DLA and SDA advice please regarding driving

Hi,Just wondering If my Daughter were to learn me to drive, as oppose to going with a driving instructor, would the DWP still find out when I take my theory test? I am afraid they will say I am capable for work (which I am not|)if they find out I am having driving lessons and taking a theory test.Also, has anyone here who is in receipt if SDA received any letter about moving to ESA yet? I know they said it would be after IB benefits had transferred, but things can change so fast.Thanks Amber

Hi Amber,

As soon as you start trying to keep information from the DWP then you are at risk of being accused of attempting to fraudulently obtain benefits.

I do understand your concerns that anything you do to try to improve your circumstances may be used to try to demonstrate that you are capable of work. But, rather than try to withold information, it would be much safer to ensure that you have evidence to show which descriptors you should score points for and why the fact that you are learning to drive does not invalidate that evidence.

I do know that this is much easier said than done, but doing things and hoping the DWP don't find out really isn't a good idea.

Good luck,

Steve

Amber wrote:

Hi,Just wondering If my Daughter were to learn me to drive, as oppose to going with a driving instructor, would the DWP still find out when I take my theory test? I am afraid they will say I am capable for work (which I am not|)if they find out I am having driving lessons and taking a theory test.Also, has anyone here who is in receipt if SDA received any letter about moving to ESA yet? I know they said it would be after IB benefits had transferred, but things can change so fast.Thanks Amber

The other side to this coin is are you allowed to drive are the problems for which you get DLA and SDA such your NOT allowed to drive anyway you need to check here

www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical.aspx

Hi Steve, I really need to learn to drive as due to having a bowel disease, I have bowel accidents daily. I can't risk taking taxis any more for and have to rely on my husband to take me to all my Hospital appointments, which are 45 miles away.. He has to work away for periods of time so then I not able to attend my check ups.I am worried due to all these new rules regarding benefits, that they may see me learning to drive as an excuse to say this makes me fit for work.Thanks

Hi Dave, I listed all my health conditions on my application form for a license. Angina, Arthritis and osteoporosis in both hips and knee, Severe Asthma,Depression M.E and possible M.S. The DVLA then contacted my Doctor for more information which was supplied to them. They finally issued me with a license. However, I am now afraid to learn to drive in case I lose my benefit. My Daughter is now back in full time employment so can't take me to Hospital appointments. I am unable to attend when my husband works away. The way they seem to come to the conclusion now that we are all fit for work, worries me so much that I am now too afraid to learn to drive.Thanks

Hi Amber,

If you have bowel accidents daily then learning to drive will have no effect at all on the decision about whether you are capable of work. Al sorts of assumptions may be made about someone who is able to drive, but none of them would relate to bowel control.

Steve