Your obligations

You must tell the DVLA if you've had a limb amputated

You have a legal responsibility to notify the DVLA if you have any condition which may affect your ability to drive safely. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t notify them.

How do I get more information?

DVLA website: www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/driving-and-medical-issues

How do I inform the DVLA?

  • If you hold a car or motorcycle licence, complete form G1: www.gov.uk/amputations-and-driving
  • You should contact the DVLA by phone or letter if you are unable to download and return the G1 form.
  • Call 0300 790 6806. Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm and Saturday, 8am to 2pm
  • Post: Drivers Medical Enquiries, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU

What happens next?

  • The DVLA will normally send you a medical questionnaire (G1 form) asking you to give details of your injury and how it affects you. To save time you can get this from the goverment website: www.gov.uk/amputations-and-driving
  • They will ask you to give permission to contact your GP and\or your consultant. If you refuse to give permission, they can legally and automatically take away your licence.
  • The DVLA will use the information you provide and, if needed, will contact your GP or consultant, requesting more details
  • Trained staff and medical advisors who make the licensing decisions consider all the information. They work to guidelines issued by the Secretary of State’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel.
  • The DVLA aim to respond within 6 weeks and you will be notified in due course of their decision.

What can the DVLA decide?

They can conclude one of the following:

  • You may be allowed to keep your licence or get a new one.
  • Your licence may be withdrawn or your application turned down. If so, the reason for this decision will be explained to you and you will also be told when you can re-apply for a licence – e.g. six months or a year later.
  • You may be asked to take a driving assessment at a mobility centre, or to undergo an eye test or driving test before a final decision is made.
  • Your licence may require you to have special controls fitted to the vehicle that you drive, to enable you to overcome any physical disability.

Can I appeal against any decision?

The DVLA will explain why they made the decision and when you can reapply for your licence; if this is suitable. They will also send you a notice which will explain your right to appeal to a magistrates’ court.

Further information

The North East Drive Mobility centre is based at Walkergate Park, Newcastle. The service helps people to retain or regain independence as drivers and passengers. North East Drive Mobility provides independent assessment and advice to people with a medical condition or disability which may affect their ability to drive or use a vehicle as a passenger.

The North East Drive Mobility service offers:

  • A specialist, independent driving and passenger assessment which is clinically led by skilled and trained Mobility clinicians and driving advisers.
  • Assessment of driving ability, involving a  clinical assessment followed by in car assessment on an off road driving track area at Walkergate Park and also the public highway.
  • Recommendations on an individual’s ability to return to or commence driving or in some cases advice relating to ceasing driving.
  • Advice on vehicle adaptations and driver solutions.
  • A range of assessment vehicles with a variety of adaptations, including high-tech drive from wheelchair solutions.
  • Advice on getting into and out of a vehicle, including wheelchair stowage.
  • Specialist driving tuition, for clients who have previously been assessed at the Centre.
  • Information and advice service, including advice relating to the DVLA fitness to drive licensing process, and possible alternatives to using a car, eg community transport services

An outreach service is provided in Penrith for clients living in Cumbria at the Eden rural Foyer, Old London Road Penrith CA11 8ET

If you like your assessment to be in Penrith please note that all contact should be made via the details at Walkergate Park above.

Individuals may self-refer by contacting North East Drive Mobility directly. Tel 0191 2875090

Email northeast.drivembility@ntw.nhs.uk www.drvingmobility.org.uk

  • More information about driving with a health condition can also be found at: Gov UK driving medical conditions
  • It may also be useful to discuss your situation with your GP.
  • Contact us for details of local, specialist driving instructors.

The information in this leaflet is aimed at car drivers; the system may vary for drivers of other vehicles such as lorries, buses and coaches where regulations are much stricter. If you hold a bus, coach or lorry licence - Complete form G1V https://www.gov.uk

Contact Us

Prosthetic Department,
Specialist Rehabilitation and Mobility Centre,
Cumberland Infirmary,
Carlisle
CA2 7HY

Call 01228 814783

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302