Hi White,
I first found your posts (and this forum) earlier this week and have spent some time reading everything you have written and checked many of the links you added.
I must say it has been really helpful and informative and want to thank you for all the work and research you have put into them, not to mention the sincere honesty on quite personal subjects.
As you will now be in proud possession of your new license I do not know if you are still visiting this site, although I do hope so.
I am currently in a similar position to where you were back in February, my personal circumstances are not exactly the same, but probably more by luck, as I was thinking of going to my doctor to help me stop drinking but have decided against that as clearly should the DVLA decide to go to my doctor this would indeed go against me and as my job (which currently I don't have) requires a full license and not a restricted one it would be like still having the ban, with the exception I would have more freedom.
So I am going cold turkey and it's not easy (this is day 3) ugh!! I do have some questions though which I was wondering if you could help me with.
1. On the medical questionnaire page 1, it asks when was your last visit to the doctor (for this condition) what condition is talking about? Are there different questionnaires for different people? I can only assume this relates to when did you last see your doctor about drink related problems which I haven't specifically, although my last visit was due to depression and was prescribed citalopram, an antidepressant but not one used for alcohol withdrawal, as I was depressed but didn't mention I also had a problem with alcohol. As it happens I didn't take them and still have the unused pack. Will I be asked about this and does depression go against you?
2. On the declaration page 5 do you have to sign to have your doctor advised of the outcome of your DVLA medical? I would rather not have this on my medical records at all as it could effect future jobs but I don't know if I have to agree to this in order for the DVLA to contact my doctor or if this simple refers to passing my results to add to my medical history. Would declining this part go against me and look suspicious?
3. You refer to the DVLA giving you a 6 week window, is this 6 weeks from the date they write offering you a medical to complete the forms and return them or is it a 6 week window from the date you receive details of your local DVLA doctor and actually having the medical? I am obviously trying now to delay my medical as long as possible to give myself as much abstinence as possible to lower my CDT.
I will also do my own private test just prior to completing my forms for the DVLA as if they are still too high I may as well wait rather then risking the 6 month delay in reapplying should I fail. I don't see any point in doing one now as after reading everything it doesn't really matter what it is now as there is nothing I can do about it other than abstaining which I am already doing and if by some miracle it's not as high as it should be (rather like yours was) then I may find it more diddifult to abstain (if that's possible).
Sorry to bother you with my own personal issues as I can see you went through quite a lot yourself recently, but the best person to advise you on anything is someone who has been through it and I'm scared to death of being declined or offered a temporary license as this past 9 months without my license has been hell, I had to resign from my job as I travelled all over and had a company car, have been totally depressed, lost a lot of my self respect and self esteem not to mention falling into an even worse cycle of drinking day and night due to not working, at least when I had a good job I managed to control my drinking and function quite well.
Anyway I will leave it there for now, I do have other questions which you may or may not be able to help with but as I no longer know if you visit the site or how frequently I will wait to see if I hear back first.
Hope you are enjoying your newfound freedom.
Many thanks,
Louise.
Louise
I am not quite sure we are talking about the same applications.
My application was for a Mini-Bus licence which demands a medical once over 70years of age.
I believe you maybe applying for a normal car licence??? Therefore there is no need for a medical unless the DVLA requires it. Should your application be for a normal licence then your answers are as stated and believed to be true.
I am not familiar with the standard driving application. However if you have not approached your doctor for a alcohol related illness then you can you can truthfully state you have not.
If the questions inquire into you consumption of alcohol then that is for you to answer as you deem fit. It was my truthful answer to this question, which alerted the DVLA who then demanded another medical, and blood test.
As I stated in my posting I am not alcohol dependent and my doctor has confirmed this. I just got into a mode of life were I drank virtually every evening. I have since stopped and only drink when out for a meal (weekends) and feel better for it.
Some friends of mine in a similar situation who consume alcohol consistently did not declare their full consumption. They declared to 4-5 pints per week. Their applications were accepted without further medicals/blood tests/revoked licences. They reasoned that if in the future they are accused of lying on the application they would admit to increased and unacceptable levels of drinking immediately after the application was submitted. No one could prove differently.one
If you are applying for a standard licence then what you declare regarding alcohol consumption will or will not alert the DVLA and may possibly avoid a medical so your doctor need not be informed.
If you are going for a Cat 2 licence 9mini-bus/truck) then you must complete a medical and it is at this medical the doctor will ask you about your drinking habits. Again depending on your answer is whether the DVLA will request another medical and blood test.
If they do request a further medical that is when they give you 6 weeks from receipt of their letter to have the medical completed.
If you do initially declare your alcohol consumption and are then forced to take the medical/blood test and fail then your doctor must be informed, as you need to consult with him/her during your six months ban.
If I was going for my licence again I know how I would answer the alcohol questions, given my current situation.
I only wished the DVLA had a better way to handle this problem without handing out this type of punishment. As stated I do not have a alcohol problem but this episode has given me a wakeup call to kerb my drinking, which I did immediatly. But to take my licence away when I am now completely in control seems a draconian measure to me.
Incidentally I still do not have my licence back . I need to wait until September even though my doctor has given me the green light almost a month ago.
I hope my ramblings help and if you need more information I will more than pleased to help. Also remember there are other far more experienced and intelligent members reading this post who can possibly advise.
also had anything from my gp but if he hard copy sends it in, could take three weeks to scan on the bloody system!!!
