10 medical conditions the DVLA needs to know about

Do you suffer from diabetes or vertigo? According to research by Quotezone, some medical conditions could prevent drivers from legally taking to the road or invalidate your insurance.

As a result, here are 10 medical conditions the DVLA needs to know about.

From strokes to sleep apnoea

1. Diabetes

You won’t get your driving licence taken away if you have diabetes, but you do still need to let the DVLA know as diabetes can lead to further complications including hypoglycaemia, which can cause drowsiness and blurred vision.

2. Sleep apnoea

Danger lies in extreme fatigue. If you suffer from sleep apnoea or other illnesses affecting fatigue, you could be posing a risk to not just yourself but also other road users.

3. Heart conditions

Heart conditions such as arrhythmia must be reported to the DVLA as it can affect the ability to safely stop a car and can be distracting to others.

4. Eye conditions

It’s no surprise that the DVLA should know about any eye conditions. If you have Glaucoma for example, you may have blurred vision which impacts your driving.

5. Stroke

If you’ve suffered from a stroke, you must stop driving for one month. If any health problems persist after a month, the DVLA need to know.

6. Seizures and epilepsy

If you have a seizure while you’re awake and lose consciousness, your licence will be taken away. You can then reapply if you go six months without another seizure.

7. Vertigo

Recurrent or sudden dizziness must be reported to the DVLA.

8. Syncope

Syncope is a condition that causes a temporary loss of consciousness. The DVLA must know in case you blackout while driving.

9. Certain operations

If you’ve had a recent operation on your leg for example, you won’t be able to drive. In such case, you should do what your doctor advises you.

10. Medication

If you’re on strong medication, it’s likely you’ll be recommended to avoid driving.

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

Protecting all road users

Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk says: “A serious medical diagnosis on top of the fear of losing transportation and independence can be devastating.

“However, many conditions and medications won’t impair driving, which the DVLA and insurance providers recognise – but they do need to be kept up to date with any changes.

“Taking all precautions to be safe on the road is extremely important and drivers must play their part to ensure their wellbeing and the wellbeing of other road users is protected to the best of their knowledge.”

The DVLA has also urged all motorists to check their eyesight with the number plate eyesight test. Read more here.