The DVLA has revoked or refused nearly 33,000 licences over a health condition
The DVLA has reportedly revoked or refused to renew 32,944 driving licences over a four-year period due to eyesight-related health conditions, according to new data. A Freedom of Information request by Marshall Motor Group revealed the action DVLA had taken after being made aware of drivers with visual impairments, as the Government prepares to tighten rules around eyesight tests, particularly for older motorists.
However, it’s not just eyesight issues that could land motorists in hot water, and not informing the DVLA at all could trigger a penalty fine worth up to £1,000 as well as potentially invalidating your insurance if you have an accident.
The DVLA has a full list of conditions it counts as ‘notifable’, meaning motorists must inform the department of their diagnosis as soon as possible. There are just shy of 200 medical conditions listed that must be reported, but there are seven more common conditions the DVLA highlights.
Diabetes
Millions of people in the UK have diabetes, but for most it shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to their driving licence unless they have developed specific complications that make it harder to drive, like hypoglycemia.
Diabetics need to inform the DVLA if they have an insulin treatment lasting more than three months, gestational diabetes with treatment lasting more than three months post birth or if a professional has said they’re at risk of developing ‘disabling hypoglycaemia’.
Syncope
Any motorist experiencing blackouts, fainting or loss of consciousness may need to inform the DVLA. You can also ask your doctor if your condition will affect your driving
Heart conditions
A number of heart conditions can affect your driving and must be reported. This includes arrhythmias, heart failure, vascular dementia, having a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator and strokes or transient ischaemic attacks.
Sleepiness
Conditions that cause excessive daytime sleepiness must be reported to the DVLA, as they can impair your ability to drive. This includes narcolepsy, cataplexy or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
The DVLA guidance warns: “You must not drive until you’re free from excessive sleepiness or until your symptoms are under control and you’re strictly following any necessary treatment.”
Epilepsy
If you’ve had epileptic seizures or blackouts while you were awake, your licence may be taken away, but you can reapply once you have been seizure-free for a while, depending on your circumstances.
If you’ve only had seizures while asleep or do not become unconscious during seizures, the DVLA will let you know if you still qualify for a licence, but you must not drive until a decision has been made.
Strokes
After experiencing a stroke, you must stop driving for at least a month and can only go back behind the wheel once given the ‘okay’ by your doctor or healthcare professional. If you have a stroke and have recovered fully, you may not have to tell the DVLA.
However, if you still experience symptoms like weakness in your arms or legs, eyesight issues or need brain surgery as part of your treatment, you’ll need to inform the department.
Eye conditions
You must tell the DVLA about these conditions:
- Blepharospasm
- Diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Glaucoma
- Nyctalopia (night blindness)
- Retinitis pigmentosa
If you report a medical condition that affects your vision, DVLA may refer you for an eyesight test with their contracted optician. You do not have to pay for the test.
After informing the DVLA of any ‘notifable’ condition, it will decide if you must:
- Get a new licence
- Get a medical driving licence which has a shorter expiration period
- Have an adapted vehicle
- Stop driving and give up your licence
