Advice - DVLA - how long do they take for medical enquiries on your license?

Tinkerbell

Well-Known Forumite
Hi - just wondered if anyone has ever had their driving license looked at by the DVLA - in particular how long does it take for them to review your license.

Basically my husband suffered a mini stroke in June (doesnt smoke, fit & healthy and in his early 40's :strange: )- he has since made a full and complete recovery :toot: and his latest MRI scan shows no continuing problems and he should "carry on with his life like it never happened"

Easier said than done - as he is a lorry driver he has made contact with the DVLA and notified them and they said they need to review his license. We believe he may have the lorry (LGV) part suspended but we are waiting for them to come back to us to say if they are and how long (it could be between 6 to 12 months according to DVLA website)

Has anyone had to have the DVLA review their license - if so how long did it take for them to make their decision.

My husband needs to know what is going on and the DVLA are not really forthcoming with information.

Thanks forumites
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
DVLA said:
DVLA aims to finish its enquiries as quickly as possible. The time taken by DVLA to deal with your medical enquiry will depend on the medical condition you have and the information that DVLA needs to gather. If a decision can be made based on the information you originally provided, DVLA aims to make a decision within three weeks.
If DVLA need more information about your medical condition, they aim to make a decision within 90 working days.
To do this they may need more information from:
  • you
  • your doctor
  • other sources

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/MedicalRulesForDrivers/DG_4022417
 

hop

Well-Known Forumite
My father had to surender his license for 6 months after having a few eplieptic type fits.

I don't know if the MRI would be sufficient proof to show he is back to normal. In the case of my father he had to wear a skull cap which contained electrodes and recorded brain activity. He wore this for a few days and all the data was logged.
It was then possible for a specialist to analyse the data and show that brain activity was normal.
 

Tinkerbell

Well-Known Forumite
Thanks Gramaisc - I could not find that - much appreciated. Just the info we need.

Hop - hope your father is well - epileptic seizures are treated differently from a stroke. The dvla have a very long list of medical issues and strict guidelines. The MRI scan is a very in depth layered scan and his consultant have discharged him -

I think it's just a waiting game to find out the restrictions. X. We know they will suspend his license to drive lorries it's just how long for. At least he can drive his car now.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
People that I know who've been in this sort of position have all had very different experiences. I suspect that it's very dependant upon individual circumstances, though. I suspect that there will be a reluctance to take any chances with HGV/PSV type licences..

Keep at it. Do you have the information to enquire directly what their anticipated programme is? Sometimes a bit of contact can liven things up - or it can annoy the bureaucrat - it can be a gamble..
 
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