Staying safe on the road is of course about more than just obeying the speed limit and keeping your car in good condition. Your health plays a crucial role in your ability to drive safely.

In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has strict rules on which medical conditions must be reported, and failing to disclose them can have serious legal and insurance consequences.

Which health conditions must be reported to DVLA?

According to official GOV.UK guidance, you must tell DVLA if you develop a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, or if an existing condition gets worse. This applies whether you are applying for a licence, renewing it, or already hold a valid licence.

You can find out more and find out how to report any medical conditions here: https://www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions

Some of the most common notifiable medical conditions include:

• Diabetes treated with insulin

• Sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders that cause daytime drowsiness

• Epilepsy

• Fainting spells (syncope)

• Heart conditions, including arrhythmias, pacemakers, or heart failure

• Strokes and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs)

• Serious vision problems, such as glaucoma or severe cataracts

The DVLA also notes that some mental health conditions may need to be disclosed if they significantly impair your ability to drive.

What happens once you notify DVLA?

When you report a condition, DVLA may:

• Request medical reports from your GP or consultant.

• Ask you to complete a medical questionnaire.

• Require a driving assessment or medical examination.

In some cases, DVLA may grant you a licence with a shorter validity period, meaning you’ll undergo more frequent medical reviews to ensure you remain fit to drive.

In many cases, you may continue to drive while your condition is being assessed, as long as your doctor has not advised otherwise and you meet the criteria outlined on GOV.UK.

Legal and insurance implications

Failing to notify DVLA about a notifiable condition is a criminal offence. You could be fined up to £1,000, and if you’re involved in an accident, you may face prosecution.

There are also insurance implications. When you apply for car insurance, insurers typically ask if you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. If you withhold this information and later make a claim, your insurer could refuse to pay out, leaving you personally liable for damages.

For these reasons, it’s essential to be upfront with both the DVLA and your insurer. Transparency protects you, your passengers, and other road users.

Staying safe behind the wheel

If you have a medical condition, there are steps you can take to stay safe:

• Follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medication as directed.

• Schedule regular health check-ups if you have a long-term condition such as diabetes or heart disease.

• Rest properly before driving, particularly if you suffer from sleep-related conditions.

• Keep your insurer informed of any changes to your health status.

Your health is just as important to safe driving as your skills behind the wheel. Reporting notifiable conditions to DVLA and keeping your insurance provider informed ensures you remain compliant with the law and protected on the road.

For more guidance, visit the official DVLA medical conditions and driving page https://www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions