A reader who suffered a spinal cord injury in August 2024 voluntarily surrendered their driving licence to the DVLA, only for the agency to revoke it instead. This has made it far more difficult to regain the licence. The reader states, 'I voluntarily handed in the licence, but the DVLA’s action has made it far harder for me to get it back.'
After the surrender, the reader was told they needed a medical driving assessment to reclaim the licence. However, they cannot take the assessment without a licence. The reader is now on their third application, having submitted evidence from a spinal consultant and an off-road driving assessment confirming they can drive with hand controls. Despite submitting this two months ago, the DVLA has not provided an update.
DVLA Blames High Demand
The DVLA attributes the delays to 'exceptionally high demand' from drivers with medical conditions, which has affected processing times. The agency says it is introducing a new system to address the backlog. After the reader's contact, the DVLA belatedly sent an application for a provisional disability assessment licence, which should have been provided a year ago. The agency also advised applying for a DVSA appraisal, for which the reader would need to bring their own vehicle.
However, the reader does not own a vehicle because they need to be assessed for one with suitable hand controls, and a licence is required before the most suitable options can be evaluated. Driving Mobility offers assessments for drivers with medical conditions, and the DVLA should have referred the reader to these services.
How to Seek Help
Readers with similar issues can contact Consumer Champions via email at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or by writing to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of letters are subject to terms and conditions.
