Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Reporting someone with a health condition to the DVLA

51 replies

Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 19:06

How long does it take before they get a letter? I’m dreading it tbh even though I know I’ve done the right thing. The only thing.

OP posts:
TableDesk · 08/04/2021 20:03

Hi there, can you tell me how you 'reported' the person? I'm in a similar position with a close family member and despite pleading with them to hang up the car keys they won't Hmm
Completely understand the dread thing but you have definitely done the right thing. The consequences aren't even worth thinking about.

Thanks & good luck

Purplewithred · 08/04/2021 20:06

There is something on the DVLA website, just have a search and you will find it. It is completely anonymous even though you have to give some personal details, I did it for my FIL and he still thinks it was the doctor (and has never forgiven him).

I think it took a month or so but I don't know the details because I couldn’t ask, obviously. But it’s one of the things I’m most proud of having done.

Purplewithred · 08/04/2021 20:07

AND - as a result I’ve given my children permission to tell me when it’s time for me to stop driving.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Driving & parking
Aprilshowersandhail · 08/04/2021 20:18

I reported exh online. Driving with surgical boots on due to dietetic black feet.
Envydef def not envy
Even sent photos.
Still driving..
Even though now blind in one eye also.

Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:21

I’ve reported my ex because he has MS using a form on the DVLA site. He has had MS for 20 years, has never reported it and he also doesn’t have it monitored either.

Our daughter is a baby and I’m really worried about him driving her because if he has a big relapse he won’t tell anyone. The last time I saw him, he was limping a bit.

OP posts:
Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:23

I’m not trying to get his license taken if he is fit to drive but he probably will have to apply every 3 years like most people with MS. I think he’s extremely selfish to pretend he doesn’t have it.

OP posts:
peak2021 · 08/04/2021 20:24

I don't know the answer but it may be a bit longer than usual because of the DVLA not being a Covid safe place to work, all the number of cases they have had of staff having to self-isolate, and now strike action.

OP the only mistake you have made was not reporting it years ago.

ImaginaryCat · 08/04/2021 20:25

Both the GP and I reported my mother. She kept driving. I wondered what the hell was the point if they didn't act on it, especially on the word of a GP.

After she died I found all the letters from the DVLA telling her that her license was suspended and she was to stop driving immediately.

I'm telling this story because making that report isn't necessarily the end if it!

shakeitoffshakeacocktail · 08/04/2021 20:25

I really wanted to do this on my ex. No peripheral vision in one eye. Decided to learn to ride a motorbike. Hope he doesn't injure anyone other than himself Angry

He tried to join the TA and faked his eye test to pass (watched his grandad have his eye test and then went next so he says)

He didn't get in and contested it. I said they probably accessed his medical records (he had an operation on said eye is be on record) he was incensed that that could have been a possibility. What a dick he was

Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:25

@peak2021

You are right. When we were together I thought I could at least keep an eye on him. I would know if he wasn’t well. Now, I have no clue.

OP posts:
Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:27

@ImaginaryCat

Both the GP and I reported my mother. She kept driving. I wondered what the hell was the point if they didn't act on it, especially on the word of a GP.

After she died I found all the letters from the DVLA telling her that her license was suspended and she was to stop driving immediately.

I'm telling this story because making that report isn't necessarily the end if it!

@ImaginaryCat

Yes, I agree with you. I have heard that this is the case. And I do worry that he will continue to drive regardless.

OP posts:
ImaginaryCat · 08/04/2021 20:31

The only way to fully get them to stop is to call the police with precise details of a time and location they can catch him driving without a valid license. That was what the police told me would need to happen for them to seize my mother's car.
It's nuts. It is so difficult to stop someone driving, despite the threat to life.

itsgettingwierd · 08/04/2021 20:32

I have no idea but my ds has just applied for his provisional. 16 and due to having a condition similar to MS he can a) apply and drive at 16 and b) we said he has this when we applied.

If thread is still going I'll let you what happens next with regards his disclosure and what they do with the info we've provided.

Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:37

@itsgettingwierd lots of people with MS can and do drive but most of them are sensible and go to get reviews with their neurologist and also except medical help to stop relapses in their tracks.

Most of the time, you just get a 3 year license which gets reviewed. If this was happening I’d feel better. But he ignores his symptoms and relapses and pretends he doesn’t have it. He’s 52 now and I don’t want to be panicking over the next 18 years if he’s trying to drive her. It’s a nightmare.

OP posts:
Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:37

Accept not except clearly 🙈

OP posts:
Lilao · 08/04/2021 20:42

I did it recently for a grandparent. They got a first letter within a few months asking for permission to write to their doctor and lost their license a few weeks ago.

I probably first started the process in November, so a few months but they did get round to it.

Aprilshowersandhail · 08/04/2021 20:45

I gave up reporting him to the police when he knew best and refused to use car seats.. Police did nothing.

Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:47

@Lilao did they comply with the process if you don’t mind my asking? What happens if they don’t give permission?

At least I can stop thinking about it for a while then. In the meantime I just have to keep coming up with excuses why he shouldn’t be driving, and hoping he doesn’t have an accident or hurt someone else.

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 08/04/2021 20:50

I reported FIL on the website. It didn't take long but obvs may be different due to Covid delays.

You can do it anonymously but then you need to have a good cover story as to why it wasn't you. My FIL had dementia and decided a nurse he had seen must have done it after I swore blind it wasn't me - sorry nurse, I know you would have told him.

They get in touch and ask for permission to see your medical records - I don't know what happens if you say know because for FIL that was enough and he called it a day - we had already been pretending his car wasn't working for a few months when all it had was a flat battery. However he was close to buying a new one so action was needed.

Lilao · 08/04/2021 20:51

They did, but mainly because they have Alzheimer's and were easy to persuade. I think the letter said if they didn't reply then their license could be taken away.

Hopefully you hear something back soon! I think the letter did say that someone had reported it to them - we just said it must have been the doctor but I'm not sure if that would work in your situation so perhaps have a think about what to say so you are prepared

AnnaMagnani · 08/04/2021 20:52

I can't imagine they give up if you don't give permission - I've rung them for advice as a medical professional and they are extremely black and white people and obsessed about risk and safety.

They aren't going to say 'OK then, never mind'.

Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 20:53

Yes, thank you I will do. I’m just going to deny it. I should be able to come up with something I think.

OP posts:
itsgettingwierd · 08/04/2021 20:54

[quote SugarbabyMilly]@itsgettingwierd lots of people with MS can and do drive but most of them are sensible and go to get reviews with their neurologist and also except medical help to stop relapses in their tracks.

Most of the time, you just get a 3 year license which gets reviewed. If this was happening I’d feel better. But he ignores his symptoms and relapses and pretends he doesn’t have it. He’s 52 now and I don’t want to be panicking over the next 18 years if he’s trying to drive her. It’s a nightmare.[/quote]
That's helpful to know you get licence with reviews. I had no idea what would happen for ds - just he can drive now and would use an automatic as his left leg is worse than his right!

user1471453601 · 08/04/2021 20:55

DVLA are on trike at the moment, aren't they?

Original poster
Anon778833 · 08/04/2021 21:12

@user1471453601

DVLA are on trike at the moment, aren't they?
No idea...
OP posts: