Random-User
Member
I would like to ask some advice about my situation as there seem to be some very knowledgeable people on this forum.
In 2007 I was charged with drink driving (3 times over the limit) and leaving the scene of an accident (no one was injured and was just a scrape), I was sentenced to a suspended jail term and banned for 32 months, plus a lengthy time of community service, I took the option to take a course, which reduced the ban to 24 months. This situation I put down to relationship issues with my then wife, guess we all have our reasons/excuses.
Soon after my ban was complete, I left the UK to work abroad where I lived for 10 years and I took a driving test in my resident country where I was working, to gain my license. I have since returned to the UK to seek employment and I’m finding it very difficult applying for jobs not having a license (including the uncertainty of when or if I will ever get it back). This is without all of the other issues of being a returning expat brings, such as no recent proof of UK address, no recent medical history, no credit history etc.
Timeline
Early 2008 Banned for 32 months reduced to 24
Early Nov 21 – Started abstinence and will continue as this is saving me money and feel better in my health.
Late Nov 21 – I wanted to be sure my CDT levels would be OK before I applied for my license, so I went to one of the private clinics to get my CDT level checked. The result came back as follows:
"Your carbohydrate deficient transferase test could not be completed because your body is producing transferrin with an abnormal shape. This is usually due to inheriting a gene from one or both of your parents. In this situation we recommend using the PeTH test as an alternative means of assessing alcohol intake."
Dec 21 - Applied for UK license via the D1 form
I have not visited a Doctor in the UK since about 2011 and have not registered with one since my return.
I’m concerned about the DVLA medical and if the same CDT results come back and how will DVLA interpret the results and if they will ask for a PeTH test and any additional delay/problems this will cause. Also, when I was abroad, I asked DVLA for proof that I held a UK license so they may well have it on record that I have been out of the country, and another issue, I think I need to be able to prove UK residency for at least 6 months before applying for my license again.
Should I contact my old Doctors surgery?
Due to the length of time I have not held a UK license will they ask for my driving skills to be assessed?
I have read some horrendous stories of people trying to get their license back but have also been encouraged by some that have seemed to achieve this reasonably quickly.
Apologies for the lengthy post and any advice would be appreciated by someone who is trying to repair their life and move on from a 14-year-old mistake/disaster.
In 2007 I was charged with drink driving (3 times over the limit) and leaving the scene of an accident (no one was injured and was just a scrape), I was sentenced to a suspended jail term and banned for 32 months, plus a lengthy time of community service, I took the option to take a course, which reduced the ban to 24 months. This situation I put down to relationship issues with my then wife, guess we all have our reasons/excuses.
Soon after my ban was complete, I left the UK to work abroad where I lived for 10 years and I took a driving test in my resident country where I was working, to gain my license. I have since returned to the UK to seek employment and I’m finding it very difficult applying for jobs not having a license (including the uncertainty of when or if I will ever get it back). This is without all of the other issues of being a returning expat brings, such as no recent proof of UK address, no recent medical history, no credit history etc.
Timeline
Early 2008 Banned for 32 months reduced to 24
Early Nov 21 – Started abstinence and will continue as this is saving me money and feel better in my health.
Late Nov 21 – I wanted to be sure my CDT levels would be OK before I applied for my license, so I went to one of the private clinics to get my CDT level checked. The result came back as follows:
"Your carbohydrate deficient transferase test could not be completed because your body is producing transferrin with an abnormal shape. This is usually due to inheriting a gene from one or both of your parents. In this situation we recommend using the PeTH test as an alternative means of assessing alcohol intake."
Dec 21 - Applied for UK license via the D1 form
I have not visited a Doctor in the UK since about 2011 and have not registered with one since my return.
I’m concerned about the DVLA medical and if the same CDT results come back and how will DVLA interpret the results and if they will ask for a PeTH test and any additional delay/problems this will cause. Also, when I was abroad, I asked DVLA for proof that I held a UK license so they may well have it on record that I have been out of the country, and another issue, I think I need to be able to prove UK residency for at least 6 months before applying for my license again.
Should I contact my old Doctors surgery?
Due to the length of time I have not held a UK license will they ask for my driving skills to be assessed?
I have read some horrendous stories of people trying to get their license back but have also been encouraged by some that have seemed to achieve this reasonably quickly.
Apologies for the lengthy post and any advice would be appreciated by someone who is trying to repair their life and move on from a 14-year-old mistake/disaster.