I’ll give you an update if my situation.
In Nov 2020 a random doctor from my surgery filled in the medical questionnaire completely wrong fly, saying not only did I have a history of dependence but was still dependent!
This was during the pandemic and it took a full year of both the random doctor and my actual doctor explaining I full that it was only ever misuse, not dependence. Dependence is an official diagnosis, not an opinion.
Finally, in Dec 21, after two blood test a year apart indicating ( but not proving
) abstinence, I was granted a medical review license.
In Oct 22 I reapplied, and as the date the license ran out loomed, I contacted the DVLA to see if I could drive during the application process.
Yes, under Section 88 I was told.
I confirmed my status was misuse not dependence with the operative in Swansea.
I received a medical questionnaire, and filled it in in good faith, and truthfully.
Two pints of beer at the weekend .
Three weeks letter I received the same letter I’d received in Nov 20 following the original, botched random doctor’s questionnaire, a stock letter.
I am a delivery driver!
I was instantly dismissed and unemployed/able!
I called and was told that this seemed wrong, but the help desk was closed, he’d get back to me in the morning.
He called back and said, sorry, they have fresh evidence that I have a history of alcohol dependence and must abstain from alcohol for a year etc.
I lodged a DVLA complaint via their website, and called on legal advice.
Three weeks later, I received a fresh letter confirming that I had applied for a license and that I must take a medical within 12 weeks and that I can drive under section 88 as long as I meet the criteria.
So
They got me sacked with the first letter
Second letter they’re saying , basically, you’ve got three months to dry out and you can have your license back!!!
No apology for getting me sacked of course,or getting it all wrong , ignoring the numerous letters from my doctors that I’m not nor never have been dependent, it was like the period between the original foul-up from Dr Random and the fixing of it had been ignored/lost!
Scandalous
Now waiting to take medical but can drive in the interim.
They STILL want to talk to my doctor about my “ ability to be in control of a vehicle at all times” and part of my medical will be a questionnaire regarding my alcohol intake.
It IS two pints of beer down the rugby club of a Saturday afternoon!
Do I tell them?
Or do I lie and say nothing, ever?
It seems we’re set up to fail and they’re faceless and utterly unaccountable, and act with flagrant and casual impunity.
What’s the point of giving me twelve weeks to dry out??