UK motorists face fines up to £1,000 for failing to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about medical conditions that affect safe driving. Regulations require drivers to disclose health issues that could impair their ability to operate a vehicle. Non-compliance not only risks penalties but may also void insurance coverage.
DVLA Guidelines on Reporting
DVLA guidelines emphasize: “You need to tell DVLA about some medical conditions as they can affect your driving.” They add: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.”
When to Surrender Your Licence
Drivers must voluntarily surrender their licence in specific cases, including:
- Doctor’s advice to stop driving for three months or more.
- A persistent medical condition lasting three months or longer that impacts safe driving.
- Failure to meet medical standards for driving.
Notify DVLA and return the licence upon surrender. Even without surrendering, drivers must inform DVLA of relevant conditions, allowing the agency to assess licence retention.
Checking Reporting Requirements
Car and motorcycle licence holders can use the GOV.UK online service or search the A-to-Z list of conditions. Bus, lorry, and coach drivers should review the A-to-Z list and submit the appropriate paper form. Contact DVLA directly if a condition is absent from the list.
Key Conditions Requiring Declaration
DVLA lists numerous conditions potentially needing report. Further guidance applies in many instances.
Neurological Conditions
- Epilepsy and seizures (petit mal, grand mal, tonic clonic)
- Blackouts and fainting
- Stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (mini-strokes)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor neurone disease
- Brain tumours, aneurysms, haemorrhages
- Narcolepsy
Heart and Cardiovascular Issues
- Heart attacks
- Angina
- Arrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Pacemakers and defibrillators
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- High blood pressure (in certain cases)
Mental Health Conditions
- Severe depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder
- Psychosis
- Personality disorders
- Anxiety disorders (select cases)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Diabetes and Long-Term Illnesses
- Diabetes (especially insulin-dependent)
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- Severe visual impairment (glaucoma, tunnel vision)
- Sleep apnoea and excessive daytime sleepiness
- Huntington’s disease
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Visual Disorders
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Monocular vision (one eye only)
- Visual field defects
- Cataracts and glaucoma (certain cases)
- Night blindness
Failing to report a relevant condition risks a £1,000 fine and potential prosecution, especially if undisclosed issues contribute to an accident.
