Saying hello and have a question.

Hi Michael, MD is a notifiable condition, although it’s not on their list. I think it’s classed as ‘other neurological conditions’, and you will have to fill out a CN1 form. They will contact your GP or consultant to request info on your fitness to drive which takes ages, but there should be no problems driving in the meantime.

I’ve been through this several times, as they will only issue me a three year license since informing them. They’ve also removed some categories like mini buses, but they could be reinstated if I take a test.

I hope this helps, and try not to worry

Are you looking for the website to specifically mention Becker Muscular Dystrophy? It won’t, it is too specific. Although MD is not specifically named there are several other paragraphs that include the effects of MD. They also like to use the term “chronic neurological conditions”.

Ordinary UK driving licences issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are inscribed with: ‘You are required by law to inform Drivers Medical Branch, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AT at once if you have any disability (either physical or medical condition) which is, or may become, likely to affect your fitness as a driver, unless you do not expect it to last more than three months.’

As a physical condition that has the potential to affect fitness, DVLA [and your Insurance Company] must be informed.

Conditions for which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency should be notified
DVLA states that it must be informed if there is:

Continuing/permanent difficulty in the use of arms or legs which affects your ability to control a vehicle.

Again, this is an area that includes MD but does not mention it specifically.

Several areas of the site state neuro conditions as “Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinsons, ETC‘ – it is within the etc that MD sits, it would be impractical to list ever single neuro-condition.

I drove for many years, my license was restricted to ‘automatics only’ but that was what my fitness levels could comfortably and safely cope with. Yes my insurance was higher than a non-disaled person but that is insurance for you, legalised extortion. It became a faff and a nuisance having to keep renewing things and getting letters [keep copies] but a necessary evil.

The Disability Living Allowance has now been replaced by the Personal Independence Payment and the page with the basic overview details can be found HERE

You can claim whether working or not as this is based on what you can and cannot do, it is also not a deductible benefit should you be out of work; it is used by a lot of organisations and benefits as a bench mark. It is split into two section, Care and Mobility, you can be eligible for either or both. I received the mobility aspect from an early age but did not qualify for the care aspect until much much later. If for example you receive PIP and have to reduce your working hours because of your health you could be eligible for the working tax credit on the grounds of disability. I did this when I had to cut my hours down from 5 days a week to 4, but WTC is mean tested so other factors may affect your eligibility.

The criteria is not very detailed I am afraid to give you an idea. If you decide to seek further advice the Citizen’s Advice Bureau can help and should you have problems getting the benefit you believe you are entitled to then MD has an excellent Advocacy Service to help.