Johnnie M

Noted Maureen. Did your husband get the same letter as I did? (see attachment in my previous post) If so, that'll help when we need to advise further. JohnnieM

Having re-read my earlier post I think it would be useful to add information about item 7 on the list in the letter from the DVLA as it has caused confusion in the past. Basically the DVLA just want to know that, despite your loss of vision, you have no trouble functioning in every day life. They want to have someone (such as a Doctor or Occupational Therapist) report that you can get bathed and dressed without aid, can do shopping by yourself, can cross the road, take a bus, etc etc. You know, all the normal stuff that life throws at you every day. I don't know where you live Maureen but I travel into London every day for my work and I have to admit that the visual loss, albeit peripheral, made crowds in the busy train and underground stations quite daunting. People coming from all directions, not being able to see people approaching from the right hand side. I got used to it very quickly and just moved my head to accommodate the need to see all the people on my right. Peripheral vision to the left took care of that side. It was hard at first but the only thing that was, to me, a challenge. It would be good to hear from you or your husband Maureen, if only to offer some comfort.

I should also ask Maureen, has he been for an Esterman test (as requested by the DVLA? If so, he should have received a formal letter from them providing the results in graph form and what his next step is. I am hoping that the letter is per my letter as attached in my post above. JM

Hey Maureen. You could have been writing about me in 2016! I believe that unless there is a visual loss that precludes your husband from ever getting his licence back, then he should hopefully be able to get it back, but he will have to be patient and will need to jump through some hoops. None of them are complicated but they are, nonetheless, important. I had peripheral loss of vision (IN BOTH EYES) and still do. I got my licence back 20 months after my stroke. Some take longer so don't give up! Please also be aware that there are those who drive with vision in only one eye. It is not, in the final analysis, about how much you can see but how well you can drive with the vision that you have. That sounds counter-intuitive but unless the loss of vision is profound and more central to the eyes then a small amount of visual loss on the periphery is perhaps not a biggie. Having said that, the DVLA have the final say on whether the licence is returned, even after all the doctors reports and the driving assessment. Some things to realise; there are many here who were in the same situation and are now happily back on the road, inc me. Once I received the letter from the DVLA revoking my licence but telling me that I could re-apply after a year (subject to certain criteria) I never ever felt that I wouldn't get my licence back. My wife was less sure than I but she is not a great fan of being behind the wheel. Chauffering is not her idea of a fun time and passengering is not mine! I presume, although you do not say, that he has received such a letter from DVLA and it states that he is able to re-apply after a year, so long as he has had no recurring 'stroke event'? See attached (part) letter that I received from DVLA on that fateful day when my licence was revoked. I have highlighted the parts he needs to focus on a tried to offer a little explanation for each 'hoop' that needs to be jumped through. Let us know where you are with the matter and what letters, if any, you have received and we will be able to help. In two weeks time I shall be going out to Spain to 'hoon' around in my car with other like minded pals. It is like a dream holiday for me as there were time when I had to resign myself to the fact that I may not drive again. I never gave up and pushed through till the glorious day when I was told I would get my licence back (May 24th 2017 at 4.36 if I remember rightly. 😀). I am also going to tell you to keep posting here and giving us updates. Better still, get your husband to post here. I am always happy to spend time keeping someone's spirits up! If your husband hasn't received the above letter, or some form like it, then you must let us know where he is with the DVLA at the moment and we can then, hopefully, guide you to dealing with it. You should get your husband to read this section (not just this thread) top to bottom. There is much here to give hope and information. All the very best to you and your hubby. Also, get your husband a bike and tell him to ride to the gym. 😉 DVLA Letter.pdf

Holy thread revival Batman!! So, how's the process of getting your licence back going GC? It's gone so quiet that there may not be anything to relate but have you had any luck, or forward movment, with the DVLA application? JM

Thanks for the response GC. Keep in contact and let us know how you are getting on. JM

I have been wondering if there is any update from GCoutt? It seems to have gone quiet but we do, of course, already know that the wheels of DVLA industry turn painfully slowly!

Welcome GCoutt. Although most of us are neither medical practitioners nor working for DVLA in their medical team, we hope to be able to give you a steer and maybe some hope! It seems like you have been through the mill a bit but I think there is certainly a good chance that you can get your licence back. There may be some hoops to jump through (all well documented in this and other threads in this section) and it may take some time! A read through some of the threads in this section will give you a good idea of what the DVLA expect of you when you have a visual defect. You, however, have come from a different place as your licence was revoked for other reasons. I'm afraid I know nothing about the DVLA rules in respect of operative, or post operative, regulations about driving abilities. Unless someone here can make that clear, you may need to discuss that with them separately. For instance, would they now give you your licence back if you didn't have a visual defect? If they would, you know that you only have the 'visual defect' hoop to jump through. If not, you may have to take a two-pronged approach. With respect to the visual defect matter, you are sensible to have taken the Esterman test at Specsavers although I suspect they may ask you to do so again so that they can receive a formal report from Specsavers under their own system. It seems that the DVLA like to instruct Specsavers themselves (DVLA pay for it, so you don't have to suffer the cost again) so that they can explain properly the reason for the test (despite the fact that you may have done this when you got the test done!). Once Specsavers issue the report to DVLA (or the DVLA accept the report sent by you with your re-application) they will let you know whether you can a) drive again, or b) need to jump through some hoops. If you need to jump through hoops you will receive a letter that will explain what the hoops are. Once you have this letter, then come back with more questions. We are well versed in hoop jumping. There is no 'bucking the system' here and many of us have successfully regained our licences (oh, deep joy!) but it may take time and patience on your part. What you have here is a bunch of people who know the frustrations of being without 'wheels' (I felt my heart leap with joy just thinking that I can drive again!) and will work tirelessly to help you through the tribulations to regain freedom of the road. Fill out that re-application form and send in that information. In the meantime we will keep our fingers crossed that the news is good for you but steel ourselves to be of assistance. Bon chance!

Fantastic news Dave. Another success story. Be careful out there in the snow! JM

Not at all Finollie. They only want to know that the revokation of the licence is due to health issues and that the DVLA have subsequently been happy to sign these off and give you your licence back. Had you had your licence revoked due to drink driving then it certainly would increase. In this case not.

What a fantastic thing to read on my way to work Finollie. I am so pleased that all went well and by the sounds of it you are a few short weeks away from being mobile again. I always liken it to the day that you got your first bicycle as a child. Freedom of the open road. Freedom of movement. Freedom to go wherever your heart desires without recourse to bus, train or tram timetables! I still get a joyful feeling each time I get into my car, even if it is just for a trip to do a weekly shop. When I first bought a TVR (I don't have it now but did have it for 7 glorious years), my wife asked me to pop out for a pint of milk. It took me two hours and around 60 miles to get that pint. Luckily she wasn't hankering for a cup of tea, otherwise there may have been something to answer for! The next stage may be somewhat frustrating. It will take the test centre up to a week to issue their report to the DVLA (Call them and ask them to fax it to the DVLA as well as posting it - it will speed things up). Once the DVLA have it, it will take up to five days to 'get on their system'. I suggest you chase up the test centre after three days from the date of your test. Once they have confirmed that the report has been faxed to the DVLA, chase the DVLA around four days after they have received it. It is then in the lap of the Gods as to how long they take to report to you that your licence is returned. If you have a case manager, phone them every day after you know that it is formally on the DVLA's system. They are really nice about it and generally very helpful. One day soon you'll hear them say that they have approved you having your licence back. It is a glorious day and I am looking forward to hearing all about it. You do not have to wait to get the licence in your hand! Just make sure that you ask them if it is OK for you to drive and get the name of the person that said it, just in case of confusion somewhere along the line. From a practical point of view, call your insurers and make sure that you have insurance agreed and ready to go once you have your licence returned. I did this and was able to give my insurance company an email to say that I was allowed to drive again. Once they received the email my insurance was valid from 12 midnight of the date of the email. Hence, I was ready to go!

That is, if I may say, wonderful news Finollie!! Yay! We have lots of advice on the practical assessment but we can let you know more when it is in the diary. Once you have applied then make sure you ask the assessment centre for a cancellation. Let us know where you'll be doing it as someone here may already have attended that centre. I did mine in Carshalton in SE London. It may also be sensible to ask the DVLA if you could have a provisional licence until you get your assessment done. I had one for about three weeks before my assessment and it really helped my confidence on the road and particularly enabled me to pinpoint if there were deficiencies of which I needed to be aware. You'll have to have L Plates, always be accompanied by someone who has had a clean licence for 3 years + and you cannot go on Motorways. Give them a call and see what they say. Come back here when you have a date for the provisional and we can tell you all about the assessment. Excellent end to my working day!!

Finollie If the visual defect has been present for 12 months and you have already had reports from the various consultants or doctors confirming 1) the event was an isolated event and is a non progressive condition 2) That there are no other vision issues or defects or progressive conditions present - Your consultant opthalmologist should be able to confirm this 3) Sight in both eyes (the Esterman test shows this anyway) 4) No other diplopia - Your consultant opthalmologist should be able to confirm this 5) No other impairment of vision - Your consultant opthalmologist should be able to confirm this. It seems to me that you just need to get your doctor (or, if he/she is not prepared to provide a letter, an occupational therapist) to confirm that, despite your visual defect, you are able to go about your normal daily life without a problem. It's about getting dressed, shopping, crossing the road, getting to and from work or other places that you frequent etc etc. My doctor wrote a letter to me for forwarding to the DVLA. It seems to me that there is a good case for you although I note your vision loss is right in the middle of your field of vision. I am not sure if this might be negatively viewed by the DVLA. PS. I had a letter from my consultant stating that she 'supported my application to get my licence back'. She would probably never write that I should have my licence back as she recognises that only the DVLA can make that decision and they must apply their own rules. She could not possible know the fullest extent of their decision-making criteria. I wish you luck.

Hi Finollie, Sorry to hear that things are not progressing. Why can your consultant opthalmologist not give you a letter confirming that 'in his opinion' you should be able to drive? It seems weird that he wont do that. Have you asked? Once you have a letter stating as such from him then issue this to the DVLA and ask them to open a case to consider you for getting your licence back under the 'exceptional case' rules. You don't state what it is that you have done so far with the DVLA or what it is that the DVLA said in response. Always put everything in writing so that you have a paper trail. Not so necessary after you have a case number confirming you are being considered to get your licence back but would be useful at this stage. You are unlikely to get your licence back if the loss of vision is 'hemianopia' (half your peripheral sight). If the loss it classified as quadrantanopia (roughly a quarter of your sight) then there is a good chance. Are you able to post your Esterman test results here? I posted a PDF file of the exceptional case requirements in a post above here. Read them carefully and see if you can tick each of them off. If you can get all the tests and reports together and can show that the event was a one-off, perhaps you can then send them to the DVLA and ask for consideration to be made for you to get your licence back. You need to take the bull by the horns I'm afraid and fight your corner. Show them absolutely that you can reach all their criteria! You can do it! Good luck!

Hey Swishy. It is good for us all to hear about rules and regulations in other parts of the world so thanks for your input. I am not a legally trained (except in Property/real estate matters) but my view is that, to protect yourself (and other road users) you should get WRITTEN confirmation from your neuro consultant that he thinks that you are OK to drive and issue a copy of that letter to your car insurers to make sure they will continue cover. If you do not do this then you are opening yourself to complications if you have an accident and the insurance company wants to be slippery about it. You may have already done this. JM

Finollie. If I now reading things correctly, you have had your licence revoked AFTER you had the Esterman test at Specsavers in May 2018? If that is the case then you need to get on to the DVLA to let them know that you would like to understand if you will be able to apply for your licence back under the exceptional case rules. I have already posted what those rules are in my last post but you wont be able to apply using these rules until you are 'event' free for a year. Since you have already been event free I would suggest that you call DVLA and find out what it is you can do to get your licence back. I never passed the field of vision test to get my licence back and probably never will; hence the need to jump through the exceptional case hoops! So long as things are done methodically I was always of the opinion that I would get my licence back. And I did! I wish you all the best with it. Always ask more questions if you need to. Keep us informed!

Welcome Finollie. It sounds like a right old muddle to me. You must be so frustrated, not surprisingly in the circumstances!! Specsavers are the people that DVLA revert to for the initial visual field test (called an Esterman test) after the loss of vision. If it were me I would be hanging my hat on that test and applying for a new licence using, as you mentioned, the exceptional case rules. I attach a part copy of the letter (inc the exceptional case rules) that were issued to me when my licence was revoked in November 2016 following a poor result with Specsavers. If you apply the DVLA to have your licence reinstated then the first thing they will do is to send you to Specsavers for a test. This may result in you getting your licence back without any further ado and the licence will come back to you within a couple of weeks. If the Specsavers test doesn't do the trick they may well put your through the 'exceptional case' criteria; at which point there are some hoops through which one must jump. See attached list of criteria, all of which must be passed. Item 1 you have already passed so this is merely a date which you'll have to inform them in the accompanying letter. Item 2. You will need a letter from your doctor/consultant confirming that the 'event' was an isolated incident and there are no other reasons why you should have a similar 'event' in the future. You may already have a letter that shows this. Items 3, 4, 5 and 6 can all be dealt with by way of an appointment with a neuro opthalmologist. The DVLA will send you a letter asking you to make an appointment with such a consultant (they will choose one in your area - it may take 2 - 3 months to get an appointment!) and they will cover these areas and report back direct to the DVLA (they will do another, perhaps more rigorous, Esterman, field of vision test). Item 7 requires a letter/report from your doctor and/or an occupational therapist that confirms that you are able to do everything in your everyday life without the loss of vision causing an issue (getting dressed, cooking, going shopping, crossing the road etc etc). Once you have passed all these above criteria the DVLA will ask you to attend a driving assessment. It sounds like you'll pass with flying colours. I am pretty sure that the DVLA will let you have your licence back but you need to apply for it back. Out of interest, who revoked the licence? Was it the DVLA? If so, have they not issued you with a letter revoking the licence? If not, I would call them directly and speak to someone about it. If you have a case number then have that to hand as you'll need to quote it. If not then just tell them what you've told us. It all seems a bit of a nonsense to me. The DVLA is the ONLY arbiter of whether you can drive or not. Call them on 0300 790 6806. Good luck and let us know how you get on!! JM scan.pdf

Thanks you for all your lovely and welcoming responses. I have a lovely support system at home too and my grown up children make sure that I have a smile on my face. My more remote family (mum in New Zealand and Aunt in Vancouver) feel somewhat hide bound and useless but Facetime and Skype make depicting my condition so much easier. I can't imagine how people that are post-stroke, cope with telling loved ones that can't see them on a screen or face to face. So many different possible results for stroke victims. As I said, I couldn't tell my wife that I had had a stroke, even when I knew I had to stay in hospital. I mentioned it after the CT scan the following day. I knew she would have been worried but when the S word is mentioned the imagination kicks in and in my case, would have made things worse for her. When I walked in the door the following afternoon looking no different from the day before, she was really quite shocked but then completely understood my reluctance to explain before I did (although she didn't really like that ploy!).

Thanks so much Daffodil for your kind comments and encouragement. I posted initially because, having read a lot of the various posts in this website, I felt that almost everyone else had been so badly affected by their 'incident' that I felt somewhat fraudulent in being here at all. I can't say that the stroke I had has really made a massive difference to my existence (except the driving thing and the realisation that there could be worse around the corner!). I shall, however, continue to contribute if my experience may help others. That's what it is all about isn't it. Re your PS, yes it seems to be a marvellous job but I think most do it for the love of dance, singing and acting generally rather than to become wealthy. I had a bizarre night last night at the after party for the opening of Carousel, in which she appears with Alfie Boe, Katherine Jenkins and Nicholas Lyndhurst. There were so many acting greats there milling about and I even had a chat with Nicholas Lyndhurst, who was just lovely. I shall continue to bask in the reflected glory and skills of my daughter!

Thanks for the response Winb, you seem to have a fantastic attitude to the S word! I sing too! How mad is that?! I am a big musical theatre fan. I always have been ever since I saw Mary Poppins in the 60's I think! Luckily my daughter is now at the top of the musical theatre game and is appearing in Carousel at the London Coliseum with Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins! The trouble is that the songs in musicals always become earworms to me and often keep me awake at night. Whatever you do be careful if you ever go to see Half a Sixpence! It's amazing but the songs get stuck in your head! Hehe. All the very best to you. JM

Hi all! A relative newbie here; attracted to the site because I have quadrantanopia following an ischaemic stroke with haemorraghic transformation in the left occipital lobe. My driving licence has been revoked by the DVLA. Some of the post below is copied from another part of the site in which I responded to someone else's question so apologies if you've seen it before! I am just wondering where I fit in on this site. I have no idea what an SAH is and whether that correlates with what happened to me? Am I relevant here? Have others experienced what I experienced? I really don't want to waste the precious time of others but I think that I have had an experience that many others would benefit from knowing about. I am 56 years old and had no idea I had, or was having, a stroke. With strokes to the back of the head (I am told by a consultant) there are none of the signs that television adverts tell us to look out for in others. I was on the way to work and I had a headache at the top of my neck and back of my head, that is all. I am not prone to headaches. When I arrived at work, after a week off driving the mountains of the French Alps, I started typing an email and found that part of my right vision was missing. I thought it might have been a cricked vertebra in my neck pinching a nerve, or a detached retina. I went first to my Chiropractor. It wasn't a pinched nerve in the neck. I then took myself off to Moorfields eye hospital. The consultant said, "it's not your eyes so it must be neurological". It was then that the 'S' word was first mentioned! They put me in a taxi to University College Hospital and I stayed for 24 hours being prodded and poked and thoroughly checked out. CT scan, MRI scan, Physio coordination checks etc etc. The staff on the stroke unit were a marvel. I dared not tell my wife why I was in hospital because when a stroke is mentioned the immediate image that springs to mind is a massive loss of movement, not being able to walk or lift an arm, collapsed face and dribbling! I mean that in a tongue in cheek way but it is true; people always think the worst until they see you. My wife is the sort of person who would have panicked and rushed to see me when really there was no point in her making a massive journey to see me looking exactly as I was when I left first thing that morning. I was back at work a week later, although I imposed fewer working hours on myself as, luckily, I own my own business with four other guys and have very supportive partners and staff. Six months later I am back to where I was work-wise. Still trying not to stress too much though and still dreaming of getting back behind the wheel and joining my mates on the annual driving trip to Europe in 2018!