🚗💥 “I Couldn’t Drive for 10 Months Due to a DVLA and GP Stand-Off” 😤
Hannah Stevens, a bright-eyed 19-year-old from Porth, found herself caught in a 10-month game of tug-of-war between the DVLA and her GP. After being diagnosed with epilepsy at 14, Hannah’s doctor assured her she could start her driving journey at 18. 🎓🚦
But just weeks after receiving her provisional licence in December 2023, two unexpected seizures forced her to surrender it. She spent a year seizure-free and hoped to finally take to the roads before uni life swept her away. Yet, a prolonged delay in communication rocked her plans, leaving Hannah watching friends drive while she hitchhiked her way around.
The issue? Her GP was stuck in administrative loops, requesting a DVLA fee confirmation while Hannah’s family eagerly offered to pay to expedite things. The DVLA, on the other hand, insisted the payment was made. 🤯
Hannah recalls, “The excitement of getting my licence turned into a long game of ‘who’s waiting for who’.” Her dreams of a smooth road to independence dwindled, as did the chance of securing an apprenticeship, forcing her to opt for university instead. 🏫
The turning point? A shout-out to politician Rhys ab Owen MS who helped break the stalemate. Thanks to him, at last, 10 months later, Hannah was back in the driver’s seat. 🌟
Reflecting, Hannah shares the practical struggles of university life without a licence – from the risk of using her passport as ID on nights out to the hassle of relying on others for lifts. “My life could’ve been so different if things went smoothly,” she says. 🌆
She’s now balancing her Medical Engineering degree with driving lessons. While Hannah is thrilled to finally kickstart her journey, she voices a concern for others caught in similar bureaucratic limbos, wishing it didn’t require political intervention to bridge the gap. 🤝
The DVLA stated they aim for quick decisions but rely on timely information from medical professionals. Let’s hope for smoother roads ahead for everyone! 🚘🔜