You could be fined up to £1000 if you don’t tell the DVLA about serious medical conditions that affect your driving.
Driving with a condition may also lead to prosecution if you’re involved in an accident as a result.
The DVLA says drivers must tell them about seven ‘notifiable conditions’.
Under the rules you must let them know if you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability or a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence.
According to the law, you must give up your licence if either your doctor tells you to stop driving for three months or more or you do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition.
The seven ‘notifiable conditions’ are:
1. Diabetes (or taking insulin)
You must tell the DVLA:
- you had gestational diabetes
- if your insulin treatment lasts for more than three months
- you needed treatment three months after birth
- you get disabling hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
2. Blackouts (fainting (syncope), loss of consciousness)
If your doctor says it affects your driving, you must tell the DVLA.
3. Heart conditions
You must inform the DVLA even if you have pacemaker or an abnormal heart rate.
4. Sleep Apnoea
You must tell the DVLA if you have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. You may also need to get advice from your doctor.
5. Epilepsy
You must stop driving straight away and tell the DVLA if you’ve had:
- epileptic attacks
- seizures
- fits
- blackouts
Your licence may be taken away and when you can reapply for it depends on the type of attack you had. If it is a one- you can reapply after six months if you haven’t had another attack and DVLA’s medical advisers decide there isn’t a high risk you’ll have another seizure.
6. Stroke
You must tell the DVLA if:
- You’re still having problems one month after the stroke
- You have had more than one stroke
- You need brain surgery
- Or a medical person is concerned about your ability to drive
7. Glaucoma
Inform the DVLA if your glaucoma affects one eye and either of the following also apply:
- You have a medical condition in your other eye
- You can’t meet the visual standards for driving
- If your glaucoma affects both eyes
Further Information
//www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions
