dvla nightmare!!!

[MAXHAY]

lost licence 09.07.04, took course to get back 3 months early. suffered alcohol withdrawal fit 20.05.04 (due to a bender after losing license) consultant says has been 1 year ok to drive, gp says alcohol dependence or persistant misuse!! spoke to gp today she knows nothing!! dvla useless, won't advise me how to appeal. i have had no medical treatment for alcohol problems in the past 12 months, just chatted to my gp about it! what can i do at wits end!! ps now teetotal for 4 months!!!

[BillyNoMates]

I think you will have to appeal to the Medical Board at the DVLA. Have you checked out their website ? There's loads of good information there and some may be relevant in your case.

Good luck !

[MAXHAY]

ah well. tried that!!! dvla told me i have to get a solicitor and go through magistrates court!! expensive! explained to dvla gp did no blood tests or anything, so how can i be judged in this way. asked them when the year or six months starts! they told me they don't know they are not medical experts! seems my gp isn't either. crikey how many times do i have to be punished! no wonder people drive without a license! thanks for replying though.

[BillyNoMates]

Don't quite understand why it has to involve a Solicitor and Magistrates Court. I don't know the full details of your ban. But you were banned, did the TTC2000 or equivalent course to reduce the ban by 3 months ? This implies you were banned for 12 months.

Depending on the circumstances - second offence in 10 years, more than 2.5x (I think) over the limit or banned for refusing to give a sample - you should be eligible to apply to the DVLA. If you fall into one of the above categories they will insist on a medical with a DVLA approved doctor. He/she will take blood.

I know the DVLA Medical bods are very fussy about any type of fit. I think in most cases you have to be 'fit-free' for 12 months.

I realise it's a sensitive matter but if you want to provide more detail it may help. Been in a not too disimilar situation myself .  

[MAXHAY]

well, according to a medical press release, your gp should discuss with you if he thinks you shouldn't drive (mine never has) therefore how now can he decide i shouldn't!! when he has never discussed it with me, then i could have been having blood test to prove i was on the wagon! all seems very cloak and dagger stuff. i just thought that once i had been fit free for a year they would let me drive no probs. i am reformed, spoke to a solicitor mate, who says you do have to go against the dvla in court to appeal, red tape or what! also no legal aid it's hard to give enough detail to you as not enough space!

[BillyNoMates]

Sorry to hear that. I can't better advice from a Solicitor but it does sound like you have grounds for a valid case.

Yep, this Legal Aid (or whatever it is called these days) is a lottery and a joke.

Sorry I can't be of much help and I know how frustrating it can be.

Good luck