Up to 189 health conditions could impact your legal right to drive, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The agency's guidelines cover both physical and mental health conditions that must be reported, with failure to do so potentially leading to fines of up to £1,000 or prosecution if an accident occurs.
Seven specific conditions are classified as 'notifiable' and must be disclosed to the DVLA. These include conditions that may impair driving ability, especially if a GP has recommended stopping driving for three months or more, or if the condition persists for three months or longer.
Common health issues such as anxiety or depression may also need to be reported, but only if they affect safe driving. The DVLA advises that drivers should only surrender their licence in three specific scenarios: if the condition affects driving safety, if a doctor recommends it, or if the condition is likely to last three months or more.
While awaiting a DVLA decision on a medical condition, drivers are usually allowed to continue driving. After evaluation, the DVLA will inform drivers whether their vehicle needs modifications or if they must stop driving. A full list of the 189 conditions is available on the DVLA website.
