Anyone have experience of the DVLA suspending driving license?

[babyheaves]

I'm three weeks out of hospital now and was advised by my consultant to inform the DVLA of my MH condition, but he said that he didn't think I would be stopped from driving and hasn't advised me not to drive.

This isn't enough for the DVLA, sadly and they have suspended my license for a minimum of three months "from when the condition is stablised". Well I don't know when they will be counting me as stabilised. Is it from notification, or from when they hear back from my consultant?

This is really tricky as I'll be going back to work soon and travel to remote sites is part and parcel of what I do. Does anyone have experience of this and know how long it may take for me to get my license back or whether I will ever get it back.

While I won't have to be the designated driver for a long time, its scant consolation when I can't drive for the first time in 20 years.

If your consultant says your condition is stable, get him to write you or the DVLA a letter as soon as he can, then the three months will start from then.

this happens to me about every other year for six months (or actually it might be three? am not sure because I just ignore the whole thing although obviously am not suggesting anyone else does that) until the consultant says am stable, have insight and am compliant with meds - it took two years to get it back once, and then it had various restrictions on it

hope you get yours back soon

Thanks for the replies.

Me too Alameda!!

The annoying this for me is that I've only just been diagnosed with Bipolar II and have been driving, safely since I was 17 without incident. I have over 10 years no claims FFS.

But after a diagnosis, I'm suddenly incapable of driving. GRRRRRRR.

Happened to me after a psychotic episode & depression. I was " stable" by the time the dvla had finished their enquiries but they revoked my licence till I could prove I'd been stable for 3 months.
Licence was revoked on Xmas eve and I got it back at the end of march. When I got it back it was a one year licence. I had to reapply after a year and now I've got it back for 3 years.
Wish I'd never told them in the first place tbh. But I suppose it was the right thing to do

I did think they'd only suspend after a psychotic episode, and I didn't trip into psychotic; well, I was aware they were hallucinations .

It's v annoying, but I took the line that if I had an accident and it came out then, I could end up with a massive bill to pay.