To ask if you have ever voluntarily surrendered your driving licence for health reasons

[4dogs]

And if so how long did it take to get it back? I can reapply for mine early September, I send forms to DVLA, they then write to consultant, consultant writes back, DVLA then make their decision and (hopefully) issue licence. Does anyone have experience of this and the timescale involved?

No but going by the speed they dealt with a problem my brother had with them it took over three months.

CluedoAddict, that’s terrible. I’m really worried they will take ages. Not being able to drive is horrid. I walk/cycle at the moment, don’t want to still be not driving in winter.

You'd be entitled to a bus pass I believe?

My dear late grandfather did when he turned 90. He didn't trust his reflexes anymore and felt unsafe and anxious whilst driving.

@PennyDreadfull, I have no bus pass entitlement, I’m not an OAP, there are lots of medical conditions that mean a licence has to be surrendered.

I had to surrender my driving license about 18 months ago for health reasons. Initially they took it away for 3 months but in reality it took me a year to get it back!
They only gave me back a temporary license that lasts a year so in a few months I will have to reapply again before it runs out and I can’t drive again.
Sorry, I don’t suppose that was what you wanted to hear.

In 2012 had to surrender my licence because I had a seizure. I had an appointment with a consultant who gave me the all clear to drive. The consultant sent me a letter confirming this. I applied for my driving licence to be reinstated and from memory I think it took about 4 weeks, wasn't too bad.

If you surrender your driving licence for medical reasons you are entitled to a free bus pass. Nothing to do with being an OAP.

Yes, surrendered twice because of epilepsy. Free bus pass came quickly too. Start the process of getting your licence back as soon as you can. Mine didn't drag on but my Dr and neurologist were both fast movers. The dvla should be able to give you the right forms and also let you know where your application is during the process. I've found them really kind and helpful each time.

I was entitled to a free bus pass when I had to surrender driving licence for medical reasons so depends on the medical reason. Yes not driving is horrid, I had to change jobs because travelling to work on public transport took an hour and a half as opposed to a 20 minute car journey. You have my sympathy.

As pp said, watch out for it being a short term licence and if it is, reapply about three months before it runs out. I got one year, then three years and now I'm on a five year one. The dvla will send you a reminder, but put it in your diary anyway, just in case. And watch out for categories being removed. My old license let me drive up to lgv or Luton van size. This one its small vans and cars or smaller.

My mother got hers back after a few weeks - I am sure it was less than a month (after cataract surgery).

Yes.
I sold my car.
I have a bus pass and an uber account.
For now that works well.
Once I can no longer walk I guess it will get more difficult.
It took over 3 months to get the DVLA response but I had stopped voluntarily anyway.
No way do I want to put anyone at risk.

Free bus pass or freedom pass in London if unable to drive for medical reasons. I love my freedom pass.

My DP had to. He fought for it back and it took 3 very stressful years, even with his own GP and MH Team AND several Drs they had appointed themselves, telling them he was fit to drive.

I did. I have a free bus pass.
I haven't asked for the driving licence back though, because the medical condition will not change.

Not surrendered but DH has a medically restricted licence which means he has to reapply every so many years. He reapplied last September and still doesn't have it back despite his consultant sending the info back before Christmas.

Thanks everyone, sounds like it can take a very long time. I will look into free bus pass thing, I had no idea that was a thing.

What sort of medical conditions do you have to surrender your licence for and what would happen if you didn't

There are lots of medical conditions and medication that can mean you have to surrender licence, not sure what would happen if you didn’t but I should think it would invalidate insurance. Doctors tell you if you can’t drive and you are meant to abide by their opinion and then send your licence off.

My husband's driving license was cancelled temporarily due to being diagnosed with a health problem (god ill never forget how grey he was when he told me) he got his fit to drive and i think he was driving again within a month

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1
www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

Look for your local council offerering free or reduced travel if you can no longer drive due to a medical condition

My last seizure was last September. Hoping to get my licence back this September. I've been told to apply 8 weeks in advance so will be doing so in a weeks time.

...and yes to free bus pass and reduced rail card.