Don’t know the deal around driving with a medical condition? Here’s your quick guide on what to report to the DVLA and how it impacts your car insurance.
Key takeaways:
- If you have a ‘notifiable’ medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you need to report it to the DVLA.
- After experiencing a seizure or a stroke, it’s important you stop driving straight away and follow the DVLA’s guidance on what to do next.
- Many prescription drugs don’t affect your ability to drive safely. But, if you're unsure, you can consult your doctor.
- You can report a medical condition online via the GOV.UK website or by post. Or, if it’s your first time applying for a licence, simply fill out the standard application form.
Which medical conditions do you need to tell the DVLA about?
You’ll need to tell the DVLA about any ‘notifiable’ medical condition. Essentially, that’s any disease, health issue, or disability that affects your ability to drive safely. It could be anything from epilepsy or dementia, to a heart condition or visual impairment.
The official guidance is set out by DVLA and gets reviewed every 6 months. Medical staff, clinicians and lay members are all involved in making any updates. So, you can be sure all the information on the GOV.UK website is medically watertight.
Do you need to tell your car insurer about a medical condition?
In short, yes. When you take out car insurance, it’s your responsibility to declare any medical conditions you have.
Insurers tend to take it pretty seriously. And, if you’re not upfront about your medical history it could invalidate your policy. In some cases, it could also put you on the Insurance Fraud Register, or land you with a hefty fine.
If a health issue arises after your policy start date, you’ll still need to let your insurer know. It’s always worth checking your policy documents for the specific terms. But, if in doubt, reporting any updates as soon as possible is the way to go.
Worried about it affecting the cost of your car insurance? While having medical conditions can sometimes mean more expensive premiums, this isn’t always the case. Depending on your circumstances, it might not affect your policy at all.
Here’s what you can expect with some of the most common conditions:
Driving with epilepsy
If you experience a seizure it’s crucial you stop driving straight away and report it to the DVLA.
If the seizure resulted in you losing consciousness, the DVLA will take your licence away. Then, if you’ve been seizure free for a minimum of 12 months, you’ll be able to reapply.
However, if it’s the first time you’ve had a seizure and tests show no sign of reoccurrence, you might be able to start driving after 6 months.
For seizures that happen at night, or don’t affect your consciousness, the rules are a little different. But, notifying the DVLA is still a vital step. For more information visit GOV.UK.
Driving after a stroke
In the UK, the rule is that you have to stop driving for at least 1 month if you have a stroke. You can return to driving afterwards - granted your doctor gives you the go ahead.
You only have to inform the DVLA if you’re still having problems after that period is up. Or, if a healthcare professional tells you it’s not safe to drive.
Driving with diabetes
Whether you need to notify the DVLA about your diabetes largely depends on what type of medication you’re on.
If your condition is treated by tablets or non-insulin injections, check with your doctor to find out whether you need to notify the DVLA.
If your diabetes is treated with insulin for more than 3 months, then you must notify the DVLA.
Driving with cancer
Cancer isn’t always seen as a ‘notifiable’ condition, as it may not affect your ability to drive. You only need to notify the DVLA about having cancer if:
- Your doctor tells you to
- There are problems with your brain or nervous system
- You’re restricted to certain vehicles that have been adapted for you
- Your medication gives you side-effects which impair your ability to drive
Driving with a heart condition
Whether or not you can drive with heart problems depends on the nature and severity of your condition. However, you should stop driving if your doctor tells you to. If you can't drive for 3 months or more, you’ll have to surrender your licence to the DVLA. Once you’re fit to drive again, you’ll be able to reapply.
Driving with a hearing condition
If you’re driving a car or motorcycle you don’t need to notify the DVLA that you’re deaf. However, you do need to notify the DVLA if you hold a bus, coach, or lorry licence.
Driving with ADHD or autism
You don't necessarily need to tell the DVLA if you have ADHD or autism. But, you will need to tell them if:
- Your condition changes enough to impact the safety of your driving
- The side effects of any medication you’re on impact your driving
If you experience side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision, you’ll likely have to inform the DVLA. However, if you’re unsure, you can consult your doctor. Then, they’ll be able to assess your symptoms and advise you further.
Driving on medication
Whether your medication affects your ability to drive safely depends on your specific condition and prescription. But, if your doctor prescribes you any of the following, it’s worth asking how it could impact your driving:
- Amphetamines such as dextroamphetamine and selegiline
- Clonazepam
- Diazepam
- Flunitrazepam
- Lorazepam
- Methadone
- Morphine or opiate based drugs (such as codeine, tramadol or fentanyl)
- Oxazepam
- Temazepam
You may still be able to drive while taking these drugs, but seeking advice from your doctor is a crucial first step. There are strict drug driving limits you may not be aware of, even for prescription medication.
Driving after surgery
Recovering from surgery can affect your ability to drive safely, even if it's not something you'd normally need to report to the DVLA. According to GOV.UK, you only need to notify them if you're still unable to drive 3 months after your operation - at which point you'll need to fill in the relevant health condition form and send it to the DVLA.
Recovery time varies hugely depending on the type of surgery, so there's no single answer to how long you'll need off. Your surgeon or GP is best placed to tell you when it's safe to drive again, based on things like pain levels, medication and whether you can perform an emergency stop.
It's also worth telling your car insurer, even if you don't need to notify the DVLA. Driving before you're medically fit - or while taking medication that affects your reactions, such as strong painkillers - could invalidate your policy if you're involved in an accident.
If in doubt, check with your GP and your insurer before getting back behind the wheel.
Declaring a medical condition when applying for a licence
If it’s your first time applying for a driving licence, you’ll be able to declare any notifiable conditions you have on your application form. Or, if you’re applying online, there’ll be a specific health section for you to complete.
It’s a similar process for drivers aged 70 or over who are renewing their licence. You don’t have to contact the DVLA separately to declare a medical condition.
If you’re reapplying for a licence after surrendering it or having it revoked, things work slightly differently. Head to the DVLA website and select your condition, and you’ll be directed to a specific application form.
Depending on why you had to give up your licence, you may also be asked to provide evidence that you’re fit to drive. But, it depends on your circumstances and health history.
How do you tell the DVLA about a medical condition?
You can tell the DVLA about a medical condition online. Or, you can fill out a physical form and send it to the DVLA by post.
If you’re unsure whether your condition needs to be reported, you can take a look at the A-Z list on the GOV.UK website. Here, you’ll find more information about whether you need to declare. And, you’ll be directed to the correct medical form.
What happens after you tell the DVLA?
Once you’ve declared your medical condition, the DVLA will review your application or report. In some cases, they might reach out to your GP or a relevant specialist for more information.
Once the DVLA has reviewed your case, they’ll inform you of their decision. Most of the time, people who declare a condition are able to keep their licence. But, let’s take a look at the 4 possible outcomes:
- Your licence application is accepted with no changes.
- You’re issued a short-term licence, meaning you’ll need to be reassessed in 1-5 years’ time.
- Your application is accepted, but with certain restrictions added to your licence.
- Your licence is revoked. If you're not happy with this outcome, you’ll have the option to make an appeal.
Can I keep driving while I wait for a decision?
In some cases, yes. Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 allows some drivers to keep driving while their application is being processed - but only if they meet specific criteria, including that their doctor has told them they're fit to drive, and that they held a valid licence before applying.
This isn't a blanket rule, and eligibility depends on your specific condition and circumstances. If you're not sure whether you qualify, check your position with your doctor and refer to GOV.UK's guidance on driving before DVLA makes a decision before assuming you're covered to drive.
cookie usage