TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC

I'm going to be the first to have a totally autonomous Model3

Discussion in 'The UK and Ireland' started by Compuguide, Jan 2, 2020.

  1. Compuguide

    Compuguide Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2019
    Messages:
    87
    Location:
    London
    #1 Compuguide, Jan 2, 2020
    OK, yes, that was a bit of a click-bait title, sorry.
    Let me start by saying that this post is not seeking sympathy, so let's avoid uncomfortable comments.
    On the very last day of 2019 a brown letter dropped on my doorstep from the DVLA
    To be honest, I had been expecting it from even before I ordered my M3P back in May last year.
    In 2014 They found and removed a tumour from my lower intestine, stitched me up and sent me on my way.
    I continued to play squash, hike and do my regulation Fitbit 10,000 steps a day for the next 3 years.
    In 2017 alarm bells began ringing and I started chemotherapy.
    The prognosis was not good.
    In these circumstances a person can go downhill, stare at the wall and become depressed.
    Or you can find something that you really would love to do.
    An investment consultant told me that I could ask my pending pensions for a serious illness claim form.
    This would allow me to en-cash my entire pensions tax free.
    This I did with one of them and used some of the money to buy my M3P
    I took delivery last September and every day has been fun since then, till the last day of the year when the DVLA's letter arrived.
    Yes, they have decided that my condition is at a stage where they, on the advice of my oncologist, need to cancel my licence.
    As I said, this has not been unexpected, but saddens me all the same.
    This is where the title of this thread comes in.
    I have added two friends to my insurance - they will now become my surrogate drivers - and therefore I will be able to sit in the passenger seat and the Tesla will take wherever I choose!
    Sorry that's a bit lame, but at least I still get to enjoy the car!
     
    • Like x 37
    • Love x 7
  2. ACarneiro

    ACarneiro Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2019
    Messages:
    1,071
    Location:
    Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK
    #2 ACarneiro, Jan 2, 2020
    Never thought I’d type this, but here’s hoping that your total autonomy will become redundant and you’ll have many more years of enjoyment out of you M3!
     
    • Like x 4
  3. Fredneck

    Fredneck Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Messages:
    478
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    #3 Fredneck, Jan 2, 2020
    That is a shame. As much as I'm not happy with Tesla the company. I do enjoy driving my car. I hope things turn around for you and you are able to drive once more. I'm glad that you took the action of doing something you loved when you could.
     
    • Like x 1
  4. pdk42

    pdk42 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2019
    Messages:
    949
    Location:
    Leamington
    #4 pdk42, Jan 2, 2020
    I admire your fortitude in adversity and your upbeat perspective on the situation. My sincere best wishes for the highest quality and quantity of life you have left. We'll all be following you sooner or later. Enjoy what and who you have now. Carpe Diem!
     
    • Like x 7
  5. ThrustSSC

    ThrustSSC Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2019
    Messages:
    103
    Location:
    Evesham
    #5 ThrustSSC, Jan 3, 2020
    Just echoing the above. Your fortitude is remarkable and inspiring, sir! Hats off to you and your incredibly-positive attitude.
     
    • Like x 1
  6. Adopado

    Adopado Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2019
    Messages:
    2,818
    Location:
    Scotland
    #6 Adopado, Jan 3, 2020
    Your autonomous driving will, by design, feature fantastic speech recognition capabilities! Humans can be really handy when you need them. I'm delighted that you will still be taking pleasure from your car. Good luck.
     
    • Like x 1
  7. fumusic

    fumusic Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2019
    Messages:
    56
    Location:
    Essex
    #7 fumusic, Jan 3, 2020
    I wish you all the best Compuguide. Glad you are enjoying life as it is meant to be. May you enjoy it for many years to come.
     
    • Like x 1
  8. ben_c

    ben_c Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2019
    Messages:
    50
    Location:
    Brighton, UK
    #8 ben_c, Jan 3, 2020
    I wonder if you could take it on the track?

    If you find yourself in Brighton needing parking and a charge, let me know!
     
    • Like x 1
  9. navt

    navt Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2019
    Messages:
    354
    Location:
    London, U.K.
    #9 navt, Jan 3, 2020
    You still get smiles being driven around in a M3. Wishing you best of luck.
     
    • Like x 1
  10. VanillaAir_UK

    VanillaAir_UK Moderator UK and Ireland

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2019
    Messages:
    6,615
    Location:
    Surrey, UK
    #10 VanillaAir_UK, Jan 3, 2020
    Sobering; wish you well
     
    • Like x 1
  11. spon88

    spon88 Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2019
    Messages:
    501
    Location:
    Derby
    #11 spon88, Jan 3, 2020
    I wish you well, keep battling and all the best!
     
    • Like x 1
  12. Roy W.

    Roy W. Battery running low...

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2019
    Messages:
    2,266
    Location:
    Derby, UK
    #12 Roy W., Jan 3, 2020
    I always say time is precious, and live for today. Your story is a sobering reminder of that. It puts all my ‘problems’ into perspective.

    I really, really hope you can beat this, you deserve to with such positivity.

    In the meantime, enjoy your car to it’s fullest.
     
    • Like x 2
  13. Big Ike

    Big Ike Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2019
    Messages:
    123
    Location:
    Arizona
    #13 Big Ike, Jan 3, 2020
    Not lame at all! You're making lemonade my friend!

    Make sure your surrogates stomp on that accelerator every now and again!
     
    • Like x 2
  14. vitesse

    vitesse Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2, 2019
    Messages:
    1,021
    Location:
    Hertfordshire (UK)
    #14 vitesse, Jan 4, 2020
    Obviously I don't know the details of your current condition but do you feel you are competent to continue driving? Could you not appeal the DVLA decision?

    I'd like to think I would be as positive and forward thinking if I found myself in a situation like yours! Good on you :)

    It's pretty much a standing joke in my family that while full autonomy probably won't arrive here in Europe for quite some time yet, no matter what Elon says (I'm not sure it will in the US without additional hardware on even the latest cars) by the time my wife and I are too old to drive they might just have perfected it!
     
    • Like x 1
  15. phillcom3

    phillcom3 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2019
    Messages:
    566
    Location:
    preston
    #15 phillcom3, Jan 4, 2020
    Not if it's my wife and I'm telling her to tell me next left or what when she's holding the dam satnav when abroad!
     
    • Funny x 1
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.

  • Meta

    Contact Us
    Advertise with Us
    Become a Vendor
    Terms of Service
    Privacy Policy
    DMCA Notice

  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC
Toggle Width
Style
TMC 2016