Major warning as 188 medical conditions could affect your ability to drive

Up to 188 health conditions could potentially impact your legal right to drive. Both physical and mental health conditions are included in the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) guidance, which must be reported.

Neglecting to do so could lead to substantial penalties, particularly when a medical condition persists over time. This becomes especially critical if a GP has already advised you to stop driving for three months or longer, or if the medical condition impairs your driving ability whilst lasting three months or more.

Whilst the DVLA's A-Z guidancecatalogue contains up to 188 conditions that might impact your driving, seven specific ones must be declared to the DVLA. These are classified as 'notifiable' medical conditions or disabilities.

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The DVLA's guidance warns: "You could be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident."

Health conditions that can affect your driving

If you possess a driving licence and experience any of the following 'notifiable' conditions, they could influence your driving abilities and must be declared to the DVLA:

• Diabetes or taking insulin
• Heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
• Epilepsy
• Strokes
• Sleep apnoea
• Syncope (fainting)
• Glaucoma

While the above conditions must be reported to the DVLA, there are a wide variety of other conditions that you may also need to report. Some of these can range from extremely common health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

However, in many cases, these conditions only need to be reported if they affect your ability to drive safely. You can check to see if your condition needs to be reported here.

Will I lose my licence if I have a health condition?

Your legal right to drive while dealing with one of the above health conditions or disabilities largely depends on how it specifically affects you. According to the DVLA, there are only three situations where you must give up your licence to the DVLA, thus making you unable to drive:.

• Your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more
• Your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more
• You do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition

Whilst awaiting a decision from the DVLA regarding your medical condition, you are typically still permitted to drive. Following their assessment, the DVLA will inform you if your vehicle needs to be adapted to your requirements or if you must cease driving.

This decision will be communicated through a letter, which will also offer further guidance for your next steps.