10 Medical Conditions You Must Report To The DVLA, Or Risk Your Insurance Being Revoked
To ensure road safety, experts have warned that drivers must declare certain medical conditions to the DVLA, or risk invalidating their insurance.
Failure to report any existing medical conditions can result in a harsh fine of £1,000, and drivers also risk being prosecuted if involved in an accident.
Founder of car insurance website QuoteZone, Greg Wilson, commented "A serious medical diagnosis on top of the fear of losing transportation and independence can be devastating."
"Taking all precautions to be safe on the road is extremely important and drivers must play their part to ensure their wellbeing and the wellbeing of other road users is protected to the best of their knowledge."
While many medical conditions and medications will not largely impact on your driving ability, if at all, it is important that the DVLA are aware in case any changes occur.
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Here is the list of 10 medical conditions experts have warned drivers must report to the DVLA…
1) Heart conditions
All heart conditions, such as arrythmia, must be declared to the DVLA, as they can be distracting and impact your ability to drive safely.
2) Eye conditions
It’s no surprise that most serious eye conditions can lead to compromised vision when driving, so it is required that these are reported to the DVLA. Conditions such as glaucoma can cause sight issues, consequently affecting your driving ability on the road.
3) Stroke
Following a stroke, it is advised that you must refrain from driving for a full month. Depending on severity, you may be able to drive again in the future, however further health complications mean that you must report this to the DVLA.
4) Diabetes
It is estimated that over 4 million people in the UK suffer from diabetes. The condition can lead to issues such as hypoglycaemia, which causes drowsiness and blurred vision. Diabetes must be reported to the DVLA, particularly if the condition is serious.
5) Vertigo
Conditions, such as vertigo, that cause dizziness must also be reported to the DVLA. Dizziness can impact your driving ability, as your sight and concentration are compromised, which is dangerous when driving.
6) Syncope
The condition syncope causes fainting. Due to the risk of temporary loss of consciousness while driving, it is necessary that the DVLA are aware if you have this condition.
7) Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea causes breathing to stop and start during sleep, which can lead to danger if experienced on the road. Extreme fatigue, sleep apnoea and illnesses affecting fatigue must be reported to the DVLA.
8) Driving on medications
Much like the previously mentioned conditions, some medications can also cause drowsiness and fatigue. Medications that can impact your driving ability include opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, some antidepressants, and those warning not to ‘operate heavy machinery’. Your GP will advise you on how to remain safe should you be prescribed anything that compromises your driving ability.
9) Seizures and epilepsy
Having a seizure and losing consciousness will result in your licence being revoked. This will then be reassessed after a period of six months without a seizure, in addition to medical advice.
10) Certain operations
Operations on certain body parts, such as your legs, can seriously impact your driving ability. Your doctor will inform you whether you will be exempt from driving following any operations.
The DVLA has an extensive list of over 110 conditions that can affect driving, visit the GOV website to find out more.
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