Telling the DVLA about a diagnosis
Who is responsible for telling the DVLA?
According to gov.uk it is the driver’s responsibility to tell the DVLA if they develop a ‘notifiable’ condition. “You must tell DVLA if you have a driving licence and you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability (or) a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence.” Therefore, the onus is on the individual whether they think they are safe to drive. This doesn’t mean that family or friends shouldn’t take notice if the person is struggling to drive safely, as many people won’t want to declare themselves unfit to drive as they’ll worry about their continuing independence.
Conditions you must declare
There are various conditions that the DVLA consider ‘notifiable’. These include:
Dementia
Stroke and TIA
Parkinson's
Epilepsy and seizures
Diabetes treated with insulin
Sight conditions
How to tell the DVLA
First of all, you should check if you actually need to declare your condition. If so, and you have a car or motorcycle licence, you’ll be able to report your condition online, when you check if you need to declare it. However, if you have a “bus, coach or lorry licence, you’ll have to send a form or questionnaire to DVLA.”
Which form you need
“There are different forms for different conditions and disabilities” say the DVLA. You should contact them if you’re unsure how to proceed. They can be contacted online, via email or webchat, or by post at Drivers’ Medical Enquiries, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU. In Northern Ireland you should contact the DVA.
What happens next
You’ll be sent a letter with the DVLA’s decision. However, your application may need additional information from a healthcare professional. The DVLA might contact your doctor or consultant, arrange an examination, or assess your driving. You can usually continue driving while you wait for their decision.
What the DVLA can decide
The DVLA can decide whether you are safe to continue driving. They may place conditions on your driving, such as a change in your licence, or revoke your licence entirely.
Keeping your licence
If you are advised that you can keep your licence you should apply for a renewal. The quickest way is to apply online, however you cannot use this service if you have a provisional licence, a minibus, coach, or lorry licence, you need to change your name on your licence, or it was issued in Northern Ireland.
A shorter licence
The DVLA may agree you can have another licence; however, it may be for a shorter term of 1, 2, 3 or five years. You can apply online for this service; however you should ensure you have all the information before you begin the process because you’ll only have an hour to complete it and cannot save it for later.
Surrendering your licence
A person can surrender their driving licence at any point throughout their life, for a medical reason or something else. However, if you later wish to drive again you will need to reapply. The DVLA will carry out medical checks to decide if you’re safe to continue driving. You may be able to continue while they decide.
Why you must tell your insurer too
According to Admiral, you must tell your insurance company if the circumstances of your driving licence change. “You’d need to let us know if you or any named drivers have had your licence revoked or suspended or if you or the named driver have been banned from driving.” Whichever insurer you are with, it’s important to let them know any change in circumstances surrounding your driving. As well as licence changes, this includes changes to your name, address, if you have an accident, or if you sell your car.
What happens if a condition is not declared
If you don’t tell the DVLA that you have developed a medical condition or disability that affects your driving, it could lead to serious consequences. Legally, you have to let them know, otherwise it’s an offence under section 94 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. You could also face a fine of up to £1000, be prosecuted, and invalidate your insurance. This means that were you to have an accident, you might not be covered, which could leave you seriously out of pocket. You could even be prosecuted for dangerous driving. While it can be upsetting to think you might lose the independence of driving, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The DVLA will work with you to see if there is any way to keep you on the road, even with a disability or a medical condition.
Supporting a relative who has to stop driving
Some people are happy to surrender their driving licence, feeling they can utilise their free bus pass or taxis instead. But for others, especially those who live in more isolated communities, it can feel as if a lifeline has been removed. This is why the subject should always be approached carefully.
Having the conversation
If you’ve noticed that a loved one isn’t driving as safely as they used to, or they’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that means the DVLA could revoke their licence, you should approach the subject with them as soon as possible. They may be resistant to the idea but it’s important to remind them of the consequences if they don’t and reassure them that you will help them to remain independent.
Getting around without a car
Your relative may be used to going where they want at a time to suit them, but utilising a free bus pass or investigating ride share services, such as those offered by the Royal Voluntary Service, can mean they still remain independent. Family members, friends, or neighbours may also be able to offer lifts when necessary, or for essential medical appointments there may be hospital transport available.
Staying independent without a car, with Helping Hands
Helping Hands have been supporting people to remain independent at home since 1989, and one of the ways we do that is to accompany our customers when they need support getting out and about.
Getting to appointments and doing the shopping
Our carers can drive you where you need to get to, whether it’s medical appointments, or running errands. They’ll take you shopping or fetch it for you if you’d prefer, meaning you remain in control of your life and your routine.
Keeping up hobbies and social plans
Losing touch with friends because you can no longer get to activities and events can be isolating. With a Helping Hands carer though you can still attend everything you’d like to, as they’ll make sure you get there and back safely.
Speaking to our team whenever you need us
If you’d like to discuss your home care options you can speak to our friendly team, seven days a week. They’ll explain how our visiting and live-in care works and all of the ways that our carers can help keep you independent at home.
FAQs
Not necessarily. It’s important to notify the DVLA as soon as possible so that they can let you know if it’s no longer safe for you to drive.
You’ll know whether you feel safe driving anymore, but other people’s opinions can help you make a decision. If you aren’t sure, have a chat with the DVLA or your GP.
There are solutions to a loved one’s struggling to drive. Perhaps they need stronger glasses, a change in their medication, or adaptions to their car. But they could also be a danger to themselves and others, so it’s essential they talk to a healthcare professional or the DVLA. Age UK has advice on older drivers, suggesting they “speak to their GP or pharmacist about any health conditions or medications that may be affecting their ability to drive safely.”
There are various options if you can longer drive yourself. Family and friends may be able to give you lifts, or if you’d rather remain more independent, you can arrange taxis or use local bus services. Various charitable organisations also offer transport for people who struggle with their mobility and need to get to essential medical appointments or other activities.
Yes, your carer can drive your car if you have the appropriate insurance in place. They may also be able to drive you to places in their own car and accompany you to activities and events if you would like them to. Chat to our care advisors or pop into your local branch to see what differences we could make to your life.