Need help, have I just wasted £90 and what to do for the best?

Convicted Driver Insurance

Argh

Member
Hi everyone, new here, but been reading for quite some time, excellent site!

To cut to the chase and keep it simple:

Banned July 2012 for 3 years - 9 months for the awareness course.

Did the course 2013.

Licence due back October 2014. DVLA sent me a D1 last week (July 2014) and I duly sent it back with £90.

Now, I haven't drank anything since December 2013. During 2013 I slipped up with binges 3 or 4 times, and on the last binge the GP gave me tablets (chlordiazepoxide) and I took these for a few days, really helped at the time to get my head straight, and not touched drink since. So basically since my ban I've done really well and am now teetotal :)

BUT, just realised the DVLA want 12 months since last help for drinking? Oh no! On that basis I should of waited until a week before ban up, put application in and drove whilst waiting for outcome, by the time they sorted it a year would of passed since the GP visit and I'm guessing I'd of got a 12 month licence. Which is fine as I am done with alcohol period.

So what do I do now? I've sent back D1, put 'no' to the questions about health without really thinking, and am waiting for the next letter which is the medical bit.

Friends / family (all of whom do not drink) think given how few and far between my binges were, and how well I've done, the DVLA needn't be told and to tell the medical chap no to the questionnaire. But I'm nervous in case I do that and they contact my GP anyway!! What would happen if that did occur? Would I just have to wait until December 2014 for my licence? One friend is saying, and I can see his point, if I lie, I'll either get my licence in October, or be found out and get it in December / lose £90. Whereas if I tell the truth / ins and outs, I'll of lost that £90 for sure.

Is my thinking wrong here, and if so will I be wasting money by going to the medical? This is so wrong that they put us through this, the ban is hard as hell, and to quit drink whilst your life spirals out of control is an amazing feat, and then the DVLA just want to test your real breaking point at the end. Grrrr.

Thanks
 
Hi,

I am sure you will be fine. The 12 month period is for someone who has been dependant on alcohol (like me). I had serious withdrawal shakes and seizures, but stopped drinking end August last year, and applied for the licence at the start of this month on the basis it will take weeks/months for them to get their finger out.
It will be at least 8 weeks before they get back to me about attending the medical, when my 12 months is up anyway. If you misuse alcohol (however that is defined) then it is 'at least' 6 months without booze, but this is not the case with you now.
Maybe have a word with your doctor to ease your mind, but if it was just heavy drinking and not dependency I think you will get your licence after the medical.
Congratulations on stopping too,

Best of luck

Peter
 
Thank you peter, and Bloody well done to you too! That must of been really hard and what an accomplishment, I know after my binges I sometimes shook (going back a few years), but that only lasted a day ish.

My family were upset today seeing the turmoil I'm in, so have arranged a doctors appointment Monday to discuss it with the practice. I'd absolutely rather not lie, as that just adds stress and I can't take much more!

Your point about dependancy is interesting, I'd missed that wording, so I'll make sure Monday the GP knows it was binges and not dependancy and hopefully it'll all be ok, and I guess absolute worse case scenario, I'll have to go through it again in a couple of months... Obviously lose money, but this whole thing has cost me thousands, so hey ho.

It really is good to talk. Thank you so much!

I'll update this post as it progresses, it'll hopefully help others, wouldn't wish this stress on anyone..
 
Just an update:

It took precisely 2 weeks to the day, from sending my D1 to DVLA, to receiving their reply with "you need a medical, here's the closest GP, call him and arrange an examination which must take place within 6 weeks or you'll have to re-apply (D1 again)".

It does say you'll be refunded the £90 for the D1 I think though....

I went to see my GP (a new GP as I changed areas a few months back), and they have date of last drink = 18 months ago :D So on that basis , and as I'm teetotal, I'm just going to expedite the process and answer no to everything.

Booked medical, not bothering with diet changes, exercise, milk thistle or anything else LOL. Oh medical was £118 inc VAT and had to pay £30 upfront with VISA to get an appointment..

Will update again as things progress.....
 
Argh said:
Just an update:

It took precisely 2 weeks to the day, from sending my D1 to DVLA, to receiving their reply with "you need a medical, here's the closest GP, call him and arrange an examination which must take place within 6 weeks or you'll have to re-apply (D1 again)".

It does say you'll be refunded the £90 for the D1 I think though....

I went to see my GP (a new GP as I changed areas a few months back), and they have date of last drink = 18 months ago :D So on that basis , and as I'm teetotal, I'm just going to expedite the process and answer no to everything.

Booked medical, not bothering with diet changes, exercise, milk thistle or anything else LOL. Oh medical was £118 inc VAT and had to pay £30 upfront with VISA to get an appointment..

Will update again as things progress.....
Click to expand...

Hi,

Good to hear things are moving forward, I am still waiting for my letter to arrange the medical which they've had for about a month. I thought you just paid all the medical fee when you got there, another rip-off! You will probably only be seen for about 15 minutes, too.
I have just had a blood test with my GP anyway, as my iron level was supposed to be low when I was supposed to donate blood. I asked for a liver function test as well, and everything seems to be OK so I am not too worried. It still bugs me that they can cash your £90 cheque straight away though.
I am sure your medical will be OK, it's just the waiting that's a pain......

Peter
 
Cheers peter, yes this GP practice ask for a deposit before they'll give you an appointment. So I'll have to pay the balance on the day now.
My medical letter came quickly, although that may of been because I wrote to them around 6 weeks previous to ask if I had to have a medical (they never wrote to me after the ban).
Well my medical is booked for 3 weeks time, I could of had it sooner, but this way I can spread the cost a little..
Bloody GP they use is based in a village, middle of nowhere, no buses until gone 9am,and the practice do DUI medical before 8:30am only! Looks like I need a lift!
Good luck peter, Bloods fine so as you say it's just the waiting now...
 
Peter_L,
Might be a idea to call DVLA if you've been waiting more than a month for them to give you a appointment, check they have got your application as they are notoriously good at loosing things, they specialise in cocking things up.

My DVLA medical was £98 pounds cash only on the day, funny how different places charge differently.
Only lasted 10 minutes, the annoying thing was it was 15 miles away from my house and involved getting two trains and walking 40 minutes each way, I had sore legs the next morning!.

My advice is just to tell the doctor what they want to hear, how you are off the booze and don't binge drink and your last drink was only two pints.

good luck to y'all.
 
Last edited:
Thanks uklegend, that's precisely the plan, just tell them all is fine, it saves everyone a lot of hassle in the end, and I'm not trying to get away with anything..
Well hopefully I've got a lift sorted, otherwise it's going to cost a small fortune in train and taxi fare there, and then bus fare back lol!
But like you if I had to walk I would..
Thanks for the well wishes mate.
 
Argh said:
Thanks uklegend, that's precisely the plan, just tell them all is fine, it saves everyone a lot of hassle in the end, and I'm not trying to get away with anything..
Well hopefully I've got a lift sorted, otherwise it's going to cost a small fortune in train and taxi fare there, and then bus fare back lol!
But like you if I had to walk I would..
Thanks for the well wishes mate.
Click to expand...
Just an update,

Still waiting to hear back about the medical - can't even get through to anyone at the DVLA, you just get a recorded message saying they cannot take your call as they are so busy. I know I'm supposed to leave it a bit longer but I can't help being impatient.
My GP gave me a printout of my LF tests, all 7 were within limits apart from the GGT which was high..ish at 72 ( < 70 is the target according the report).
This is amazing really, as it was over 1500 a year ago - yes 1 5 0 0!
I have a bit of a dilemma, now though. The medical questionnaire asked whether I had liver damage, and I felt I should just be honest and put down yes (I have seen it down on consultant's letters etc.) So I will probably be asked about this, along with a physical examination of my stomach. They may find some stiffening there, I don't know, but the fact is I feel good and don't feel any symptoms in that area, plus my GP is very pleased with how things have been turned around. I am not at all concerned about the CDT blood test, it's just the liver thing.
Do I take this letter with me and show it at the medical - perhaps it will speed things up, and they won't need to contact my GP. or just not mention it at all?

Take care,

Peter.
 
Peter L said:
Just an update,

Still waiting to hear back about the medical - can't even get through to anyone at the DVLA, you just get a recorded message saying they cannot take your call as they are so busy. I know I'm supposed to leave it a bit longer but I can't help being impatient.
My GP gave me a printout of my LF tests, all 7 were within limits apart from the GGT which was high..ish at 72 ( < 70 is the target according the report).
This is amazing really, as it was over 1500 a year ago - yes 1 5 0 0!
I have a bit of a dilemma, now though. The medical questionnaire asked whether I had liver damage, and I felt I should just be honest and put down yes (I have seen it down on consultant's letters etc.) So I will probably be asked about this, along with a physical examination of my stomach. They may find some stiffening there, I don't know, but the fact is I feel good and don't feel any symptoms in that area, plus my GP is very pleased with how things have been turned around. I am not at all concerned about the CDT blood test, it's just the liver thing.
Do I take this letter with me and show it at the medical - perhaps it will speed things up, and they won't need to contact my GP. or just not mention it at all?

Take care,

Peter.
Click to expand...

Hi Peter,

From my understanding of your case, the DVLA already know about your previous drinking? If they already know, then just tell the truth throughout, liver disease isn't a reason for refusal, rather a red flag for alcohol abuse, which you've addressed already and also waited the required 12 month period. Plus you have medical records at your GP SUPPORTING the date of quitting.

I reckon this also plays in your favour as far as the GGT count goes. Again, it's a flag, but justifiable, so no reason for refusal. Although if you've reduced from 1500 to 72 (wow and well done!), then it's reasonable to believe you may shave off the last couple of points in the coming weeks? But I do not see the figures matter, so long as they're explainable. I know the guidelines say "get bloods to correct levels plus abstinence", but the new blood test isn't for GGT etc is it?
 
Peter L said:
Do I take this letter with me and show it at the medical - perhaps it will speed things up, and they won't need to contact my GP. or just not mention it at all?

.
Click to expand...

Sorry Peter, just realised your actual question is above(!)

I think the DVLA will contact your GP because the answers to your questionnaire will say yes to abuse / dependency in the last 3 years anyway. Regardless of the liver damage (which is healing nicely!).

So unless they know nothing, and you answered no to everything, and the blood result is fine / within parameters, and the DVLA GP doesn't 'feel' anything, then they will contact your GP. But once they do it shouldn't be a cause for refusal.

As far as your letter goes, I have the impression the DVLA doc' just does his bit, and the info' goes to the DVLA, and they then decide whether to contact your GP. Basically, to me anyway, it is a liability covering exercise, the DVLA want to be able to say someone, not them, said you were a safe bet on the road. They don't particularly care where that information comes from, be it your blood / medical / questionnaire, or your GP or your medical records. So long as it isn't them! Fair assumption?
 
Argh said:
Hi Peter,

From my understanding of your case, the DVLA already know about your previous drinking? If they already know, then just tell the truth throughout, liver disease isn't a reason for refusal, rather a red flag for alcohol abuse, which you've addressed already and also waited the required 12 month period. Plus you have medical records at your GP SUPPORTING the date of quitting.

I reckon this also plays in your favour as far as the GGT count goes. Again, it's a flag, but justifiable, so no reason for refusal. Although if you've reduced from 1500 to 72 (wow and well done!), then it's reasonable to believe you may shave off the last couple of points in the coming weeks? But I do not see the figures matter, so long as they're explainable. I know the guidelines say "get bloods to correct levels plus abstinence", but the new blood test isn't for GGT etc is it?
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot - I am just getting paranoid. You're right, they know my situation and I still have the letter from them saying what is required, and I have complied with all that that, so there is nothing more I could have done.

Cheers Peter
 
Update time!

So from the beginning: Precisely 90 days before ban ends DVLA sent D1. I sent straight back with £90 fee. 2 weeks later letter for medical came. I booked it for 3 weeks or so later, paid £30 to GP over the phone (deposit against total inc VAT of £118.20).

Medical: Paid reception £88.20 balance in cash. They gave me the medical form to fill in (which is on this site somewhere and also on dot gov somewhere too). Basically form says: Name/address, date last saw your doc for THIS prob, drugs, drink, date last drink etc. You can find the exact form easily so I won't type it all! I put no to everything, it does say last 3 years, but I haven't drank in ten month plus and several months before that, so just decided to keep it simple. I wasn't going to say "yeah I binged badly on and off ever since my life fell apart, and during which I lost my licence, but through hard work and determination I managed, in spite of all the obstacles and hardships, to finally quit the crutch of drink when times are bad", because the DVLA wouldn't of patted me on the back for that I am sure!

As already mentioned, I put no to drug use and therefore wasn't given a drug test. Although, my letter only ever said bloods and never mentioned urine. I wonder if it's the D1 that decides this aspect. Well I've not smoked anything for months, so wasn't worried, but may help others!

Waited nearly 45 minutes, then GP called me in:

Firstly he was a good guy, well spoken, happy and clearly a total piss head!!

Read through forms I'd filled in, said fine. Then filled in a bunch of forms himself, presumably based on my answers as didn't ask me anything, except what's your weight / height? (he didn't bother actually measuring anything, despite all the kit being beside the chair I was sat in!), do you smoke? Any depression? Answered everything, said no to smoking / depression, I quit smoking few months back and quit depression several months back (lol I quit antidepressants, but again didn't mention the war).

Strip to your underwear, lay down, wiggle tongue, follow finger, cough (not the balls one, just throat!), stand eyes closed, tickle feet. Honestly it was silly. Then bit more practical, blood pressure (little high said don't worry), chest listen, squidge of the abdomen. Take blood. Get dressed.

Said nothing wrong, unless blood test shows anything then should be all done.

Nothing more I can do now, so just got to patiently hope a licence and not a letter saying "writing to your GP" or any other nonsense comes!
 
Last edited:
Argh said:
Update time!

So from the beginning: Precisely 90 days before ban ends DVLA sent D1. I sent straight back with £90 fee. 2 weeks later letter for medical came. I booked it for 3 weeks or so later, paid £30 to GP over the phone (deposit against total inc VAT of £118.20).

Medical: Paid reception £88.20 balance in cash. They gave me the medical form to fill in (which is on this site somewhere and also on dot gov somewhere too). Basically form says: Name/address, date last saw your doc for THIS prob, drugs, drink, date last drink etc. You can find the exact form easily so I won't type it all! I put no to everything, it does say last 3 years, but I haven't drank in ten month plus and several months before that, so just decided to keep it simple. I wasn't going to say "yeah I binged badly on and off ever since my life fell apart, and during which I lost my licence, but through hard work and determination I managed, in spite of all the obstacles and hardships, to finally quit the crutch of drink when times are bad", because the DVLA wouldn't of patted me on the back for that I am sure!

As already mentioned, I put no to drug use and therefore wasn't given a drug test. Although, my letter only ever said bloods and never mentioned urine. I wonder if it's the D1 that decides this aspect. Well I've not smoked anything for months, so wasn't worried, but may help others!

Waited nearly 45 minutes, then GP called me in:

Firstly he was a good guy, well spoken, happy and clearly a total piss head!!

Read through forms I'd filled in, said fine. Then filled in a bunch of forms himself, presumably based on my answers as didn't ask me anything, except what's your weight / height? (he didn't bother actually measuring anything, despite all the kit being beside the chair I was sat in!), do you smoke? Any depression? Answered everything, said no to smoking / depression, I quit smoking few months back and quit depression several months back (lol I quit antidepressants, but again didn't mention the war).

Strip to your underwear, lay down, wiggle tongue, follow finger, cough (not the balls one, just throat!), stand eyes closed, tickle feet. Honestly it was silly. Then bit more practical, blood pressure (little high said don't worry), chest listen, squidge of the abdomen. Take blood. Get dressed.

Said nothing wrong, unless blood test shows anything then should be all done.

Nothing more I can do now, so just got to patiently hope a licence and not a letter saying "writing to your GP" or any other nonsense comes!
Click to expand...

Great news, I don't think you will have to wait long now.
I am no further forward at the moment. It is now 8 weeks since I sent my application off and still no word. I decided to ring up the DVLA today, and eventually got through after going round in circles. I was told basically just to keep on waiting as they must be still working on it. It is so frustrating.

Cheers Peter
 
Peter L said:
Great news, I don't think you will have to wait long now.
I am no further forward at the moment. It is now 8 weeks since I sent my application off and still no word. I decided to ring up the DVLA today, and eventually got through after going round in circles. I was told basically just to keep on waiting as they must be still working on it. It is so frustrating.

Cheers Peter
Click to expand...

So Peter, when is your 12 month forced wait over? I am assuming they will HAVE to have you sorted by then, otherwise they will be directly breaching your rights really. I recall you sent off quite early for your medical, and I'm guessing they may be holding back a little so you fulfill the 12 month requirement if that makes sense??

Obviously I'm no expert! But it seems altogether wrong if your application over runs the 12 month date. Are you waiting for your licence for a specific purpose or just the freedom back?
I'm just finishing up my engineering degree then back to surveying as soon as my licence comes. Which is another important point, a 12 month probation licence is next to useless for me, my employers need a full time licence to issue my car. Hence my 'expedition' of proceedings, I just hope the application goes through unhindered now / no GP getting involved. Whatever happens I'll report on here to help others.....

On the plus side though, if I were a betting man, I'd wager those last couple of points you were looking to shave off those results will of happened by now mate :) Hope you're still feeling great about your achievement and don't let the daft DVLA wear you down my friend!
 
Argh said:
So Peter, when is your 12 month forced wait over? I am assuming they will HAVE to have you sorted by then, otherwise they will be directly breaching your rights really. I recall you sent off quite early for your medical, and I'm guessing they may be holding back a little so you fulfill the 12 month requirement if that makes sense??

Obviously I'm no expert! But it seems altogether wrong if your application over runs the 12 month date. Are you waiting for your licence for a specific purpose or just the freedom back?
I'm just finishing up my engineering degree then back to surveying as soon as my licence comes. Which is another important point, a 12 month probation licence is next to useless for me, my employers need a full time licence to issue my car. Hence my 'expedition' of proceedings, I just hope the application goes through unhindered now / no GP getting involved. Whatever happens I'll report on here to help others.....

On the plus side though, if I were a betting man, I'd wager those last couple of points you were looking to shave off those results will of happened by now mate :) Hope you're still feeling great about your achievement and don't let the daft DVLA wear you down my friend!
Click to expand...

Thanks. I put down on the form that my last drink was 28th August last year - I think that's the day I was admitted to hospital after my last seizure, so it's not quite 1 year, but I assume it will take a few weeks to sort the medical out.

It's almost 5 years since I last drove (after 27 years continuous blemish free) so I am just eager to get out and about. I got early retirement on medical grounds about 3 years ago, and I feel I am ready to do at least something part-time and having a car would give me more options. I have got used to getting buses and riding my bike to places though, as I also have feet problems caused by the alcohol/diabetes so walking any distance is literally a pain.
Never mind, I am still feeling OK in myself - just need to hang on a bit longer.

Take care,
Peter.
 
I see Peter.

But I don't understand how they can make you wait past 12 months? Strange to me.

If you haven't already, I would at least ask for the email communication consent form, so you can harass them digitally ;)

Well keep us updated matey.
 
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