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I lost my driving license around 6 years ago due to a depressive episode.
I had post natal depression stemming from living within a violent domestic abusive relationship alongside life threatening physical health after the birth of my son and being unable to cope. I went to the relevant mental health services to get help. My husband had never liked me driving and said I now had to inform the dvla, which I did and my license was revoked. I wasn't well so had no problem with their decision despite the medical professionals around me being somewhat surprised owing to the level of unwell patients they treat that were still able to drive.
During my year off driving I went back to the doctors and mentioned I was drinking more and wanted to access some support as I didn't want to fall into routine of needing it to help me unwind or sleep. I also wanted support as my husband was an alcoholic and wanted to speak to someone in the know after his behaviour had changed so dramatically and I felt helpless (he passed away 3 years ago due to drinking). My driving license was again revoked for alcohol dependence this time.
I've since followed all the requirements and had my yearly medical with no problems. I fled my home with my young son over 4 years ago with help from the police and courts and we now have a stable happy life.
My reason for posting is that it would appear I'm classed as a high risk offender despite not having one conviction, not even a parking ticket and no previous history of mental health or alcohol related concerns until that short period, nor would I ever set foot in a car after a drink.
Currently I have to have a medical review yearly with the dvla which is very stressful as it brings me right back to a very difficult time. It's the only thing holding me back living my life and causes constant worry about getting to work and the embarrassment of often needing to take my son to the medical while being asked 'when was I done for drink driving last' which I haven't, ever.
I have asked for SARS from my gp and the dvla and I cant find any information stating that I had alcohol dependency. Theres a few documents covering my mental health at the time but every time I go for my dvla medical they state this is solely to do with alcohol and not mental health...they have no idea why I'm being treated with such severity. I've spoken to mind for advice but understandably they can't see information from both sides but they did feel it was discriminatory on my statement of events.
Could they have missed something off the SARS, as I was under the impression that alcohol dependence was a diagnosis and I cant see anything? All the legal teams generally seem to deal with people of convictions trying to get overturned but I'm struggling to find much on this topic.
I so desperately want to move forward and noone seems to know when when this will all stop. The dvla are not the easiest to deal with so many thanks for any response or advice and I appreciate the whole thing sounds like a bit of a mess on paperwork.
I had post natal depression stemming from living within a violent domestic abusive relationship alongside life threatening physical health after the birth of my son and being unable to cope. I went to the relevant mental health services to get help. My husband had never liked me driving and said I now had to inform the dvla, which I did and my license was revoked. I wasn't well so had no problem with their decision despite the medical professionals around me being somewhat surprised owing to the level of unwell patients they treat that were still able to drive.
During my year off driving I went back to the doctors and mentioned I was drinking more and wanted to access some support as I didn't want to fall into routine of needing it to help me unwind or sleep. I also wanted support as my husband was an alcoholic and wanted to speak to someone in the know after his behaviour had changed so dramatically and I felt helpless (he passed away 3 years ago due to drinking). My driving license was again revoked for alcohol dependence this time.
I've since followed all the requirements and had my yearly medical with no problems. I fled my home with my young son over 4 years ago with help from the police and courts and we now have a stable happy life.
My reason for posting is that it would appear I'm classed as a high risk offender despite not having one conviction, not even a parking ticket and no previous history of mental health or alcohol related concerns until that short period, nor would I ever set foot in a car after a drink.
Currently I have to have a medical review yearly with the dvla which is very stressful as it brings me right back to a very difficult time. It's the only thing holding me back living my life and causes constant worry about getting to work and the embarrassment of often needing to take my son to the medical while being asked 'when was I done for drink driving last' which I haven't, ever.
I have asked for SARS from my gp and the dvla and I cant find any information stating that I had alcohol dependency. Theres a few documents covering my mental health at the time but every time I go for my dvla medical they state this is solely to do with alcohol and not mental health...they have no idea why I'm being treated with such severity. I've spoken to mind for advice but understandably they can't see information from both sides but they did feel it was discriminatory on my statement of events.
Could they have missed something off the SARS, as I was under the impression that alcohol dependence was a diagnosis and I cant see anything? All the legal teams generally seem to deal with people of convictions trying to get overturned but I'm struggling to find much on this topic.
I so desperately want to move forward and noone seems to know when when this will all stop. The dvla are not the easiest to deal with so many thanks for any response or advice and I appreciate the whole thing sounds like a bit of a mess on paperwork.
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