UPDATE:
After sending 3 emails using the DVLA website contact form I finally received a non-machine reply stating that they could not answer my questions by using email and that I had to ring them - 0300 790 6806.
So I went around the roundabout again and this time I cheated by pressing "2" for "medical".
The call was answered within 2 mins and the guy informed me that my application had been referred to the DVLA Med Board who had sent a letter to my GP for further data.
HURRAH! Over the past 9 weeks all I was seeking was confirmation that they had got my application and now I had it!
Now for the bad news;
DVLA had sent me a letter (not yet arrived) at the same time they had written to my GP to update me on my application. The info they wanted wasn't just for the C1 but also for driving a car.
The following day the letter arrived. The problem was they had sent their letter to my GP - who retired 6 months ago and they'd misspelt the address of the Practice.
Now for some good news;
After 20 mins waiting for the Practice to answer my call it transpires that ALL letters sent to the Practice are opened and reviewed and if they are about a patient then that info is passed to the current GP - sigh of relief until told my new GP is on holiday and may not be able to answer the letter prior to my licence expiring - no problem, I have Sect 88 of the RTA on my side!
It has various definitions but as long as you meet the criteria you can drive your current classes of vehicles whilst DVLA are drinking their tea, having a strike and thinking about completing your application.
Back to the bad news;
At the time of calling the Practice had either not received the DVLA letter or it had been received but not yet put on my med record/forwarded to my GP. I shall be ringing them again tomorrow - Monday - for an update.
And finally a bit of good news;
I rang my insurers - Admiral - and as long as my GP says I am ok to drive then my
insurance is fully valid. What's more they don't need a letter from my GP.
Meanwhile, still waiting.........