Driving

Ears, nose and throat
1

Hi, went to ENT clinic yesterday, possible MD, but am waiting on appointment for MRI scan. Does anyone still drive when diagnosed with this condition or do you have to stop driving for good? I had an attack in November before that my last one was 2 years ago

2

Hi, you can still drive with md as long as you have got a letter from your doctor stating your symptoms are under control. I drive but only when my heads ok, so no driving on bad days. Xx

3

Thanks for that, no I did'nt drive on the day i had an attack, just did'nt want to lose my independence.x

4

I know what u mean, I thought that too, so I looked into it on the web x

5

Hi. I had to contact DVLA and filled in a form; its quite simple and just states that your condition is controlled by medication.

I have continued to drive but dont do long journeys and only when I am well. I always get pre-warning when I am going to be ill so have never had a problem with driving.

Stay positive and keep on this site for any advice.

6

My own view is that the key words from the DVLA are "sudden and disabling" dizziness.  I had two or three attacks, with a bit of warning 30 years ago, then nothing until very recently.  I talked it through with my then GP, and agreed that my ability to drive was not affected.  I'm now wondering whether I need to revisit this, and discuss first with my GP before contacting the DVLA.  Above all - I wouldn't hesitate to stop driving if I thought I might lose control & crash the car.  V similar to drinking & driving.

7

Thanks for replying, Dr has not put me on medication as my attacks are not that frequent, haven't had one since November and before that it was 2 years ago. He did'nt advise me to contact DVLA, I brought it into the conversation, even then he wasn't that concerned.

8

Same here, I do get some warning that I might have a bad day. Last attack I had was first thing in the morning as soon as I got up from a good nights sleep? I would talk to your GP first before DVLA.

9

As I understand it, every driver who suffers from a condition that causes dizziness needs to inform the DVLA.

The key thing seems to be whether you get any warning of attacks, and could pull over to the side of the road safely if you begin to feel ill.

In my case, I was diagnosed with Menieres in September 2014.  When I had vertigo, i did get a warning.  I've been able to control the Menieres with reduction in stress and a low sodium diet, and have been free of vertigo since 1st August 2014.

I put all this information on the form I sent to DVLA and about a month later they wrote back to confirm I can continue driving.

It in any doubt, look at the DVLA website - it tells you everthing you need to know