The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) – which holds nearly 53 million driver records and more than 47 million vehicle records – has guidance for motorists with ADHD.
GOV.UK says drivers “must tell DVLA” if their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or their “ADHD medication affects their ability to drive safely.”
However, the DVLA says this will not apply to everyone. It adds: “If your driving is not affected by your ADHD or ADHD medication, you do not need to tell DVLA. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.”
The agency also warns there can be consequences for those who do not report it when they should. It states: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about ADHD that affects your ability to drive safely. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.”
I have a provisional licence and learning to drive. Do I need to tell the DVLA?
DVLA guidance states: “You do not usually need to tell DVLA about your condition if you’re learning to drive. Your driving test will assess your ability to drive safely.
“Tell DVLA if you’ve not taken your test yet and your doctor has told you that your ADHD or medication affects your ability to drive safely.”
Remember, “if you already have a full car or motorcycle licence, you need to tell DVLA if there’s a change to your condition that may make you an unsafe driver.” This also applies to people who have a full bus, coach or lorry licence.
Do I need to tell the DVLA about my health condition?
You need to inform the DVLA about some medical conditions because they can affect how safely you drive. If you don’t disclose a condition that impacts your driving, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
You can voluntarily give up your licence. You might choose to do this if, for example:
- You do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition
- Your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more
- Your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more
You may have to inform the DVLA and send back your licence. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving and you do not surrender your licence voluntarily, you must notify the DVLA, which will then decide whether you can keep your driving licence.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
