All the health conditions you must report to DVLA - including diabetes

Motorists across the UK face potential fines reaching £1,000 should they neglect to declare a medical condition that may impact their driving ability. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued guidance emphasising that numerous conditions could influence your capability behind the wheel.

These are classified as 'notifiable' medical conditions or disabilities, meaning specific ailments must be disclosed as they may compromise your driving. Additionally, certain health issues or disabilities not featured on the official list might require reporting if they have deteriorated since you obtained your driving licence.

DVLA guidance states: "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."

Complete list of health conditions that could impact your driving

Should you possess a driving licence whilst suffering from any of the following conditions, they may affect your driving competency and must be reported to the DVLA:

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

Will I lose my licence if I have a health condition

Your legal ability to drive while managing one of the above health conditions or disabilities largely depends on how it specifically impacts you. According to the DVLA, there are only three scenarios in which you must surrender your licence to the DVLA, thus rendering 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

Remember that surrendering your licence does not always need to be permanent and you can apply to get your licence back once you meet the medical standards to safely drive a car again. Otherwise, if you report your medical condition to the DVLA, they may decide to further investigate your health by receiving information from a healthcare professional, such as from your GP.

While you are waiting on a decision from the DVLA in relation to your medical condition, you are still usually able to drive. Once the DVLA has carried out its assessment, it will tell you whether you need to adapt your vehicle to your needs or that you must stop driving.

You will be informed of this decision via a letter, which will also provide additional guidance for your subsequent actions.