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Revoked Driving Licence - Tony Webb

A friend of mine has had her driving licence revoked by the DVLA because of information received alleging alcohol dependence.

She does have a history of alcohol related issues, but has never been disqualified due to a drink driving offence.

If she attends an independent medical examination at a DVLA approved doctor, can she expect an unbiased report, and if the independent examination is found in her favour, will she be able to override the DVLA decision and have her licence re-instated?

Revoked Driving Licence - Middleman

Before you worry about whether an unbiased report will be provided, where exactly did this information come from, and what does it consist of?

Edited by Middleman on 30/12/2017 at 20:28

Revoked Driving Licence - RT

A friend of mine, who wasn't in the best of health but all issues disclosed to DVLA, received a DVLA revokation in the post, out of the blue - his GP said he hadn't notified DVLA as he supported my friends ability to drive - his two consultants said the same thing. DVLA refused to divulge any information about how/why they made their decision.

Eventually, after appealing the revokation with the support of his GP and both consultants, his licence was returned with no additional restrictions but no explanation - it took 18 months.

Revoked Driving Licence - Theophilus

If she attends an independent medical examination at a DVLA approved doctor, can she expect an unbiased report, and if the independent examination is found in her favour, will she be able to override the DVLA decision and have her licence re-instated?

Yes, certainly an unbiased report: based upon a credible & truthful history of the individual's drinking habits, physical examination and blood tests for liver enzyme changes & red blood cell changes indicative of continuing alcohol consumption.

These blood tests are ultimately the "gold standard" in which a decision is made - if raised beyond the DVLA limits the licence will not be reinstated. It is advisable to abstain from alcohol for at least 3 months before the examination to allow time for these tests to return to normal levels.

Revoked Driving Licence - 520i

If it takes three months for an individual's blood alcohol levels to return to 'normal', surely it is indeed questionable whether they should be driving? And indeed likely questionable whether they're likely to be able to abstain for that long anyway?!

Revoked Driving Licence - Theophilus

If it takes three months for an individual's blood alcohol levels to return to 'normal', surely it is indeed questionable whether they should be driving? And indeed likely questionable whether they're likely to be able to abstain for that long anyway?!

I couldn't possibly comment .... !

However, I should perhaps clarify that it doesn't take 3 months for an individual's blood alcohol level to revert to normal (probably within 12-24 hours for most of us), but it can take 3 months for the liver enzyme changes and red blood cells to return to normal - these are the markers that the DVLA medical advisors look at to ascertain whether a driver still has an unhealthy drinking habit and thus poses an ongoing risk if their licence is reinstated.

Edited by Theophilus on 04/01/2018 at 12:55

Revoked Driving Licence - HGV ~ P Valentine

It does not take 3 mths for the alcohol to disappear from the system, what rubbish. It also depends on what you eat before and after as to how intoxicated one is, and also your build. Give it 24 hours and you will pass any machine, or blood test.

Revoked Driving Licence - alan1302

It does not take 3 mths for the alcohol to disappear from the system, what rubbish.

That's what the post above yours says

Revoked Driving Licence - Theophilus

Give it 24 hours and you will pass any machine, or blood test.

You may be 30 years a "Professional driver", but unfortunately your statement is completely inaccurate.

Whilst blood alcohol levels (such as those tested by the police surgeon) return to normal, generally within 24 hours; the liver enzyme & red blood cell changes that the DVLA medical examiner is required to arrange, and to send results to the DVLA assessor, do not return to normal within a few days - 3 months is a reasonable time-frame.

40+ years a medical professional!

Revoked Driving Licence - HGV ~ P Valentine

The only way DVSA would do this is if someone sent them a letter, the dvla can only accept reports from qualified doctors, and only those approved by them, and yes it will be unbiased, although

no one likes people who drink and drive, regardless of the limit, suggest to your friend she stays off the alocohol all together if she is driving, both on the day and the night before or get a flamin cab.

Edited by 30 yr's a Professional Driver on 10/01/2018 at 12:16

Revoked Driving Licence - RT

The only way DVSA would do this is if someone sent them a letter, the dvla can only accept reports from qualified doctors, and only those approved by them, and yes it will be unbiased, although

no one likes people who drink and drive, regardless of the limit, suggest to your friend she stays off the alocohol all together if she is driving, both on the day and the night before or get a flamin cab.

Not my friend's experience (not alcohol though) - neither his GP or his two consultants had reported him, and they all supported his application to be reinstated

Revoked Driving Licence - HGV ~ P Valentine

someone did before that else she would not have had it taken off in the first place.

Revoked Driving Licence - HGV ~ P Valentine

"A friend of mine has had her driving licence revoked by the DVLA because of information received alleging alcohol dependence."

Above is what you typed, stating that it was a female friend, alleged means someone accused her of having a drink problem to DVSA.

All I am saying is that they wouid not have done anything from a phone call unless it was put in writing by someone.

Edited by 30 yr's a Professional Driver on 10/01/2018 at 17:16