What Health Conditions Do You Need To Tell The DVLA About?

Have you been diagnosed with a new health condition? Do you have a long-term medical condition that’s recently become more severe? If so, you’ll likely need to inform the DVLA of these changes, as they can impact your ability to drive safely.

Below we cover the conditions that are reportable, how you should tell the DVLA, and what happens if you fail to let them know.

Note: If you are unsure about your condition and its impact on your ability to drive, consult a medical professional or the detailed government guidelines before taking action.

Why does the DVLA need to know about your medical condition(s)?

The DVLA’s top priority is road safety, and the protection of road users. In order to do so, the DVLA needs to know about any factors that may impact your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This includes whether you are taking any medications, or whether you have medical conditions that make driving more risky or challenging. 

As a driver, you have a legal responsibility to let the DVLA know of any relevant conditions. If you fail to do so, you can be fined up to £1,000 - and you can be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

However, it’s important to understand that simply declaring a medical condition to the authorities does not mean you will lose your licence because of it.

What happens when you declare a medical condition to the DVLA?

The DVLA will review the details you've provided about your condition, and may want to speak to your GP or specialist with your permission. They may ask you to complete certain assessments like eyesight tests or a medical examination. Then, the DVLA will make their decision based on how much you meet their safety and eligibility criteria. 

You should be able to drive as normal while the DVLA processes your information, under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act.

What medical conditions do I need to declare to the DVLA?

If you have a driving licence and you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability (or an existing one worsens), you’ll need to let the DVLA know. These ‘notifiable’ conditions can range from absence seizures to vertigo, but the most common conditions include:

• Diabetes (or taking insulin)
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Heart conditions (like having a pacemaker or atrial fibrillation)
• Sleep apnoea
• Strokes
• Syncope (fainting)

These conditions have the potential to impact a person’s ability to drive safely. Note: the list above is not exhaustive, and any condition that may affect your vehicle handling should be relayed to the DVLA.

The A-Z list of health conditions that impact driving

What health conditions can't you drive with?

For some more extreme medical conditions, you may not be able to drive at all. However, every scenario differs and is unique to you, your licence type, and your condition. 

If you are worried about driving with your condition, the best thing to do is use the government’s website to check if your health condition affects your driving.

What medications can you not drive on?

Aside from health conditions, certain medications may also impair your ability to drive safely. Generally speaking, any medication that can cause drowsiness or dizziness shouldn’t be driven on. It’s illegal to drive with any legal drugs in your system that can impact your ability to drive.

If you’re unsure whether your prescription is safe to drive on, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional. Common drugs like lorazepam, diazepam, and morphine can all impact your ability to operate a car safely.

The law on drugs & driving

Look after your own health & your car’s 

While we’re not healthcare professionals, we are experts in keeping vehicles fit and healthy. If you’re worried about the condition of your vehicle - or just want peace of mind that it’s working as it should - book in for a Free Vehicle Health Check at your local Kwik Fit today. 

We’ll check all your essentials, like tyres, brakes, and the battery, to make sure your car has a clean bill of health. And, while you wait, why not take the NHS Healthy Choices Quiz to see how you’re faring too?

For more information, contact Kwik Fit today.