A driver who voluntarily surrendered their driving licence to the DVLA following a spinal cord injury in August 2024 has found themselves in a bureaucratic quagmire after the agency revoked it instead. The individual, who wished to remain anonymous, said the revocation has made it significantly harder to regain their licence.
After surrendering the licence, the driver was informed they needed a medical driving assessment to get it back, but they cannot take one without a valid licence. They are now on their third application, supported by evidence from a spinal consultant and an off-road driving assessment confirming they can drive with hand controls. The application was submitted two months ago, but the DVLA has yet to provide an update.
The DVLA cited “exceptionally high demand” from drivers with medical conditions as the reason for processing delays, and said it is introducing a new system to address the backlog. The driver also noted that the DVLA belatedly sent them an application for a provisional disability assessment licence, which should have been provided when they first applied a year ago.
The driver was advised to apply for a DVSA appraisal, for which they would need to bring their own vehicle. However, they do not own a vehicle because they need to be assessed for one with suitable hand controls, and require a licence before that assessment can take place. Driving Mobility, an organisation that offers on-road assessments for drivers with medical conditions, could help, but the DVLA should have referred the driver to its services.
