License Application voluntary surrender - medical

MEM62

I December 24 I had a single episode of cough syncope as a result of a virus that I picked up.  That diagnosis means no driving for six months.  I surrendered my license voluntarily on the basis that it should make it easier and quicker to get your license back once you have served your six months.  I applied 8 weeks before the six-month deadline, which was up on June 29th, but I still have not had my license returned and DVLA cannot give me timeline.

Can anyone with a recent, similar experience share how long they had to wait?      

Car_54

Sorry, I have no good news.

As an instructor, I helped several people with licence problems over the years.

The DVLA's medical section is notoriously slow to return licences.  

sheramber

You could ask your GP if they have had any enquiry from DVLA. 

 If they need a GP report that can cause delay until the GP replies and it is processed. 

They may not need a report but it is a possibility  for  a delay. 

MEM62

@Car_54 Thanks for the heads-up.  I'll try to manage my expectation.  

@sheramber They may or may not contact my GP but have not done do thus far.  I can tell if they do as it is noted on my NHS App.  

Vent - If you to do the right thing, at considerable financial and personal cost, DVLA should at least play their part and complete the process in a timely fashion when it is time to get your license back.       

MEM62

It's getting worse.  

We are now getting on for four months post application and DVLA still have not even looked at my application and cannot tell me when they will do so.  I now have the added issue that my car insurance is up for renewal and I cannot get insurance driving under Section 88.  Ironic that DVLA will be quick enough to issue a fine for not having the insurance cover that I cannot arrange because they have not returned my license.      

LightFlare

Maybe I misunderstood the process, but I thought for specific timed restriction (6 month in your case) then you were allowed to resume driving* and the processing of the physical license was just an “admin” thing

*assuming that medical clearance was given

Have you actually contacted them and spoken to someone ?

MEM62

LightFlare said:

Maybe I misunderstood the process, but I thought for specific timed restriction (6 month in your case) then you were allowed to resume driving* and the processing of the physical license was just an “admin” thing

*assuming that medical clearance was given

Have you actually contacted them and spoken to someone ?

You understood correctly and I am driving again - Under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act.  My problem is that I cannot renew or get a new insurance policy for my car until the 'admin' thing is completed and I physically have my license back.  Underwriters will not issue a policy unless you actually have a driving license.

I have spoken to DVLA and their response "it will get done when it gets done".       

sheslookinhot

Get the name of the person who spoke to you and get writing.

LightFlare

Does the insurance specify that you have your physical license in your possession or just that you hold a valid licence (which you do) ?

MEM62

LightFlare said:

Does the insurance specify that you have your physical license in your possession or just that you hold a valid licence (which you do) ?

Which I don't.  An online check states "You have surrendered your entitlement to drive" which I did voluntarily on the (miss)understanding that it makes the return of my license quicker and easier.  

Okell

MEM62 said:

... Vent - If you to do the right thing, at considerable financial and personal cost, DVLA should at least play their part and complete the process in a timely fashion when it is time to get your license back.       

MEM62 said:

LightFlare said:

Does the insurance specify that you have your physical license in your possession or just that you hold a valid licence (which you do) ?

Which I don't.  An online check states "You have surrendered your entitlement to drive" which I did voluntarily on the (miss)understanding that it makes the return of my license quicker and easier.  

Never ever do "the right thing".

You won't get any extra credit.