What happens if I fail to update my medical conditions with the DVLA?

The DVLA has issued updated guidance on which medical conditions motorists should be making it aware of. These are medical conditions which the DVLA consider may affect the way you drive and a list can be found at https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving.

The DVLA’s justification for this is that safe driving requires, among other factors, the involvement of vision, hearing, attention and concentration, memory, good reaction time, muscle power and control and coordination; which can be significantly affected by certain conditions.

If you fail to update the DVLA that you have one of the listed medical conditions you could be fined up to £1,000. 

If you are involved in a road traffic accident and you have not informed the DVLA of your medical condition, you could face prosecution. 

An update must be made to the DVLA as soon as you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability or if a condition or disability has got worse since you obtained your licence. This can be done online at https://www.gov.uk/report-driving-medical-condition.

If your doctor has told you to stop driving for three months or more due to your medical condition, you must surrender your licence to the DVLA. You must also surrender your licence if due to the medical condition you do not meet the required standards for driving.

Should you require any assistance in respect of road traffic matters or motoring offences, call our specialist Regulatory Partner, James Lowe, on 07833 240400 for advice.