeah absolutely.... Which is why he went for tests etc. 
They're putting it down to alcohol & rich food 🤷‍♀️ and he doesn't drive if he's had a single drop of alcohol. 

He also had warning it was coming, so would be able to stop safely - very different to if he had epilepsy for example. 
If I thought he was at risk, I wouldn't want him on the road either. 

There just seems to he no clarification on the timeline of events, which is crippling us as a young family living in the countryside. 

Goudy

He can reapply 8 weeks before the end of this 6 months period.

He will need to fill in a D1 form, available on .gov.uk website.

This then might get delayed if he needs referring to a doctor.

As for chances of regaining a licence, they sound pretty good from what your say.
No underlaying issues, hopefully he suffers no more bouts.
Sounds like a touch of Orthostatic Hypotension, this could be due to a fever or dehydration.

dullbue

Goudy said:

He can reapply 8 weeks before the end of this 6 months period.

He will need to fill in a D1 form, available on .gov.uk website.

This then might get delayed if he needs referring to a doctor.

As for chances of regaining a licence, they sound pretty good from what your say.
No underlaying issues, hopefully he suffers no more bouts.
Sounds like a touch of Orthostatic Hypotension, this could be due to a fever or dehydration.

Yes, the date is marked in my diary already 😂

Although the DVLA are saying its from the letter date (a couple of days ago) rather than when the incident happened (end of nov) so need to contest that - not his fault they're slow and closed over Xmas. 

I just want to know what will make it a cert he can drive again. Its affecting our livihoods, childcare, everything.

MattMattMattUK

For clarity, did he surrender his license, or did the DVLA take it off him?

dullbue

MattMattMattUK said:

For clarity, did he surrender his license, or did the DVLA take it off him?

The First GP told him not to drive, and to notify the DVLA so, he surrendered it, pending investigation. 
He's now had a letter through confirming this 

sheramber

Without knowing what happens between now and in 6 months nobody can say for certain that he would get his licence back  in 6 months, particularly is f they need to check medical reports with his GP.

That might cause a delay..

Ganga

When i blacked out in Majorca our local doctor here in England sent me to hospital for tests ,they THINK i had a mini stroke called a TIA ,they could not prove or disprove it but the specialist just advised me not to drive for a month or so ,have been ok since and as this was 2016 we got on with life ,he never notified the DVLA but when taking out travel insurance i always say i have had a TIA for safety.
I am sure your husband will know when he is right to get behind the wheel again.