60-second summary
Just want the basics? Here’s your quick guide to driving with medical conditions:
Do I need to report my medical condition? Many medical conditions must be reported to both the DVLA and your car insurance provider if they affect your ability to drive safely. Failing to disclose a condition could result in fines or invalidated insurance.
How do I notify the DVLA? You can report your condition via the GOV.UK website. The DVLA may require a medical assessment, eye test or driving test to determine if you can continue driving.
Can medical conditions affect my car insurance? Some insurers may increase premiums for drivers with certain conditions, especially if they pose a higher risk. However, not all conditions impact pricing. Shopping around for quotes can help find the best deal.
What happens if I don’t disclose my condition? Failure to report a notifiable condition to the DVLA can result in fines up to £1,000. Not informing your insurer could also lead to claims being denied.
Driving with medication: Some medications can impair driving. If you take prescribed drugs such as morphine, methadone, or strong sedatives, consult your doctor to ensure you’re safe to drive.
Are there any driving restrictions placed on people with medical conditions?
There are restrictions, but they vary depending on the specific medical condition you’re living with and how it will affect your ability to drive safely. For example, someone with poor eyesight will be required to wear their glasses or contact lenses at all times while driving.
Do I need to disclose my medical condition?
Yes, there are a number of DVLA reportable medical conditions. In most cases, you'll need to disclose your condition to both your car insurance provider and the DVLA. The exception is if you're deaf. There are currently no hearing-impaired driving restrictions for cars, vans or motorbikes.
What medical conditions do I need to tell my car insurance provider about?
DVLA notifiable medical conditions are those that you need to report because it could affect your ability to drive safely. Understanding what medical conditions have to be declared for car insurance is important. You should report any of the following to your insurance provider and the DVLA:
Diabetes (especially if you’re taking insulin)
Sleep apnoea
Fainting spells
A heart condition
Epilepsy
Strokes
Glaucoma.
But these aren’t the only DVLA reportable medical conditions that require disclosure. There are several other conditions, including neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease and dementia, as well as serious head injuries and limb disabilities, that you must report to the DVLA. You may also need to disclose mental health conditions, if they significantly affect your ability to drive safely. Examples of these may include schizophrenia or bipolar.
If you’re not sure if a mental health condition, or any medication you’re taking for it, may affect your ability to drive, your doctor should be able to help.
If in doubt, the DVLA has a handy online tool you can use to confirm if you need to report your medical condition. It also has an A-Z list of conditions you can check, with links to further guidance for certain health conditions and driving restrictions.
A basic rule of thumb is, if a medical condition affects your ability to drive safely, you’ll need to report it to your car insurance provider. However, not all DVLA notifiable conditions impact insurance. Some insurance providers may only require disclosure for conditions that pose a driving risk.
How should I notify the DVLA of my medical condition?
You can find the relevant forms online via the GOV.UK website.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) instead.
The DVLA will contact you by letter once it has assessed your case. In some cases, it may need to speak to your doctor or arrange for you to have an examination, or may ask you to go for an eye test. The DVLA could also ask you to take a driving test to assess your ability to drive safely. Unfortunately, due to the backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is likely to take longer than usual.
How long do DVLA medical enquiries take?
It depends on the medical condition you have and the information the DVLA needs to gather, but you will usually get a decision within six weeks. You’ll get a letter to let you know if it takes longer.
Can I drive while waiting for DVLA medical results?
In most cases you can legally continue to drive while you’re waiting for a decision from the DVLA, if a doctor has declared you fit to drive. This is in accordance with Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. However, you must meet the following conditions:
Your previous licence has not been revoked or refused.
You have applied for a new licence.
Your doctor has confirmed that you meet the medical standards to drive.
You do not have a condition that makes driving dangerous (e.g., uncontrolled epilepsy or sudden fainting).
Will I have to surrender my licence due to a medical condition?
It depends on the seriousness of your condition and how it impacts your ability to drive safely. If you’re advised not to drive by your doctor or your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely for three months or more, you’ll need to surrender your driving licence to the DVLA. Once a medical professional determines that you meet the required medical standards to drive safely again, you can apply to get your licence back.
Can I appeal a decision from the DVLA?
Yes, if you don’t agree with the DVLA’s decision to remove your licence you can make an appeal. You’ll need to prove that you meet the required standards for safe driving, detailed in the explanation sent to you by the DVLA. Bear in mind that the DVLA is unlikely to reverse its decision unless you can provide new evidence.
Do I need to tell the DVLA if I start taking medication?
It depends. If you start taking long-term medication for a notifiable condition – for example, if you’re diagnosed with diabetes and put on insulin – then you’ll probably need to inform the DVLA. It’s best to ask your doctor about any long-term medication they’ve prescribed and how it may affect your driving.
It’s not necessary to inform the DVLA about a short-term course of medication you’re taking, unless it’s been prescribed due to a notifiable condition that has developed or worsened over time. However, it’s important to remember that it’s illegal to drive in the UK on any drugs or medication that impairs your ability to drive safely.
Certain medications are known to impair your ability to drive safely, even when taken correctly. If you’re prescribed any of the following medication, consult your doctor to see if it’s safe for you to continue driving:
Amphetamines
Clonazepam
Diazepam
Flunitrazepam
Lorazepam
Methadone
Morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, like codeine, tramadol or fentanyl
Oxazepam
Temazepam.
What happens if I don’t disclose my medical condition to the DVLA?
You could be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to let the DVLA know about your condition. If you're involved in an accident and you haven't disclosed something that could affect your ability to drive safely, you might even be prosecuted.
What happens if I don’t disclose my medical condition to my insurance provider?
When you take out car insurance, you’ll normally be asked by your provider if you have any medical conditions that have been declared to the DVLA. If you fail to tell your provider about any medical conditions that impact your ability to drive safely and you need to make a claim, it could invalidate your insurance.
What medical conditions disqualify you from driving?
When it comes to what medical conditions can stop you from driving, the DVLA works on a case-by-case basis. It will make its decision based on how your condition might affect your ability to drive, with input from your doctor or specialist.
While you might be allowed to keep driving, the DVLA could insist that you adapt your car or that you get a new licence. It may also insist on a licence with a shorter validity, to be reviewed in one, two, three or five years’ time. If it decides that you’re not able to drive safely because of your medical condition, you may be asked to surrender your licence.
What eye conditions can stop you driving?
Certain eye conditions, such as severe glaucoma cataracts, or retinitis pigmentosa, could affect your ability to drive.
If your eye condition affects both eyes, you must report these conditions to the DVLA, which will assess your fitness to drive.
Can I drive after surgery?
According to the DVLA, you should not be driving after a general anaesthetic for at least two days. This is because the effects of the anaesthesia can remain in your system for 48 hours after surgery. Ask a friend or family member to get you home safely from the hospital.
Depending on the operation you’ve had it may take longer for you to start driving after surgery. Talk to your doctor to better understand the longer-term implications for any planned surgery. For example, driving after knee replacement surgery will be different than driving after abdominal surgery, which could limit your ability to brake suddenly or steer comfortably.
It’s worth checking your car insurance policy too, to see if they have any exclusions related to driving after surgery. If you’re still unable to drive three months after the operation, you’ll need to inform the DVLA.
Do you need to inform your car insurance provider after surgery?
Yes, driving after surgery impacts your car insurance, if it affects your ability to drive safely. You should tell your car insurance provider as soon as possible.
It's also advisable to check your policy for any specific exclusions related to driving post-surgery.
Reapplying for a licence following a medical condition
If your licence has been revoked because of a medical condition, you’ll get a letter from the DVLA explaining how long you’ll need to wait before you can reapply to get it back. You can reapply for your licence eight weeks before the end of this period if your doctor says you meet the medical standards and are fit to drive again.
You can order a D1 application pack, which has everything you need to make your application, from the DVLA or Post Office branches.
Top tip
Major disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a massive backlog in driving licence paper applications – especially for drivers reapplying following a medical condition. To help speed up processing times, the DVLA recommends using their online services where possible.
Will I pay more for car insurance if I have a medical condition?
Some insurance providers may charge higher premiums for those with certain conditions because they’ve assessed that the condition puts you in a higher risk category.
The key to saving money is to shop around and compare quotes. Luckily, Comparethemarket is here to make things easy. We’ll compare quotes from a wide range of insurance providers in the UK, in a few minutes. Start a quote with us today.
FAQs
I’ve started wearing glasses since my licence was issued. Do I need to tell the DVLA?
If you’ve been diagnosed as short-sighted, long-sighted or colour blind since you got your licence you don’t need to inform the DVLA, but you will need to wear your glasses or contact lenses at all times when driving or you could face prosecution. If you have another eye condition that affects your eyesight, you may need to report it to the DVLA.
If you need to re-apply for your driving licence, the DVLA will ask you to take an eyesight test at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to check you meet the standards of vision for driving. The NHS also recommends you get your eyes checked every two years to make sure your vision is up to scratch.
Am I eligible for a Blue Badge?
You’ll automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you already qualify for certain benefits, like the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you don’t automatically qualify, you can apply and undergo assessment by your local council.
Other eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge will be determined and assessed by your local council. You can check your eligibility for a Blue Badge and apply on the GOV.UK website.
The Blue Badge scheme helps you park closer to certain services if you’re disabled or struggle to walk because of a medical condition.
Does ADHD affect car insurance?
ADHD could affect your car insurance, but only if it impacts your ability to drive safely. This would likely involve a severe case of ADHD, which may include severe impulsivity or inattention.
If this is the case, you must inform both the DVLA and your car insurance provider. Failure to disclose this information could invalidate your insurance.
Does a pacemaker affect car insurance?
Yes, having a pacemaker may affect your car insurance if it significantly impacts your ability to drive safely. For example, you suffer from fainting, dizziness or blackouts.
It's important to inform your insurance provider, as well as the DVLA, to ensure you remain covered and meet legal requirements.
According to the law, you must not drive for at least one week after a pacemaker implant or pacemaker box change procedure.
Do I need to tell my car insurance provider about sleep apnea?
Yes, you should let your car insurance provider know if you have sleep apnea, as it can impact your driving ability.
You must also tell the DVLA about your condition.
Do I need to tell my car insurance provider about type 2 diabetes?
Yes, if your type 2 diabetes is treated with insulin or affects your driving, you must inform your car insurance provider.
The DVLA should also be notified to ensure you meet the medical standards for driving.
Can I get car insurance and drive after a stroke?
According to the law and DVLA guidance, you can’t drive for at least a month after a stroke or TIA (mini stroke). After that, you can start driving again, if your doctor says you’re fit enough.
You must inform the DVLA if you still have medical issues after a month or if you drive a bus, lorry, or taxi. You must also tell your insurance provider if you’re driving after a stroke, or your policy could be invalid.
Many stroke survivors can still get car insurance, but premiums may be more expensive. You may also need to take a driving assessment to prove you're safe on the road.
Will driving after a heart attack affect my insurance?
Yes, it's important to inform your insurance provider about your heart attack, as it may be considered a notifiable medical condition. Your provider will assess the risk and may adjust your premium accordingly.
You should also speak to your doctor to check you're fit to drive, and follow any guidelines provided by the DVLA regarding your ability to drive safely after a heart attack.
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News, about car and home insurance, as well as our Meerkat rewards scheme.
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs.
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