An update on this long-running saga, I still haven't had my licence back from the DVLA. I heard from them in late August saying they wanted further medical evidence from the hospital I attended some five years ago for a number of tests. Their medical team wrote to the specialist in charge of my case. Some time in late September I spoke to his secretary who said there was no letter from the DVLA. Back to the DVLA, they said they'd contact my GP. The GP said they didn't receive the letter. November DVLA wrote again to the hospital. This time the reply was that the specialist hadn't seen me for at least five years and could not comment on my current situation.
Back to the GP for a personal appointment on other matters, I asked the GP about the DVLA, he told me they no longer answer DVLA matters, refer to the specialist at the hospital...The GP commented that as I'm not a regular visitor there can't be much wrong with me! Quite likely, it may also because I can never get an appointment!
Back to the DVLA, same again, another letter to GP surgery.This time, early January this year got a short reply from the GP, unable to help! Last week a lengthy bout of Vivavldi's "Four Seasons"itis on hold to the DVLA, I'm told the matter has been referred back to their medical team for clarification. Not good enough, I asked to be referred to their complaints department... more of Four Seasons.. They agreed to elevate my case to the "urgent" department. The fact that I've been driving professionally carrying hundreds of people around in 12 tonne buses for well over 10 months without a valid licence must surely be a record by now.
How this is affecting me is that in early August one of the companies shut down with no notice. Redundant. I was advised to register with a couple of driving agencies. No luck as I didn't have a valid licence to show them, regardless of the s88 exemption. As it happens I'm still on the books of 2 other bus companies who accept what I say and understand the situation. But this week I needed to hire a van to move some stuff around. no valid licence card to show, so I can't hire a van, my partner can and she's having to drive. The other problem is that it restrict my ability to travel abroad, something I do about 4-5 times a year as I have a holiday home in the Ardennes. If I get stopped by police over there for something they are not going to know anything about a s88 exemption and I could be stuck there unable to drive back.
There's no sense of urgency to deal with vocational licences despite those licences being essential for the holder and is now preventing me from doing my job.I've told DVLA I will be claiming compensation for my loss and inconvenience. Licence renewal should be 4th March and my current medical will expire on that date. But my new licence (for last year) will only become valid for another year when it is eventually issued, so that will be out of snc with the medical!