DVLA could urge motorists to ‘avoid driving’ if | Tech News

Greg issued the advice as he urged individuals to take precautions before stepping inside their cars.

He explained: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving. 

“Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.'”

The NHS previously said that road users should consider leaving their car at home if they are taking antidepressants regularly. 

They stated: “Some antidepressants can cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision, particularly when you first start taking them.

“If you do experience these problems, you should not drive or use tools and machinery.”

However, the experts stressed motorists should never try and hide a medical condition in a bid to avoid losing their licence. 

Motorists who conceal a condition could be slapped with hefty penalties including a £1,000 fine and the risk of prosecution in the event of an accident. 

Specialists warned there were hundreds of potential medical conditions which could catch drivers unawares.

Mr Wilson added: “The DVLA has an extensive list of over 110 conditions that can affect driving, so some motorists may be unaware of all of these conditions or the extent to which they can affect driving ability.

“We found some quite surprising and lesser-known conditions, some of which carry an increased risk and therefore insurance premiums can be higher – or more seriously, some ailments can even result in the driver’s licence being revoked.”