DVLA and Cerebral Palsy — Scope | Disability forum
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DVLA and Cerebral Palsy

Gemstr
Gemstr Community member Posts: 19 Courageous
edited November 2019 in Cerebral palsy
i am just after some advice I have cerebral Palsy. I have been driving for 17 years and use hand controls to enable me to drive, I informed DVLA of this in 2002 when I passed my test I told them of my condition and my hand controls  I have an exemplary driving record and have had no incidents (touch wood) I never go to the GP and am not on any medication. At the beginning of September the DVLA sent me a letter saying my photo needed updating on my license, so I sent off the D1 form.

a Month later I received a letter asking me to fill in a G1, as I had declared a medical condition, I rang up the DVLA medical unit and stated that I couldn’t understand why I had received this letter I had no new medical conditions and that I had no deterioration in my Cerebral Palsy since I passed my test. they said they had no record of my cerebral palsy and that I had to fill in a B1 as well. Then 3 weeks after that I received a letter saying they were sending me for a medical examination with my GP. I rang them upset all I wanted was a new photo license and it has escalated to this. I asked them to then look  back in to there records they then found my 2002 cerebral palsy declaration and the fact that use hand controls, but said that I still have to go to the medical because the codes on the back of driving licence  state that I wear glasses and drive an automatic but not that I use hand controls., 

i feel as if I am being discriminated against as if an able-bodied person had applied for a photo license they would not be subjected to this level of stress and anxiety, and told to undergo a medical examination or have there licence revoked 

my car is my lifeline and my independence and I am frightened that it will be taken away from me. Can anyone offer any advice or has anyone been in a similar position. I never go to the doctors and am worried my condition will not be understood.

Comments

  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    edited November 2019
    Hi @Gemstr
    I can understand why this is so stressful for you! I don't drive so I have not experienced this. It seems to me this is a box-ticking exercise on their behalf as your declaration in 2002 was missed by administrators.

    The medical will be straight forward and consist of general questions around if you have seizures or not and probably an eye test. I would try not to worry (easier said than done). 

    Please keep me updated and I will support you as much as I can.
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

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  • ZoeA93
    ZoeA93 Community member Posts: 4 Listener
    Hi @Gemstr

    I'm sorry you had issues with DVLA recording your disability correctly. Unfortunately I had a similar problem with them a few years ago, although I repeatedly told them about my cerebral palsy before, during, and after my test I was also threatened with not getting my license after I'd passed due to their misunderstanding my condition (I passed on a manual license so I don't know if this makes any difference).

    If you feel strong enough, and are physically able to, I'd recommend calling the DVLA and feeding this back to them. Unfortunately non-disabled people may not understand how upsetting it can be to have your capability questioned like this but they really need to know! When I called them about my case they were very apologetic.

    Whatever happens, sending you lots of love and support.
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    Hi @Gemstr

    How is it going? How did the medical go?
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.

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  • Gemstr
    Gemstr Community member Posts: 19 Courageous
    Hi @Richard_Scope and @ZoeA93. Thank you for your messages. Sorry for the delay in responding I have eventually got my driving license back I did attend the medical and it was a tick box exercise . I did complain to the DVLA and they have admitted that they had not handled my case correctly as they had not linked the information regarding my condition in my maiden name to my married name and thus that is where the problems began. I have not received an apology I don’t think they realise that because of my disability any threat to my independence is heightened and this can be more stressful but hopeful this is the end of the ordeal until the next renewal date. Many thanks again for your messages
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    edited December 2019
    Hi @Gemstr
    I am so pleased to read this! I was certain it would have been an administrative error on their part. I'm just sorry you had to deal with the added stress. Thanks for the update and have a great Christmas.
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Really glad you were able to get this sorted @Gemstr! I imagine it's still frustrating though. Hope you have a lovely Christmas. :)
    Scope

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