DVLA and mun

[Rachael81]

Hi all,

My mums just received her letter from the DVLA revoking her licence due to her health. She's recently diagnosed and the specialist who diagnosed her told her it was a reportable illness but that she should be fine to drive. I suspect that the licence was revoked due to history of a couple of mini-strokes as much as her new found vascular dementia, especially as the stroke specialist skirted round the issue a bit but seemed to hint towards her not driving - but this was back in July and mum has forgotten this.

Now mums wanting to appeal, or at least go to GP to discuss and seems convinced she'll be able to get her licence back. I agree with the DVLA as I'd hate to see my mum get hurt behind the wheel, or hurting any one else whilst she's driving. When the mini strokes have happened she's admitted to feeling a little out of sorts but not realised how ill she's been so she could decide to drive immediately after/during if she has the car. She's forgetful over the smallest things, so I'd also fear her forgetting to indicate and her reactions being quick enough. Luckily we car share so I can take it away and control her access to the passenger seat. But how can I explain, or should I let the GP explain?

Has anyone else had to deal with such a situation and is able to offer advise?

Thanks in advance,

Rachael

 

[1mindy]

Hi all,

My mums just received her letter from the DVLA revoking her licence due to her health. She's recently diagnosed and the specialist who diagnosed her told her it was a reportable illness but that she should be fine to drive. I suspect that the licence was revoked due to history of a couple of mini-strokes as much as her new found vascular dementia, especially as the stroke specialist skirted round the issue a bit but seemed to hint towards her not driving - but this was back in July and mum has forgotten this.

Now mums wanting to appeal, or at least go to GP to discuss and seems convinced she'll be able to get her licence back. I agree with the DVLA as I'd hate to see my mum get hurt behind the wheel, or hurting any one else whilst she's driving. When the mini strokes have happened she's admitted to feeling a little out of sorts but not realised how ill she's been so she could decide to drive immediately after/during if she has the car. She's forgetful over the smallest things, so I'd also fear her forgetting to indicate and her reactions being quick enough. Luckily we car share so I can take it away and control her access to the passenger seat. But how can I explain, or should I let the GP explain?

Has anyone else had to deal with such a situation and is able to offer advise?

Thanks in advance,

Rachael

I had exactly the same with my OH. He was going to the police to get re tested ,he thought I had stopped him driving. I would have done if DVLA hadn't beaten me to it. I made the right noises said we'd go tomorrow. They couldn't fit him in until 2 months hence etc. It's not gone away and he raises it from time to time I'm still making the right noises, he still doesn't drive.

 

[john51]

As someone who had their license taken away by DVLA I would let your mum blame the nameless 'them'. It's probably better than getting in the firing line. Despite being annoyed really I was quite glad not to feel pressured into driving

 

[Sylje]

I let DVLA know when I was diagnosed with early onset mild Alzheimers, and am currently being reviewed annually. I'm not sure who they will check with at that point, possibly my doctor, I guess. I had half hoped they would say no altogether.

I don't go very far though, because there are only 3 places I'm still confident I can find, and they are all close by. I had to take my Dad to hospital a few months ago, and then couldn't find my car when we got back, and had to ring my daughter to come and rescue us - don't trust myself any more

 

[Curlie75]

DVLA - Again

Hi Rachel

I am fairly 'new' to Talking Point, so still feeling my way around just a bit. I hope, then, that you will receive this message.

OK my husband, John, had his driving licence revoked, unceremoniously, on 8th January 2016....except they didn't tell him until around the 25th January! Consequently, if he had had an incident happen while out driving and, yet, had no idea that his licence had been revoked - if the Police had then informed him, this would have come as a double shock! DVLA are still messing John around - they've said he can drive again, but have not sent back his licence.... because they are now going to write to the consultant neurologist (three months later!) for a report. John is diabetic type two - in addition he has now been diagnosed with vascular cognitive impairment but the consultant added "Alzheimers cannot be ruled out". He has also had in the last year two mini-strokes - leastwise the ones we know about. My feeling is that the DVLA should not reinstate John to drive.... but the way in which they have handled this has been difficult for John, understandably. We are still waiting for their 'verdict'. But, like you, Rachel, I would prefer if John doesn't drive again.... this is hard for a man, taking away his independence. I wish you all the very best and am sorry to read that this has happened for your Mum.

Kind Thoughts
Aileen (Curlie)

 

[Amy in the US]

A very important lesson I have learned is that you have to carefully consider not only the message, but also the messenger, and that the adult child is usually the worst choice of messenger for something the parent won't want to hear (true whether or not there is dementia involved).

I would definitely let the GP and/or the DVLA and/or anyone else deliver the message and take the blame. You don't want your mum blaming you as this will do neither of you the least bit of good.

Also remember that you cannot reason with dementia, and it can be difficult to explain things as well. You may get on better with saying, well, Mum, the DVLA have said you can't drive for now. Let me drive to the (store, doctor, hairdresser) today. I know you would prefer to drive and that you are upset about it; however, this is just the way it is for now. Oh, look, it's that cafe you like, shall we stop for a cup of tea and some cake?

I know it's not easy. Best wishes to you.

 

[chick1962]

There are driving assessments specially for these illnesses . My Oh had his licence revoked one diagnosed but he went to a driving assessment which takes 4 hours and consists of a 2 hour mental assessment and 2 hour driving. He passed with zero faults and had his licence reinstated . It's a yearly one and so needs to have medical records looked at every year . So far he is in his 5th year of early onset AZ and still driving fine


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[maryw]

Hi Rachel, my husband had a major stroke 3 years ago and the MRI revealed numerous past strokes. I know he was banned from driving for a short period, DVLA wrote to his consultant and amazingly he was passed fit to drive. Oh my goodness this worried me enormously as he has to all extent and purposes lost the fine motor use of his right hand and arm! I wrote in confidence to his GP about my concerns and he backed me up and referred hubby for a full physical and cognitive driving assessment. Hubby passed this but his licence has now been changed to only being allowed to drive an automatic with adapted controls. His licence will soon be up for review again. It was much better that the idea of an assessment came from the GP rather than me!!

 

[Sailaway_today]

Driving

I had exactly the same with my OH. He was going to the police to get re tested ,he thought I had stopped him driving. I would have done if DVLA hadn't beaten me to it. I made the right noises said we'd go tomorrow. They couldn't fit him in until 2 months hence etc. It's not gone away and he raises it from time to time I'm still making the right noises, he still doesn't drive.

My mom thinks she should be able to drive and it's a really big issue, my dad stopped her from driving about 2 years ago, but she can't remember that and thinks that my brother and I have stopped her. As Her licence was up for renewal she completed the form with my brothers help, at the question do you have times of confusion she wanted to say no but was persuaded to say yes! After receiving the first letter from the Dvla which I have to say was as clear as mud, we wrote back asking for clarification, now we have been told she needs to get the dr to decide if she is fit to drive, well I just know the first questions is going to be how does the dr know I am not fit to drive? Followed by but I just need a few refresher lessons.

It has to be the single biggest issue we have to deal with, we arranged an off road , learner driver session, at one of the places where they get under 17's driving, so there were a few cars about but nothing major. As mom could get the car moving and managed to drive she can't see why she can't drive, and blames the instructor who took her out as the course of the problem and goes on about having had a clean licence for x number is years and not having an accident.
It's a nightmare and is always part of any conversation and we are blamed for taking away the indpendence, but there is no doubt in my mind she should not be driving, but there's needs to be a better way of assessing this and the DVla needs to be clear about what is saying.

 

[MrsTerryN]

Definitely agree with letting the big baddie take the blame. You can make soothing noises and commiserate but don't be the person who did it.

 

[chick1962]

My mom thinks she should be able to drive and it's a really big issue, my dad stopped her from driving about 2 years ago, but she can't remember that and thinks that my brother and I have stopped her. As Her licence was up for renewal she completed the form with my brothers help, at the question do you have times of confusion she wanted to say no but was persuaded to say yes! After receiving the first letter from the Dvla which I have to say was as clear as mud, we wrote back asking for clarification, now we have been told she needs to get the dr to decide if she is fit to drive, well I just know the first questions is going to be how does the dr know I am not fit to drive? Followed by but I just need a few refresher lessons.

It has to be the single biggest issue we have to deal with, we arranged an off road , learner driver session, at one of the places where they get under 17's driving, so there were a few cars about but nothing major. As mom could get the car moving and managed to drive she can't see why she can't drive, and blames the instructor who took her out as the course of the problem and goes on about having had a clean licence for x number is years and not having an accident.
It's a nightmare and is always part of any conversation and we are blamed for taking away the indpendence, but there is no doubt in my mind she should not be driving, but there's needs to be a better way of assessing this and the DVla needs to be clear about what is saying.

Just take her to one of the driving assessment centres which my OH has to go to every year. . She probably won't pass and they will take her licence away so none of you are the baddies . It's a DVLA one and it costs 5o pounds but thereafter it's free. . It's a 2 hour mental ability one followed by 1.5 hour drive with an instructor .


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[Spamar]

Agree with Chick. There are many of these driving assessment centres around and bad news from them is easier to bear. Certainly OH took it as final - eventually!
It seems that anyone with vascular dementia seems to get stopped driving almost automatically. Danger of Tia at any time, I suppose.

 

[Rich PCA Carer]

Hi Rachel,

Since the DVLA have already revoked her licence she would have to appeal and get agreement from the DVLA that she could take an assessment. In this case it seems that they have made up their minds and would probably need a very positive statement from the GP before even reconsidering.

I think it would be best to get the GP to spell it out for her and keep yourself out of the loop, apart from offering her the sympathy she needs to accept it.

Best wishes for a speedy resolution.


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[Neat212]

Hi my husband was diagnosed with AD on the 7th of March 2016, but we only received the diagnosis verbally/ officially on the 13th April at which point the Doctor suggested that he should not drive a lorry anymore. My husband did the right thing and told his employers he should stop driving but he hadn't yet informed the DVLA. His employers put him on desk duties and other duties which includes going out with other lorry drivers to assess their driving?! He was naturally gutted about this but hopeful that he may still be able to drive up to 7.5 tonnes on his normal licence. Sadly not the DVLA have revoked his HGV licence and he cannot drive vehicles 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, which put paid to his plans of driving smaller lorries. He has now been issued with an annual licence which he will have to be assessed for every year, his comment was 'who assessed me this year they just decided. We both feel angry that he was driving a lorry as normal after he was diagnosed on paper(7.3.16) but once we'd had the official news verbally he had to stop! He is the safest driver I know and because of his 31 yrs as a professional driver( he is 53)he is very aware of other road users and their driving often being able to predict their next move! At the moment his employers have been able to keep him doing something but he is not confident that they will be able to keep him on. He/we are rightly concerned about what he will be able to do next

 

[Trmaskell]

My sisters driving

My mom thinks she should be able to drive and it's a really big issue, my dad stopped her from driving about 2 years ago, but she can't remember that and thinks that my brother and I have stopped her. As Her licence was up for renewal she completed the form with my brothers help, at the question do you have times of confusion she wanted to say no but was persuaded to say yes! After receiving the first letter from the Dvla which I have to say was as clear as mud, we wrote back asking for clarification, now we have been told she needs to get the dr to decide if she is fit to drive, well I just know the first questions is going to be how does the dr know I am not fit to drive? Followed by but I just need a few refresher lessons.

It has to be the single biggest issue we have to deal with, we arranged an off road , learner driver session, at one of the places where they get under 17's driving, so there were a few cars about but nothing major. As mom could get the car moving and managed to drive she can't see why she can't drive, and blames the instructor who took her out as the course of the problem and goes on about having had a clean licence for x number is years and not having an accident.
It's a nightmare and is always part of any conversation and we are blamed for taking away the indpendence, but there is no doubt in my mind she should not be driving, but there's needs to be a better way of assessing this and the DVla needs to be clear about what is saying.

My sister has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 60, she has been deteriating for quite a few years now but we have only now got the prognosis.
I e mailed the dvla expressing my concerns about her driving, they sent her a questionnaire asking about her ability to drive, they had to send it twice as she didn't respond to the first one.
She sent it off just before we went to the memory clinic where she was diagnosed with Altzheimers. I contacted the dvla when we came home asking how long it would take for her to be stopped from driving. They told me it could take up to 4 weeks to respond!
I told them that my sister in the memory clinic could not recognise drawings of a camel, kangaroo, penguin, rhinoceros and a crocodile and did they think she would be able to understand any road signs or the sequence of traffic lights. The indifference by the dvla was staggering, I love my sister to bits but being along side of her while she is driving is like being on a roller coaster without being strapped in.
I am able to talk to her doctor about her medical state and ,thankfully, she has got in touch with the dvla to try and hurry them up. My sisters insurance company was no help either saying they could not do anything unless the dvla had informed them my sister had been told to stop driving, even the police said they were powerless as well, I can't even begin to imagine what would happen if she forgot what the difference between the brake and the accelerator was.
Hopefully things will get sorted out this week
Good luck to everyone trying to cope with this terrible illness, wether you are a carer, partner or family member, I am only just finding out how difficult and painful it is to see someone who was so clever, bright and funny disappear in front of my eyes
Regards
Terry

 

[Cat27]

Welcome to TP Terry

I'd be tempted to confiscate her keys or disable the car to stop her driving.

 

[Jshutuk]

DVLA and Dad

My Dad is approaching 87 and has Vascular Dementia, in the middle stages I think. He loves the independence of driving and is very proud of his ability and I know how devastated he would be to lose his licence, but I have had concerns about his driving in recent times. He had his third (that I am aware of) ischaemic stroke in February and since he wouldn't notify the DVLA I took the advice of a previous replier that an adult child should not be the one to have to deal with this with a parent and notified the DVLA anonymously. I am so grateful I took the replier' advice. the DVLA wrote to my father informing him that a third party felt that my father ought to be assessed for driving purposes. All hell broke loose, my father was livid that he had been 'shopped', he was incandescent with rage and I felt very guilty at the distress I had caused him and had genuine worry about the stress causing him to have a stroke. But I also held the thought that he could injure or kill someone if he was not capable. We had an awful few weeks. My Dad has never been an easy man, he has always been opinionated and controlling and the Dementia is making him aggressive. However, he did eventually calm down and he received a letter from the DVLA this week notifying him that he could drive for a further year and then be re-assessed. So glad I stuck to my guns. Very, very hard. I have just found out that his insurance is due for renewal on 1 June and in a casual discussion he has told me that he has never told the insurance company of his ischaemic strokes before (rubbish), so he has no intention of doing it this time. He used to be so responsible. Ding dong, end of Round One, wish me luck with Round Two.

 

[JLO21]

The Stress Over Driving

This is my first time visiting the Talking Point and I am reassured to read other member's stories about their battles with loved ones over driving.

My Dad (aged 76) finally got his AD diagnosis in February after 4 years of tooing and froing between specialists. His driving is the most worrying thing at the moment. Mum doesn't drive and she is now refusing to go anywhere further than the local shops with him as he forgets where he is going and how to get there despite living in the area his entire life. His excuse is always that they have changed the road layout...they haven't!

It is causing big rows between my parents as he has it in his head he wants to drive all over the country and go hiking like he did when he was 17...he seems to have forgotten he has an artificial hip now too! In all seriousness he has become like a petulant child over this and is getting quite aggressive about it. He is already on a 12 month restricted licence but like other posters have said, he is not happy about it. "What do DVLA know?" "If they take my licence off me I will just take my test again", "I've been driving 59 years and I am perfectly aware of everything around me" etc etc.

The consultant has suggested that he goes for an assessment. I am a little disgusted that there is a fee over over £100 for this. I am happy to pay for him to do it, but I do think that they should be free.

My mum is adamant that I would need to go with him as he wouldn't find the centre and we are not convinced that he would tell us the truth about what the assessor says.

Trouble is, as someone else has said, I don't want to be the baddie but it is probably better to me than mum as she has to live with him.

All comments and thoughts great fully received.

I never appreciated just how stressful an Alzheimer's diagnosis is for the whole family until now. Thank goodness for this forum!

 

[Trmaskell]

Welcome to TP Terry

I'd be tempted to confiscate her keys or disable the car to stop her driving.

Thanks Cat. She has now had her licence revoked but still thinks the dvla will let her drive if she keeps phoning them up. We have all told her as gently as we can that she will not be able to drive, I think it will take some time for her to come to terms with it.

 

[Spamar]

JLO21, get him to the centre and get him tested. They will probably make the decision, so you won't be the one at fault for stopping him driving. You could take the keys/ disable the car, but I'm guessing this will cause much, much trouble! If you think you can get away with it, OK. They said OH wasn't putting his foot on the brake firmly enough!

BTW, a new hip that's more than 6 weeks or so old and there isn't a problem is quite OK to walk or drive with, there should be no problem. I've had both hip and knee replacement and was doing a lot of walking once they had settled. I can't walk now cos of arthritis in all the other places that are difficult/impossible to replace!