My GP has given me medical clearance to drive. There's a form which the GP completes and had to be lodged with Transport Tasmania. I did that on Friday. I caught the bus home yesterday after spending Christmas with family.
Today I can drive myself to the supermarket! I always took getting in my car and driving when I wanted for granted. I had no idea how much I would miss it.
Hey Jennifer,
Getting your licence back is a biggie. Losing your independence in that way can really, really hard. So glad that you are back behind the wheel.
Is sensory overload having an impact on your driving in any way? How are you finding being back driving?
I was surprised that I had a minor panic attack the first time I got behind the wheel again. I was ok until I got to the highway then my heart started racing. I had to tell myself "it's just driving, you've done it all your life". I live 10kms from the nearest supermarket and 9kms of that is the main highway which is very busy during holiday periods. After that first drive I was fine.
The sensory stuff hasn't been an issue while driving. I haven't driven with other people in the car yet so can concentrate solely on driving.
Another example of the lack of clarity in information provided.
I believed that once my Dr completed the documentation for me to drive and it was lodged with Tas Dept of State Growth then I was cleared to drive and went ahead and did so.
I have just received a letter to say I am cleared to drive from 21st January and I have to get a new licence issued and pay a fee of $11.15 to do this.
I'm shattered! My independence has been taken away again.
Hi Jennifer, I had to do a driving test again to regain my license (Vic legislation, and I had to pay the driving instructor, his car and a new licence), I got my license, but I avoid driving at night due to my eye sight.
Also, I drive slightly below the speed limit, just in case if I need to break suddenly. Given my memory issues, I try to park in the same spot (I do have a Disability Parking Permit), so that I don't forget where I parked. If I park somewhere different, I take a photo on my mobile, just in case. May sound a bit over the top, but, I'm sure you'll find ways that suit you best.
Take care!
Hi Jennifer, when I lost my licence I was told by the staff at the hospital that I can’t drive for 3 months but I never revue d any clarification from Vic Roads until I rang them a few days later. Once I passed all the tests vision and GP I assumed liked yourself you can drive straight away. I did find the sensory overload such a heavy strain and so fatiguing.
I would love to get my licence back as i live in a rural area and NDIS does not take this in considerstion with their funding, i still need to be seizure free for another 8 months