informing DVLA

[numan]

I had a stroke in december 2014 and wasn't told that i had to tell dvla, didnt even enter my mind to be honest as i was paralyzed down left side and had no thoughts of driving. After six months of rehabilitation I am now fit enough to drive again but my problem is.... do i need to still inform dvla even if as my doc says im now perfectly capable.

[peterm41]

https://www.gov.uk/stroke-and-driving

 

 

From the Gov. website

[numan]

Thats the problem peter, yes at the time of stroke I wouldnt have been able to drive physically but now seven months later I can with no problems

[peterm41]

It says

 

 

"You only need to tell DVLA if you’re still having problems 1 month after the stroke"

 

 

Are you saying you had problems for 6 months after the stroke?

 

 

It's the drivers responsibility to inform the DVLA but 7 months have past and you're OK. Your doctor says you are ok to drive? If you inform the DVLA when you don't have to you are opening up a whole world of pain.

[mikeymack2002]

With the stroke did you have a bleed or blockage? Also did you have surgery to correct the stroke? Did you suffer any weakness to one side?

[numan]

With the stroke did you have a bleed or blockage? Also did you have surgery to correct the stroke? Did you suffer any weakness to one side?

blockage......no surgery and yes I did have a weakness left side

[mikeymack2002]

Thanks for the extra info.

 

 

As with all serious brain injuries the DVLA must be informed, The fact no surgery is a good thing. Since the DVLA will most certainly contact your medical team and ask for an assessment as to what if any residue damage has occurred. As you may know this will and could include memory and reaction time. As a side effect from a stroke your ability to respond could have been affected.

 

 

Are you still under a Consultant from the hospital that treated you? If so have you approached them for their medical opinion as to your ability to control a car? Their input will be needed for the DVLA to make a final decision. After some time in recovery your ability to resume normal activities will be closely assessed and I hope that you have not suffered any long term brain damage no matter how small.

 

 

Do you still require to be scanned by MRI/A/CT? If I may ask how long ago did you last drive? You will have been advised by your Consultant that you may suffer blackouts and fits, the DVLA has a strict criteria for being free from these, see the above link... Your personal ability may have been compromised without you knowing about it, as this shows up in time and after many different tests by your team. Please don't rush into getting behind the wheel again as you will need to be in full control of your car at all times, this causes stress and anxiety both not good for a sufferer of a stroke. I wish you well for your recovery.

 

 

On a side note have you had any contact with Headway at all? A worthwhile look into may be of assistance as could this site here http://web.behindthegray.net/index.php?/page/index.html I am not saying you need support or anything but this is and has some great info for fellow stoke survivors..

 

 

Good luck

[mikeymack2002]

I hope you don't mind me adding a further PDF for your reading although this is for a different type of stroke (SAH) it may be of use to you as it contains extra information and useful extras....

 

 

I have found this sheet to be of great use and help....