106 medical conditions that could cost £1,000 for | Tech News

Drivers are being warned that failure to inform the DVLA about a health diagnosis, and any subsequent changes in health, can lead to a £1,000 penalty. In certain cases, individuals may even be compelled to give up their driving licences.

BigWantsYourCar.com experts pointed out that the DVLA has an “extensive list” of 106 medical conditions known to affect driving capabilities, which can be found on Gov.uk. 

Some conditions only have to reported if certain criteria apply – for example drivers with cancer or lymphoma need to inform the DVLA if there are complications affecting their brain or nervous system, if their ability to drive is questioned by their doctor, or if treatment side effects potentially affect their driving.

The experts emphasise the importance of recognising when a health condition could affect driving abilities, advising: “For those uncertain about whether their condition is notifiable, consulting with a healthcare professional is highly advised. It’s better to stay on the side of caution and ensure compliance with DVLA regulations to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.”

Drivers have the option to voluntarily give up their licence if their health affects their driving and is expected to last for three months or more, or if their doctor has advised they shouldn’t be on the road for three months or more. 

If you’re facing these circumstances but don’t want to surrender your licence, it is still mandatory to inform the DVLA. The department will assess whether you’re fit to keep your licence.

The process for declaring medical conditions varies depending on the type of licence you hold. For car or motorcycle licence owners, online reporting is typically available, alternatively, by submitting a printed form through post.

Those holding a bus, lorry or coach licence, or residents of Northern Ireland, have separate procedures for disclosing their health status. Some ailments may require using the paper form to report regardless of the type of licence held.

The DVLA says on GOV.UK that drivers must tell them if someone has a driving licence and:

• they develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability
• a condition or disability has got worse since they got their licence

Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect someone’s ability to drive safely.

In addition, the DVLA say drivers must surrender their licence to DVLA if any of the following are true:

• a 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 do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition

You can apply to get your licence back when you meet the medical standards for driving again.