PaddyRay
Member
Here we go; first time user of the forum. I am 70yrs old and July 2015 applied for D1 license renewal. I drive a mini-bus for a local charity. I downloaded the application from the DVLA's website. Of course I had and paid for a medical. Stupid me I answered all the questions regarding alcohol truthfully. One month later I received the whole application back pointing out I had not ticked two boxes regarding my ability to read a number plate at a certain distance. No one at the DVLA thought to refer to the doctor's medical report attached where a full eye test had been recorded. Another month passed when I received the whole lot back again this time informing me it was the wrong form and the correct one for completion included. (Difference between the two forms was the colour) End of December 2015 DVLA requested I attend a medical at a specified surgery. I was given no information regarding their suspicions. I assumed it was to do with my past Arrhythmia problems. After much chasing plus letters to my MP I received on 14th March 2016 a letter revoking my license due to suspected alcohol abuse. I have been given 6 months for my normal license and 1 year for mini-bus. The usual. This ban was awarded suddenly and without prior notice. Had I been caught drinking and driving, after my night in the police call I would then be able to carry on driving until the outcome of my court case. In the meantime I could arrange my personal affairs with a future ban possibly imminent. If it was my first conviction and I could prove a ban on my driving would have detrimental effects on others there is a possibility I could retain my licence. My only redress to my SENTENCE WITHOUT TRIAL(because that is what it is) is through the magistrates courts which is a criminal court and I have committed no criminal offence. The people affected by this (unlawful) sentence is untold. Family, charity customers of the charity who relied on the services I provided and who now need to recruit, train and certify another driver. I do admit to drifting into a lifestyle were I dine out regularly and have been drinking most evenings. I am of that age and can afford it. I do not get drunk neither do I knowingly drive whilst over the limit. I wrote to Mr Morley CEO, DVLA. to point out the total injustice of their procedures. That there could be a better, more cost effective way to deal with this problem without suddenly taking all driving rights away. When I received their letter I immediately abstained from drinking with no detrimental effects. Therefore the suspicion of alcohol abuse, in my case, immediately disappeared. I suggest: 1. Driving licence would not be renewed but the driver could still drive under the DVLA's letter of authority. (although they suspected me of alcohol abuse back in September 2015 they still allowed me to drive through to March2016) 2. I undergo further test over however long period to ensure my drinking was under control and maybe I meet some of those costs. (When I received my letter revoking my licence I immediately abstained, with no detrimental effects) 3. Should I fail the tests then an automatic ban be applied. 4. After the given period of testing then the license be re-instated. The DVLA's response to these suggestion is what appears to be typical, given what I have read. They treat my letter as a complaint not a suggestion and dismissed it out of hand. They defend the status quo. Regarding CDT. I have read in a number of web articles CDT is only accurate for a period of 14 days. Also it must be 14 days of "continuous" drinking with no interval. Should someone drink huge quantities of alcohol for 4-5 days per week but abstain on the other days allowing the body to recover then this will give a low CDT %. As suggested by the DVLA I immediately made an appointment with my doctor who had no idea how to proceed. He has arranged a blood test to ensure my liver is OK but I suspect there to be little chance of that given I had a medical review just over a month ago with the exact same blood test and a green light. Basically the DVLA have passed the buck onto an already overburdened GP practice. Remember I have not been convicted and given a formal ban so when and how can I reapply for my licence? I read many of you receive a formal invite from the DVLA 3 months in advance but that appears to be those with drink-driving bans. If I were to take my case through he magistrates court my 6 months sentence will be up plus there is the cost. I really think there is a case in the Human rights court but unfortunately I can not afford the money. Try and lobby your MP but which one will be brave enough to get past the word "alcohol" and then look at their constituent's rights, not many. Plus, ask your MP to lobby the minister for transport is asking them to attack a senior member of their own party and that is also not likely. The DVLA knows and is banking on this.
