DVLA 'notifiable' health issues explained - when to report your condition

Motorists with a 'notifiable medical condition' or disability are required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Failure to report such conditions, which could impact driving safety, could lead to a hefty fine of up to £1,000.

It's perhaps common knowledge that conditions like epilepsy, sleep apnoea, and frequent fainting spells are crucial to report due to their potential sudden impact on driving. However, it may come as a surprise that certain people with diabetes or specific heart conditions also need to notify the DVLA.

For heart-related issues, this applies to those with an implanted defibrillator, often used to regulate irregular heart rhythms, or a pacemaker. Drivers who neglect to report these devices could even face prosecution if they are involved in a road accident.

In terms of diabetes, this rule applies to anyone undergoing insulin treatment for more than three months, including those with gestational diabetes, as well as anyone experiencing disabling hypoglycaemia. Those using non-insulin injections or tablets for diabetes treatment should consult their doctor about what this means for the DVLA.

However, those only making dietary changes as part of a diabetes treatment plan will not need to report this to the DVLA.

While it's not an exhaustive list, the DVLA has also highlighted several other conditions typically considered 'notifiable':

• Severe depression
• Sleep apnoea
• Syncope (fainting)
• Heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
• Diabetes or taking insulin
• Glaucoma
• Dementia
• Alzheimer's disease
• Epilepsy
• Bipolar disorder
• Strokes
• Cerebral palsy

Visit GOV.UK to see if your medical condition influences your car or motorcycle licence. This service provides an A-Z directory of conditions along with their related medications, offering straightforward advice on how these may affect driving safety.

If relevant, drivers may voluntarily surrender their licence. This could be advisable in situations where:

• A doctor has told you to stop driving for three months or more
• A medical condition affects your ability to drive safely for three months or more
• You do not meet the required standards for driving due to a medical condition

Current advice from GOV.UK adds: "You'll need to tell DVLA and send them your licence. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving and do not voluntarily give up your licence, you must inform DVLA.

"They will decide if you can continue holding a driving licence." If your condition is notifiable, you will be guided to report it online or by post.

Different forms are associated with various medical conditions. You can check these here.