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Hi
Had a letter today from DVLA saying they have revoked my driving licence.
I sent them an SL1 form as I have recently been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
My consultant said don't drive if you feel more sleepy than usual. I had already been self sanctioning before he said this. I dont want to die in an RTC or hurt anyone else! So I have not been driving when I feel extra tired after a bad night and have had to take the last 3 months out of work to address the CPAP struggle as the 2 things weren't compatible.
Since July I have been on CPAP but struggle with it. over 50% of people with diagnosed OSA don't manage CPAP and give up with it.
I don't see that I have a choice BUT to manage it however long it takes.
I am a rule follower so I told DVLA about the diagnosis on their SL1 form.
Their form states that if you do not sign the declaration and have moderate to severe OSA then you will only be allowed a 3 year class 1 (car) driving licence'
I took this to mean that I had to sign the declaration if I wanted to keep my licence.
Their form further states that- in order to regain/maintain your licence you had to satisfy 3 criteria-:
* Comply with treatment and undergo regular medical reviews- I am doing this
* Notify DVLA if condition changes
* Not drive if my condition would make driving dangerous -I am already doing this.
despite this DVLA have revoked my driving licence. So what is the point of the declaration exactly?
They say I can appeal and if that fails I can go to court.
In the meantime I cannot carry on my profession and earn a living (so will lose my home).
I cannot afford legal representation.
what the hell do I do?
DVLA is very risk averse after the Glasgow Bin lorry crash and I can fully appreciate that and accept completely that we all need to be protected from incidents such as that.
I have been nothing but sensible and taking measures to manage my condition in a way that does not impact on others well before the clinicians had any input with regards to this condition.
whilst I try to get to grips with CPAP I have limited driving to 5 mins to a local supermarket. After a night of fighting with the CPAP I havent driven at all if I feel impaired in the slightest. I am not prepared to take the risk.
Bottom line is that I can't do my job without driving and I have to work. I am 56 years old - not a lot of time to retrain for a new profession.
Help ! Any advice gratefully received
Molly
Had a letter today from DVLA saying they have revoked my driving licence.
I sent them an SL1 form as I have recently been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
My consultant said don't drive if you feel more sleepy than usual. I had already been self sanctioning before he said this. I dont want to die in an RTC or hurt anyone else! So I have not been driving when I feel extra tired after a bad night and have had to take the last 3 months out of work to address the CPAP struggle as the 2 things weren't compatible.
Since July I have been on CPAP but struggle with it. over 50% of people with diagnosed OSA don't manage CPAP and give up with it.
I don't see that I have a choice BUT to manage it however long it takes.
I am a rule follower so I told DVLA about the diagnosis on their SL1 form.
Their form states that if you do not sign the declaration and have moderate to severe OSA then you will only be allowed a 3 year class 1 (car) driving licence'
I took this to mean that I had to sign the declaration if I wanted to keep my licence.
Their form further states that- in order to regain/maintain your licence you had to satisfy 3 criteria-:
* Comply with treatment and undergo regular medical reviews- I am doing this
* Notify DVLA if condition changes
* Not drive if my condition would make driving dangerous -I am already doing this.
despite this DVLA have revoked my driving licence. So what is the point of the declaration exactly?
They say I can appeal and if that fails I can go to court.
In the meantime I cannot carry on my profession and earn a living (so will lose my home).
I cannot afford legal representation.
what the hell do I do?
DVLA is very risk averse after the Glasgow Bin lorry crash and I can fully appreciate that and accept completely that we all need to be protected from incidents such as that.
I have been nothing but sensible and taking measures to manage my condition in a way that does not impact on others well before the clinicians had any input with regards to this condition.
whilst I try to get to grips with CPAP I have limited driving to 5 mins to a local supermarket. After a night of fighting with the CPAP I havent driven at all if I feel impaired in the slightest. I am not prepared to take the risk.
Bottom line is that I can't do my job without driving and I have to work. I am 56 years old - not a lot of time to retrain for a new profession.
Help ! Any advice gratefully received
Molly
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