Common health conditions that risk licence as DVLA ‘cancels 33,000’

New data has revealed the DVLA refused to renew or revoked 32,944 drivers’ licences over a four-year period due to eyesight-related health conditions. The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by Marshall Motor Group, disclosed the action taken by the DVLA after being notified of drivers with visual impairments, as the Government prepares to strengthen regulations surrounding eyesight tests, particularly for elderly motorists.

However, vision problems aren’t the only concern that could cause difficulties for drivers, and failing to notify the DVLA altogether could result in a penalty fine of up to £1,000, as well as potentially invalidating your insurance should you be involved in an accident.

The DVLA maintains a full list of conditions it classifies as ‘notifiable’, requiring motorists to inform the department of their diagnosis as quickly as possible. There are nearly 200 medical conditions on the list that must be reported, but the DVLA highlights seven more prevalent conditions.

Diabetes

Millions of Britons live with diabetes, though for the majority it shouldn’t pose a problem regarding their driving licence unless they’ve developed particular complications that impede their ability to drive, such as hypoglycaemia.

Those with diabetes must notify the DVLA if they’re receiving insulin treatment lasting longer than three months, have gestational diabetes with treatment continuing more than three months after giving birth, or if a medical professional has indicated they’re at risk of developing ‘disabling hypoglycaemia’.

Syncope

Drivers who experience blackouts, fainting or loss of consciousness may be required to notify the DVLA. You can also consult your GP to determine whether your condition could affect your ability to drive.

Heart conditions

A range of cardiac conditions can impact your driving and must be declared to the DVLA. These include arrhythmias, heart failure, vascular dementia, having a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator and strokes or transient ischaemic attacks.

Sleepiness

Any condition that results in excessive daytime drowsiness must be reported to the DVLA, as it can seriously impair your driving ability. 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 have suffered epileptic seizures or blackouts while awake, your licence may be revoked, though you can reapply once you have remained seizure-free for a period of time, subject to your individual circumstances.

If seizures have only occurred during sleep, or you do not lose consciousness during episodes, the DVLA will advise whether you remain eligible for a licence. However, you must refrain from driving until an official decision has been reached.

Strokes

Following a stroke, you must cease driving for a minimum of one month and can only resume once your doctor or healthcare professional has given you clearance. If you’ve made a full recovery from a stroke, you may not need to notify the DVLA.

However, if you continue to experience symptoms such as weakness in your limbs, problems with your vision, or required brain surgery during treatment, you must 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