jaddyday
New Member
Hi,
I was banned on 29/10/2007 for drink driving with a reading of 159/100 in breath. I received a 24 month ban with a re-test, 12 months probation, a 3 month curfew, a prison sentence of 3 months suspended for 12, and was ordered to attend the probation service 'Drink Impaired Drivers' program.
The incident made me look at my drinking and I realised that I was an alcoholic. I battled with the addiction for over a year with brief periods of success but eventually decided that I needed professional help and checked into the Priory in April this year. I have not had a drink since.
My ban is now nearing it's end and I have received a letter from the DVLA informing me that I will have to attend a medical before my license can be returned. The letter states that I will not receive a license if there is evidence of alcohol dependency in the last 12 months. My medical records would suggest that this is the case.
It is clearly totally unacceptable that I should be denied a license because I have done the right thing and sought help for my illness. I know several people who are alcoholics who have not sought help and have passed the medical simply because they have abstained for the preceding five days. They are a far greater risk than someone in active recovery.
How do you suggest I play it? Should I be honest with them and hope they have the intelligence to make a rational decision, or should I simply say I no longer drink and deny them access to my medical records?
Any advice would be gratefully received
Regards
Justin
I was banned on 29/10/2007 for drink driving with a reading of 159/100 in breath. I received a 24 month ban with a re-test, 12 months probation, a 3 month curfew, a prison sentence of 3 months suspended for 12, and was ordered to attend the probation service 'Drink Impaired Drivers' program.
The incident made me look at my drinking and I realised that I was an alcoholic. I battled with the addiction for over a year with brief periods of success but eventually decided that I needed professional help and checked into the Priory in April this year. I have not had a drink since.
My ban is now nearing it's end and I have received a letter from the DVLA informing me that I will have to attend a medical before my license can be returned. The letter states that I will not receive a license if there is evidence of alcohol dependency in the last 12 months. My medical records would suggest that this is the case.
It is clearly totally unacceptable that I should be denied a license because I have done the right thing and sought help for my illness. I know several people who are alcoholics who have not sought help and have passed the medical simply because they have abstained for the preceding five days. They are a far greater risk than someone in active recovery.
How do you suggest I play it? Should I be honest with them and hope they have the intelligence to make a rational decision, or should I simply say I no longer drink and deny them access to my medical records?
Any advice would be gratefully received
Regards
Justin
