C1 category removed from my license - anyone ever got it back?

[maguirem]

Because i inject insulin and declared it to DVLA ive lost my C1 category on the new health restricted license. I drive an Autosleeper Burford and I believe required this - I'm stumped as what to do next apart from return the license with a covering letter or downsize the motorhome 8( weight plated as MIRI 7435kgs and MTPLM 4100 kgs Previous to this declaration I had C1 under Grandfather rights having passed my test in the 1980's

all sensible answers appreciated

 

[Riverbankannie]

Because i inject insulin and declared it to DVLA ive lost my C1 category on the new health restricted license. I drive an Autosleeper Burford and I believe required this - I'm stumped as what to do next apart from return the license with a covering letter or downsize the motorhome 8( weight plated as MIRI 7435kgs and MTPLM 4100 kgs Previous to this declaration I had C1 under Grandfather rights having passed my test in the 1980's

all sensible answers appreciated

First thing I would do is read chapter 3 in this guide and check your condition against the requirements for C1 (group 2 bus and lorry in the guide).

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1084397/assessing-fitness-to-drive-may-2022.pdf

It is possible to get C1 back but you will probably be referred to medical department and therefore it does take months, up to a year. Unfortunately you will be unable to use Section 88 (you may drive whilst applying for renewal), during the wait, as your current licence does not have C1.

Others with same MH will be able to advise if down-plating is an option.

Hope this helps.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Doing a scan through Autosleeper Burfords (it is a large MH) for sale on Autotrader, there doesn’t seem to be any under 3500. So I would think not possible to down plate. You could talk to SVTech for their advise but I knowing your own weighbridge weight first would help. Tricky if you cannot drive it. Is your partner insured to drive it?

 

[KUSKUS]

I lost my licence because I had a implanted cardiac device fitted in February, applied for a new licence at the end of September but as yet no sign of it.
I have little or no chance of getting my C1 back as far as I know.
Has anyone else in the same situation got there's back?

 

[Riverbankannie]

I lost my licence because I had a implanted cardiac device fitted in February, applied for a new licence at the end of September but as yet no sign of it.
I have little or no chance of getting my C1 back as far as I know.
Has anyone else in the same situation got there's back?

Doing a search of the document I linked to above, there are quite a few different reasons for such a device for cardiac reasons so one person’s experience may not be yours.
Chapter 2 in the document will be the one to read.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[KUSKUS]

Yes I understand that if it's fitted after a heart attack you are unlikely to get it back but if it's fitted as a precaution then you can.
Ironically you can have a heart transplant and get it back!

 

[SteveJ]

I lost my C1 (many moons ago) when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, other then having to inject twice daily I have no other health conditions which could raise issues with DVLA. I have tried to get my C1 category back with no joy. After speaking to my diabetic consultant he said that he had never actually known any of his patients who had managed to get DVLA to reverse their decision. This was a few years ago now but I suspect that they are just as awkward, if not worse, these days.

 

[pappajohn]

weight plated as MIRI 7435kgs and MTPLM 4100 kgs

No comprende sinor.
Is that a typo?
Mass in running order 7435kg and a gross weight of 4100kg

 

[DerryW]

I thought C1 entitlement was for over 3.5tonne gross. Must confess I know very little about Autosleepers other than they appear to be a top end premium brand. However I thought being under the 3.5t was sanctimony for all MH manufacturers to attract car licence drivers.

 

[KUSKUS]

Nearly every motorhome over seven metres in length is over 3.5 tonnes, almost impossible to build a four berth under this weight and still have some payload.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Pausim]

Unfortunately you will be unable to use Section 88 (you may drive whilst applying for renewal), during the wait, as your current licence does not have C1.

I agree. Section 88 applies to renewals not other circumstances such as following a heart attack, as I found out earlier this year. I was allowed to drive C1 again after passing a stress test but I am now in the process of downsizing to an under 3500kg 6.4m van before I am asked to do another stress test.

 

[scotjimland]

No comprende sinor.
Is that a typo?
Mass in running order 7435kg and a gross weight of 4100kg

MTPLM - Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass, see MAM and GVW

 

[Tinker2]

Hi, I was close to losing mine, not because of diabetes ( I am type 2). But because someone at DVLA decided that I wasn't fit enough to do the walking test. I had to get my MP involved, eventually having tests involving echocardiogram, pumping some sort of chemical in me.
What a waste of my time, and DVLA money as I could of ran the walking test, the specialist couldn't understand why had to undergo the test.
Can you not get your sugar levels down? Lots of different meds now available.

 

[PaulW2]

Because i inject insulin and declared it to DVLA ive lost my C1 category on the new health restricted license. I drive an Autosleeper Burford and I believe required this - I'm stumped as what to do next apart from return the license with a covering letter or downsize the motorhome 8( weight plated as MIRI 7435kgs and MTPLM 4100 kgs Previous to this declaration I had C1 under Grandfather rights having passed my test in the 1980's

all sensible answers appreciated

Your maximum permissible mass is presumably 4100 and the gross train weight (ie including a trailer) 7435.

I am anticipating the periodic C1 begging bowl palaver (I presently have a C licence) and simply can't be arsed, so have downgraded to 3500. Many advantages to doing so.

 

[rolosroller]

Hi, I was close to losing mine, not because of diabetes ( I am type 2). But because someone at DVLA decided that I wasn't fit enough to do the walking test. I had to get my MP involved, eventually having tests involving echocardiogram, pumping some sort of chemical in me.
What a waste of my time, and DVLA money as I could of ran the walking test, the specialist couldn't understand why had to undergo the test.
Can you not get your sugar levels down? Lots of different meds now available.

Type 1 is a lot different to Type 2

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MenMan]

Hi, I was close to losing mine, not because of diabetes ( I am type 2). But because someone at DVLA decided that I wasn't fit enough to do the walking test. I had to get my MP involved, eventually having tests involving echocardiogram, pumping some sort of chemical in me.
What a waste of my time, and DVLA money as I could of ran the walking test, the specialist couldn't understand why had to undergo the test.
Can you not get your sugar levels down? Lots of different meds now available.

 

[pappajohn]

MTPLM - Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass, see MAM and GVW

Yes Jim.
Also see what the op sees as MIRI or actually MIRO 7435KG
MASS IN RUNNING ORDER is kerb weight.
Train weight is MCGW......MAXIMUM COMBINED GROSS WEIGHT.....and the op doesn't mention that.
I know of no 4.5 ton van with a 3.4 ton trailer allowance.
That's getting into 11 ton ARV class

 

[scotjimland]

Yes Jim.
Also see what the op sees as MIRI or actually MIRO 7435KG
MASS IN RUNNING ORDER is kerb weight.
Train weight is MCGW......MAXIMUM COMBINED GROSS WEIGHT.....and the op doesn't mention that.
I know of no 4.5 ton van with a 3.4 ton trailer allowance.
That's getting into 11 ton ARV class

I misunderstood what you thought was a typo..

yes

 

[sedge]

Hi, I was close to losing mine, not because of diabetes ( I am type 2). But because someone at DVLA decided that I wasn't fit enough to do the walking test. I had to get my MP involved, eventually having tests involving echocardiogram, pumping some sort of chemical in me.
What a waste of my time, and DVLA money as I could of ran the walking test, the specialist couldn't understand why had to undergo the test.
Can you not get your sugar levels down? Lots of different meds now available.

Absolutely not for Type 1 diabetes and never yet has been, neither is there any alternative to exogenous insulin envisaged. Bit of an annoyance having been told over 50 years ago they expected a cure would be found in the next 10 years, and I think they're still telling people more or less that. There has been some slight success in advances for trying to delay things a bit for very young children this century though, so you never know what and when. I'll be 74 next April so I don't think I'll see a cure found! (and probably wouldn't work for someone who has had it 50+ years)

 

[maguirem]

hi thanks for the input everyone - when i say downsize I meant part exchange the Burford and replace it with a lighter vehicle of 3500 kgs. There 2 Health conditions that DVLA should be informed of my Sleep Apnoea - which is well controlled by CPAP as well as the Diabetes controlled by Insulin - so lets hope the universe can find me a good deal

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[TrebleH]

There are far too many grey areas regarding this I think, I don't know about diabetes but they took my C1 two years ago due to heart failure, I was given a pacemaker but still have a left ventricular dysfunction, but following applying for my license and having to take the medical they have given me my C1 category. Its been a battle but I got there. Good luck with yours.

 

[Adrianlle]

I lost my C1 too a few weeks ago having turned 70 in August. Only health issue was a slightly narrowed artery but not enough for stent etc. But had to declare to DVLA who sent me off for a treadmill test. Although easily completed the test , Failed that because during the final minute of the 9 min test the graph showed some abnormality. I’m lucky that the van is sub 3.5t. It has however mucked up plans to change to a heavier more spacious Cathago for Continental touring now that my wife is retiring. I can’t see much prospect of getting the C1 back again.

 

[corconx]

I lost my C1 (many moons ago) when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, other then having to inject twice daily I have no other health conditions which could raise issues with DVLA. I have tried to get my C1 category back with no joy. After speaking to my diabetic consultant he said that he had never actually known any of his patients who had managed to get DVLA to reverse their decision. This was a few years ago now but I suspect that they are just as awkward, if not worse, these days.

I did give mine up but due to fact that my birthday is June and they take so long to renew it and we were always away in June. But i inject twice a day but I would have had to renew EVERY YEAR not normal three and so I decided I would just not drive it. Duncan had to always do the treadmill every three years and his birthday is May. It always mucked up our tunnel bookings and MP used to intervene after three changes.

I also in 2020 had a pacemaker fitted due to AF and that has not affected my driving a car.

Best of luck

 

[triclops]

My husband had a tia in 2014. By the time he saw the stroke specialist 18 months later the “1 month no driving allowed” was well and truly passed. He lost his C1 in 2019 and failed the stress test. They injected him with drugs and wanted him to do a sideways jog whilst lying on his side on an examination table. He applied again in 2021 and had all his application paperwork and medical records rejected by return post. The dvla said he hadn’t provided proof of no further tia/stroke symptoms - how do you prove that nothing has happened if they won’t accept his medical records?

 

[Don Campbell]

If the OP goes down the DVLA Medical Section avenue, pray for him. They seem to have no timetable or conscience about the length of their delays and the number of times they can query things. It's a bit of a black hole. I had to have a peripheral vision test, paid Boots for it and 3 months after submission I was informed I should have gone to Specsavers as they are the DVLA appointed testers. Could have told me that in the beginning!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Peppadog]

Downsizing will be your easiest route now.

I had heart surgery in late 2020 for a leaking mitral valve. It was repaired. Nothing else needed doing fortunately.

I was 70, nine months later and wanted to keep my C1 as my, then, Hymer was 3900 gvw. It took six months, possibly due to covid, but I did get it.

I’ve since changed the van for one at 3500 gvw so I don’t have to bother going through medicals etc when I’m 73!

 

[faz55]

hi thanks for the input everyone - when i say downsize I meant part exchange the Burford and replace it with a lighter vehicle of 3500 kgs. There 2 Health conditions that DVLA should be informed of my Sleep Apnoea - which is well controlled by CPAP as well as the Diabetes controlled by Insulin - so lets hope the universe can find me a good deal

My husband was in a similar situation two years ago as he reached 70. He also suffers from spinal stenosis and although he would have no problem atm passing medical for C1 we decided it was too much of a risk to invest in a heavier MOHO with the chance that sone time in the future (and let’s face it who knows) may fail the medical and the MOHO would be sat on the path or have to be sold. So we have a 3500kg MOHO and try to work very carefully with the weights

 

[maguirem]

feel that will be my future course - now seeking an automatic at that weight

 

[Reallyretired]

It took 10 months for dvla to issue my c1 at 70. I have a cardiac pacemaker. The only plus is my licence is dated from when they issued it so effectively valid for nearly 4 years. I have now downsized to 3500 to avoid the problem in future.

 

[Road Sailors]

My husband is also type 2 and now injects insulin, his entitlement was also withdrawn. We had previously purchased a motorhome 3850kg and spent a year getting it updated and ready for European travel planed for last spring /summer.
our first plan was to get the van down plated to 3500kg. I thought it would be difficult and expensive, but after talking
to SV tech they advised me that the cost is only £140+vat and they do all the paperwork with DVLA for you and provide you with a revised vehicle plate. Unfortunately when we got the van weighed it weighed 3350kg with no driver, dogs, water etc. so it was a definite No! He applied to the DVLA to get his C1 reinstated. The application seemed simple at first. Our GP completed his part and was happy that his diabetes control was good (never had a hypo) then the optician checked him and completed his page. Both of these had to be paid privately. After several weeks a letter came from the DVLA requesting a different eye test, he went for the test and did well, it was a peripheral vision test that is often done during a regular eye test but both eyes were checked at the same time. results were sent directly to DVLA, two weeks later DVLA said the machine wasn’t right, go to another optician, this went on for a few months and eventually 5 eye tests were done in different towns. The DVLA paid for them all. Then when they were finally happy with his eyes, they told him that he needed an appointment with a specialist diabetic doctor. We did challenge this because he is under the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital diabetes dept , they know him well and monitor him yearly. But no they sent us further to Kings Lynn ! The doctor asked lots of questions about his glucose levels and control, how he felt at different times of the day. He required 6 weeks of good blood tests no hypos or hypers. Unfortunately during the previous month my husbands glucose monitor had failed and the digital readings could not be retrieved from the broken machine so he didn’t have the full 6 weeks of test results. The DVLA refused to reissue the C1 licence, they said he could apply again in one year. So we sold the 6m 3850kg van and purchased a 7.2m 3500kg van instead. Hope this helps anyone thinking of applying.