These pages are about driving laws in the UK. If you are looking for information about driving laws in another country, please contact your local epilepsy organisation.
Reviews
Sometimes the driving agency may make a decision that someone feels is unfair. In certain circumstances they may review their decision.
When the driving agency may review their decision
You can ask the driving agency to review their decision if you think:
- you have a wrong diagnosis; or
- there is a misunderstanding of your case; or
- there has been an administrative error.
A possible wrong diagnosis
If you think you have been wrongly diagnosed with epilepsy, you should first talk to your doctor. If necessary, ask to have another opinion from an epilepsy specialist. If your diagnosis changes, write to the driving agency, telling them you would like them to review their decision, and why. The driving agency will base their decision on whether you can have a driving licence on the information they get from you and your doctor.
A possible misunderstanding of your case
If you think the driving agency has misunderstood your case you, or ideally your doctor, should write to the driving agency with further details. You can also send them copies of any new, relevant, medical information that comes to light. This information may show that your diagnosis has changed, or that your case is, in some way, exceptional.
A possible administrative error
If you think the driving agency has made an administrative error, you should contact the driving agency, telling them what error you believe they have made. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may then want to seek legal advice.
When the driving agency may not review their decision
The driving agency may not review their decision if you don’t meet the epilepsy driving standards. In this instance it is not legally possible for them to issue you with a driving licence. There are no exceptions to this, even if you feel you really need a driving licence.
Appeals
Making a formal appeal
If your request for a review of the driving agency’s decision isn’t successful, and you still believe their decision is unlawful, you may decide to make a formal appeal. The driving agency should send you details of the appeals process at the time of the licence decision.
| Country | Who to appeal to | Time you have to appeal |
| If you live in England or Wales | Your local Magistrates’ Court | Six months from the date of DVLA’s decision |
| If you live in Scotland | Sheriff Court | 21 days from the date of DVLA’s decision |
| If you live in Northern Ireland | Your local Magistrates’ | Three months from the date of issue of the decision letter |
We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
-
Updated May 2011To be reviewed May 2013
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment...