How to make a complaint about the DVLA medical assessment process

DVLA Nightmare

Convicted Driver Insurance

Malibu86

New Member
Hi all,

I tried to take my own life early on in 2018 and consequently had multiple seizures. I was advised to hand my licence in and since then it has been a total nightmare trying to get my licence back. I had a medical in October 2018, where no blood test or urine test was done. The Dr that filled the forms out with me said she was not qualified for this and was unaware that my appointment was for a DVLA medical, even though I specified this when booking. When it came to the question about "alcohol misuse", I said that I had a few incidents of binge drinking and I suppose this could count as misuse? Well.. since ticking that box I have been going backwards and forwards filling out more and more forms. My psychiatrist also has had to fill out forms, yet they do not know me and have never shown me what they have put on the form. He sees me, at most, every 4 months for about 20 minutes.
I have now been sent for a medical, which is tomorrow for the CDT test. Is this not for people who have been caught drink driving? I have never driven whilst under the influence or alcohol or even breathalised or anything.
I do not drink very often, but I did have quite a lot to drink at a wedding 3 weeks ago (nothing since then) and now I'm worried I will fail the test and this nightmare will continue. I have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and depression and i suspect that even if I pass the medical, they will write to my psychiatrist and there will be further delays. I have been fairly stable, but recently lost my job and my depression has been worse. I love driving and this has caused me so much anxiety. I just hope it all comes to an end soon and I get my licence back.
Sorry for the long message.. just very frustrated and worried.
 
Last edited:
Hi Malibu,
The CDT test is not only for drink driving it's a test that will show the amount of alcohol you consume within a short period of time,
The dvla have a duty of care for other road users an you MUST satisfy them your fitness to drive!
Nobody has rights to holding a driving licence it's not an automatic right just passing your test!
Theres always a fitness to drive questions and if you don't measure up your under the DVLA spotlight,

Your own GP is the only person in the entire world apart maybe specialists opinions ! But it's your own GP that can be the bridge in order for you to satisfy the dvla .
 
Malibu86 said:
Hi all,

I tried to take my own life early on in 2018 and consequently had multiple seizures. I was advised to hand my licence in and since then it has been a total nightmare trying to get my licence back. I had a medical in October 2018, where no blood test or urine test was done. The Dr that filled the forms out with me said she was not qualified for this and was unaware that my appointment was for a DVLA medical, even though I specified this when booking. When it came to the question about "alcohol misuse", I said that I had a few incidents of binge drinking and I suppose this could count as misuse? Well.. since ticking that box I have been going backwards and forwards filling out more and more forms. My psychiatrist also has had to fill out forms, yet they do not know me and have never shown me what they have put on the form. He sees me, at most, every 4 months for about 20 minutes.
I have now been sent for a medical, which is tomorrow for the CDT test. Is this not for people who have been caught drink driving? I have never driven whilst under the influence or alcohol or even breathalised or anything.
I do not drink very often, but I did have quite a lot to drink at a wedding 3 weeks ago (nothing since then) and now I'm worried I will fail the test and this nightmare will continue. I have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and depression and i suspect that even if I pass the medical, they will write to my psychiatrist and there will be further delays. I have been fairly stable, but recently lost my job and my depression has been worse. I love driving and this has caused me so much anxiety. I just hope it all comes to an end soon and I get my licence back.
Sorry for the long message.. just very frustrated and worried.
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Your CDT reading should be fine .. with your doctor on your side you should get your licence back .. can be very long winded .. 6 months it's just taken me
 
Jamdpa said:
Your CDT reading should be fine .. with your doctor on your side you should get your licence back .. can be very long winded .. 6 months it's just taken me
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Thank you both for your answers.
Do you know how long it can take to get the result? I just called them.. they say they have it, but can't give the results over the phone.
Jamdpa, did the 6 months include the time for your GP to get back to the dvla? How long did it take to get you cdt test result and how did you get it?
 
If dvla issue you your licence the CDT testing results should follow automatically, however if they do not for whatever reason you can write to them at the address below requesting your results and they can take up to 30 days to receive: SAR Enquiries DVRE DVLA Swansea SA6 7JL
 
Malibu86 said:
Thank you both for your answers.
Do you know how long it can take to get the result? I just called them.. they say they have it, but can't give the results over the phone.
Jamdpa, did the 6 months include the time for your GP to get back to the dvla? How long did it take to get you cdt test result and how did you get it?
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Yes mate 6 months 2 weeks from my 2nd application as they refused my 1st 18 months ago due to a CDT of 4.4
 
Jamdpa said:
Yes mate 6 months 2 weeks from my 2nd application as they refused my 1st 18 months ago due to a CDT of 4.4
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My ban was up beginning of July, had medical beginning of September. They wrote to my gp and they got that back, and now my file is with independent medical advisors. I'm worried now that I could be waiting six months to get my license back, even though it's been 5 months since my ban was up. I'm so frustrated and anxious about it all, and all the dvla say, is that they cant tell you anything once it's with the dvla doctor review
 
Bitesize said:
My ban was up beginning of July, had medical beginning of September. They wrote to my gp and they got that back, and now my file is with independent medical advisors. I'm worried now that I could be waiting six months to get my license back, even though it's been 5 months since my ban was up. I'm so frustrated and anxious about it all, and all the dvla say, is that they cant tell you anything once it's with the dvla doctor review
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Have you just had a drink driving ban or have you had any mental health or pills etc from your doctor ? If so you will probably have a further medical with your GP with an M2 questionnaire
 
Jamdpa said:
That's a long time ring then .. give them a ring
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I have, and they said it's gone to medical advisors on 8th October for signing off and making decision. Once with medical advisors its dealt with on a case by case basis with no time scale!!!
 
Bitesize said:
I have, and they said it's gone to medical advisors on 8th October for signing off and making decision. Once with medical advisors its dealt with on a case by case basis with no time scale!!!
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Unfortunately that is the lying DVLA for you .. I caught them out lying 3 times to me .. and was told I was "misinformed" in other words they lied .. they withhold things purposely I think .. there medical department has zero yes a big fat ZERO medical training so your decision and licence application will be decided by someone with no knoledge .. they are allow 6 weeks approx for the next step if there is one so you should get an update very soon .. I rang them every day for 6 months and told them everything was been recorded etc for my benefit
 
Jamdpa said:
Unfortunately that is the lying DVLA for you .. I caught them out lying 3 times to me .. and was told I was "misinformed" in other words they lied .. they withhold things purposely I think .. there medical department has zero yes a big fat ZERO medical training so your decision and licence application will be decided by someone with no knoledge .. they are allow 6 weeks approx for the next step if there is one so you should get an update very soon .. I rang them every day for 6 months and told them everything was been recorded etc for my benefit
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Really??? I have phoned several times, and always told they cant give me any kind of timescale, once the case is with their "independent medical advisors". I have no idea how to get past this, as they always end the phone call by saying, we cant tell you anything else, but you'll be the first to know when a decision is made. Is there anyone else I can ask to speak to Jampdpa?
 
Bitesize said:
Really??? I have phoned several times, and always told they cant give me any kind of timescale, once the case is with their "independent medical advisors". I have no idea how to get past this, as they always end the phone call by saying, we cant tell you anything else, but you'll be the first to know when a decision is made. Is there anyone else I can ask to speak to Jampdpa?
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In an answer "no" just keep ringing them .. I would edge my bets "it's good news" in your favour as they like to withhold that .. And are very forthcoming with bad .. normally 48 hours for bad news .. you can obviously check your licence status on line .. the day they told me mine would be issued in 2 weeks I asked if I could drive they said no mm I logged on line it said I have a full valid UK licence
 
Jamdpa said:
In an answer "no" just keep ringing them .. I would edge my bets "it's good news" in your favour as they like to withhold that .. And are very forthcoming with bad .. normally 48 hours for bad news .. you can obviously check your licence status on line .. the day they told me mine would be issued in 2 weeks I asked if I could drive they said no mm I logged on line it said I have a full valid UK licence
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Thanks for your advice...will update when or if I ever get an answer!!
 
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