C1 licence lapsed.
We’re looking at buying a very nice Hymer MLT570 Motorhome. Unfortunately the MTPLM is over 3500kg so I will need a C1 licence. I am over 70 and did not reapply for a C1 retention when I renewed in 2019. What do I need to do to have the C1 reinstated? I read about medicals and theory/practical tests, all seemingly aimed at drivers who never held a C1.
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Browse the following: Driving Licences. Then phone the DVLA helpline and they will assist. In essence you will have to reapply to have your C1 reinstated (assuming your are entitled), have a medical and submit it all for DVLA to consider.
My last application took 6+ months but as I already had the licence I was able to continue driving until they made their decision. I assume that relaxation will not apply to you but it is worth asking.
D4Drivers can help with your medical. Other providers, including your own GP should also be able to help.
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I have just booked to have my D4 medical in the new year. I prefer to have it with my own doctor who also does the eye test. It cost a bit more than going to HGV doctors, but judging from what you read about these tests on social media, you get less hastle from the DVLA if you go to a doctor who has your your full medical history. I remember a post sometime ago which said the DVLA was no longer accepting medicals from one of the HGV doctor's clinics. Sorry I cannot remember which one it was but in any case if there is the slightest problem, the DVLA will go to your own doctor and in some cases your consultant for more information or tests which might eventually cost you anyway.
peedee
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"I remember a post sometime ago which said the DVLA was no longer accepting medicals from one of the HGV doctor's clinics. Sorry I cannot remember which one it was ...."
Doctors on Wheels was their name - they cancelled an appintment on me without any notification, just a refund of the fee on my card !
I agree about using your own GP for the medical; it might be double the fee charged by D4Drivers and the like, but more reassuring for DVLA and less likely to result in queries.
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I agree with you about using D4D and they did run into trouble with DVLA some years back. But, I'm told that things were improved and DVLA has been accepting their medicals without problems for a long time now. Also for my last medical D4D wanted £55 including the eye test whereas my GP wanted nearly £200. At the end of the day it's the OP's choice.
PD if DVLA want further info they will, as you say, contact your GP and / or Consultant but, with the exception of travel costs and the like, they pay for that not you.
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Good luck with the DVLA
My experience has always been very stressful and long winded
I have type 1 diabetes and have had since 1977, passed my driving test in 1984 so had C1 entitlement, but because my licence has only ever been for 3 years when the law changed they took away my C1, several years later the EU decided it was illegal and we could re-apply. I paid my Dr for the D4 medical to be completed then had to visit the DVLA consultant and their eye specialist, they gave me my C1 category back but now my licence only lass 12 months. Each year they send me the forms to renew but never send the correct ones so I have to request them. During COVID they issued my licence but incorrectly without the C1, because it had been issued I was no longer allowed to driver our motorhome as it is 4.25t. It took them 11 months and several medicals and form filling before they corrected it
Last year again wrong forms sent but I was able to continue to drive until they issued the licence which took three Drs appointments and an eye test again.
This year I received the renewal pack early November for the licence which expires in Feb, again wrong forms so I had to request correct ones which came and were returned December 1st, this week I have received my licence but once again it does not have C1 on, following a 30 minute telephone call they said they had not received the medical form which can not be correct as it was in one envelope so how can they have re-issued the licence without any forms?
Once again I have to re-submit the form and can not drive the motorhome until they have agrred to issue the new licence
I am in very good health and have never had any issues with my diabetes, when I first applied the DVLA consultant told me they were being very strict due to being told by the EU they had to do it but they don't want to
In my experience the DVLA are the worst government department they are so difficult to deal with and often you get told different things several times
Very frustrating
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Dawn
Can you not download the forms direct from the DVLA website? I ask because my wife is type 2 diabetic but uses insulin which means it has to be reported to the DVLA. We downloaded the forms. Perhaps the difference is that we did not need to keep her entitlement for vehicles greater than 3500kgs as the C1 entitlement was removed. She is now over 70 and has no wish to drive anything heavier.
David
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