Ability or Disability? (A Case of NABD Advocacy & Support)

A Case of NABD Advocacy & Support

Background

In 1984, at the age of fourteen, Andy suffered a cerebral abscess.
It affected his vision, particularly the field of vision to the right of centre.

During the 1990s, he lived in Australia. He passed his motorcycle test there and held a full unrestricted Australian licence. Australian policy allows riders to prove their ability during training and testing. It does not rely on rigid, one-size-fits-all medical assumptions.

Andy rode extensively in Australia. After returning to the UK in the late 1990s, he rode for twelve months without difficulty.

DVLA Refusal

UK law allows the use of a non-EU licence for twelve months. After that period, Andy applied for a provisional motorcycle licence.

The DVLA refused his application. They stated that his right-side visual field deficiency made him unsuitable for any licence.

For over fifteen years, Andy relied on cycling for transport. He commuted daily through rush-hour traffic. He also completed a long-distance charity ride from Edinburgh to Exeter without issue.

In 2015, he reapplied. He submitted medical evidence from his long-term doctor. The DVLA remained inflexible.

NABD Involvement

At this stage, Andy contacted the NABD.

After reviewing the case, I agreed to represent him. However, I warned him that the process would likely be long and difficult.

Over the following months, I had numerous discussions with the DVLA Drivers Medical Group (DMG). I argued that Andy should have the opportunity to prove his practical riding ability.

Initially, the DVLA agreed to issue a provisional licence. Shortly afterwards, a DMG doctor reversed that decision.

The doctor then insisted on a car-based assessment. Andy had no interest in driving a car. He wanted to ride motorcycles.

Off-Road Assessment

After further discussion, the DVLA agreed to an informal off-road motorcycle assessment. I carried this out with the support of an experienced instructor.

Andy travelled to Manchester in February. The weather was cold, wet and gloomy. In fact, the conditions were ideal for a thorough test.

We ran him through standard CBT exercises. We then introduced unpredictable observation drills. Another volunteer and I acted as moving hazards. I deliberately dressed in black to reduce visibility.

Andy performed exceptionally well. He demonstrated consistent observation, hazard awareness and control. He clearly compensated for his visual limitation.

Both the instructor and I recommended that the DVLA grant him a provisional licence.

Further Resistance

Despite video evidence and written reports, the DMG doctor continued to demand a car-based assessment.

I challenged that position directly. Motorcycle hazard perception differs significantly from car driving. The required field of view is also different.

After a case conference, the DVLA agreed to a full formal motorcycle assessment. They issued a temporary provisional licence to allow on-road training.

Full CBT and Road Assessment

On 7 April 2016, Andy returned to Manchester. We completed a full CBT course and a rigorous on-road assessment.

Once again, he performed to a high standard.

I submitted a comprehensive report and CBT certificate on 15 April. Within days, the DVLA granted him an unrestricted provisional licence.

On 22 July 2016, Andy passed his Direct Access test. He secured a full unrestricted Category A licence.

Eight days later, he bought a Kawasaki Versys 650.

Nine Years On

Since this motorcycle licence disability DVLA case concluded, Andy has ridden extensively.

He completed an Advanced Rider course with IAM RoadSmart. He has owned several motorcycles, including:

• Triumph Street Twin 900

• BMW G310GS

• BMW R1300

• Suzuki V-Strom 1050

In 2025, he was injured in a road traffic accident when a car driver failed to see him. Thankfully, he recovered and continues to ride.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates a simple truth.

People should be judged on proven ability, not assumed disability.

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman