Deadline Driven

A driver who suffered what he believed to be a seizure in April 2013 was diagnosed by a neurologist and, as required by the Ministry of Transportation, had his licence suspended pending a medical review. On October 28, 2013, his doctor faxed documentation to the Ministry to prove that he had been seizure-free for six months, and thus eligible to have his licence reinstated.

A driver who suffered what he believed to be a seizure in April 2013 was diagnosed by a neurologist and, as required by the Ministry of Transportation, had his licence suspended pending a medical review. On October 28, 2013, his doctor faxed documentation to the Ministry to prove that he had been seizure-free for six months, and thus eligible to have his licence reinstated.

However, the Ministry never received the fax. When the doctor learned this and sent it again a month later, the Ministry told the man it would take another 30 business days to process. The man contacted the Ombudsman for help, saying he would lose his job if he did not have his driver’s licence reinstated by mid-December.

Ombudsman staff explained the situation to the Ministry, and the next day, its Driver Licensing Medical Review Section confirmed it had received the medical information and reinstated the man’s licence. The man was delighted, telling Ombudsman staff: “You’ve made my Christmas and you’ve made my job!”