I think I need to surrender my driving licence

[MylicenceQ]

Around 14 years ago, I had a seizure and my driving licence was revoked. I’ve not had any more at all and my licence was returned. It was renewed in 2013 as it had expired.

I’ve since been diagnosed with a different condition that is legally reportable. My doctor advised I’m safe to drive but may be placed on a medical licence. I was checking online to see if there are any issues between the time I reported my condition and the time I receive a response. The DLVA info says I am fine to drive (until my decision says otherwise) unless my ”last licence was revoked on medical grounds”. My current licence has never been revoked as it was renewed in 2013 but my previous licence was revoked. I’m trying to get my head around the wording. Am I being stupid and not understanding?

Any advice please.

I'm afraif I don't know the answer. i do know that my dh was told that it would be much easier to get his licence back if he voluntarily surrendered it rather than it being taken from him. When yuo had your seizure did you voluntarily surrender your licence?

Get in touch with DVLA so if you are able to keep your licence you have it categorically in writing. If there is any confusion at all its not worth risking not having specific permission.

Phone or email them and speak to a person rather than the standard auto responses.

You need to inform the DVLA if you have a legally reportable condition.
They will send you a pack of forms to complete. They will write to your doctor. You will have to surrender your current licence if requested and they will send you a medical licence that needs review at specified intervals.
I have just gone through the process and it is straightforward but took a few weeks.
You must inform your insurers.

Personally, I stopped driving voluntarily as soon as I knew there might be a problem. Not worth the risk.

Is there a DVLA helpline? The wording is definitely ambiguous. Maybe it would be best to clarify with them. If they meant had any licence other than your current one been revoked, they should have said 'previous', rather than 'last'.

Government forms always seem to have phrasing that looks fine, but when you try and apply it to your own position it could easily go different ways. Then the guidance text on gov.uk always misses out your case in between two other examples. It's so frustrating!

As endof says, give DVLA a ring/mail directly.

I'm not a lawyer, but if you never drive again, then you can't commit any offences associated with driving. Unless the police start doing some sort of door to door swoop.

With that in mind, I'd suggest not saying anything, and keeping the licence ... it's incredibly useful as ID. Yes, it's breaking the DVLA requirements, but in this case ... no harm no foul.

After all, there's plenty of folks whizzing around with no licence at all.

Thank you, all. To answer a few questions.

When I had the seizure, I reported it to the DVLA. They wrote back and revoked my licence.

I have already reported this condition because I am driving, albeit occasionally, and my consultant is happy for me to drive. I happen to have a mild version of the condition but it’s a reportable one. It isn’t affecting my driving but it can affect others.

The guidance says you can drive while awaiting a decision unless your last licence was revoked on medical grounds. I’ve renewed my licence since it was revoked due to the seizure, so I wasn’t clear. I might have to phone them. :(

My husband found them very helpful on the phone.

My husband found them very helpful on the phone.

I'd second that. I've rung them a few times for advice as a HCP and always found them helpful.

Thank you both for the reassurance. I’m upset about the whole thing but obviously I wouldn’t want to drive if I am not allowed.

Could you say what the condition is op? Someone might have experience.

Do you mean you’ve renewed your card? Because that’s not really the same a renewing the licence. Youre still licenced to drive if (for example) if you don’t physically have the card but passed your test.

I hope that makes sense. I don’t think it’s referring to the physical licence.

I have myasthenia gravis. Neurologist said licences are normally revoked from people who have severe double vision (I don’t) and/or severe limb weakness. My weakness is relatively mild. I am very lucky and was quickly well controlled on medication.

diana yes I renewed my card.

I think then yes you probably do need to surrender your licence, but do call to clarify.

This sucks balls. :( I’ll phone first thing tomorrow.

My licence is reviewed every 3 years. I have to notify them earlier if my condition worsens.
I am sure you will be the same OP.

Do be careful how you put it, MLQ - there was a thread here a few weeks back about someone who was having a hell of a time getting her license back after inadvertantly declaring herself medically unable to drive. She filled in the forms with things that shouldn't have stopped her driving, but because she put something down they took her license.

Oh, bugger - probably too late with that warning if you rang them this morning. How'd it go?

They were very helpful and said the wording is ambiguous but I am fine to drive. I feel a lot better about it. They said if I’d been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (and declared it) during the time I had my licence revoked for the seizure, that’s what they mean.

That must be such a relief. I’m glad you got the answer you hoped for.