This lesson will look at some common medical conditions that may impact your entitlement to drive. You do have to inform the DVLA about certain medical conditions and disabilities, this lesson will provide details on how to do this.
You must inform the DVLA if you have a driving licence and: You develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability. Or a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence
Conditions that you need to report are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely.
They can include:
- Diabetes or if your are taking insulin
- Syncope (fainting)
- Heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
- Sleep apnoea
- Epilepsy
- Strokes
- Glaucoma
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result
If you do have a condition that you need to report to the DVLA, depending on what that condition is you will need to complete the relevant form or questionnaire. The easiest way to to find out which form you need to complete is to go to the A-Z list created by GOV.UK. Once on the site all you need to do is click on the relevant condition and you will be provided with instructions on what procedure to follow.
GOV.UK
Click here for the A-Z list of conditions you must report to the DVLA
Did you know?
You must give up your licence if either:
What happens after you tell DVLA?
You will usually get a decision within 6 weeks, if the decision is going to take longer than this DVLA will send you a letter informing you of this.
DVLA might:
- Contact your doctor or consultant
- Arrange for you to be examined
- Ask you to take a driving assessment, or an eyesight or driving test
Can I drive while my application is with DVLA?
You can usually keep driving while the DVLA are considering your application. To be safe always check in the INF188/6.
What DVLA will decide
DVLA will assess your medical condition or disability and decide if:
- You need to get a new driving licence
- You can have a shorter licence - for 1, 2, 3, or 5 years
- You need to adapt your car by fitting special controls
- You must stop driving and give up your licence
You need to adapt your vehicle:
If the DVLA inform you that you need to adapt your car, you will get an independent assessment of your adaptation needs through Driving Mobility.
You must stop driving:
If the DVLA inform you that you must stop driving, they will give you a medical reason why you must stop driving. They will also make you aware of when you can reapply for your licence.
What if I disagree with DVLA’s decision?
If you disagree with DVLA’s decision you can write to them but you must be able to provide relevant information which was not included in the original assessment. You must also provide them with:
- Proof that you meet the required standard for driving
- The reference number from your decision letter