More than 10 million people in the UK could face a costly fine for failing to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) one thing. Motorists can be fined £1,000 if they don't tell the DVLA about certain medical conditions, including some that are quite common.
If you have a condition that affects your driving, you are legally required to disclose it. One such condition is arthritis, which is reported to affect more than 10 million people in the UK. Other notable conditions on the list include anxiety, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Once a condition is reported to the DVLA, the agency will assess the situation and determine the appropriate action. The DVLA warns: "You need to tell DVLA about some medical conditions as they can affect your driving.
"You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving." You can voluntarily give up your licence.
The Government website clarifies: "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."
Here is the full list of medical conditions you may need to declare to the DVLA if they affect your driving:
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Epilepsy or seizures
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Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
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Heart conditions, including heart attacks, angina, or irregular heartbeats
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Diabetes requiring insulin or medication
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Loss of limb or paralysis
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Blackouts, fainting, or unexplained loss of consciousness
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Visual impairments or loss of sight
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Hearing loss or deafness
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Mental health conditions affecting behavior or concentration
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Dementia or cognitive impairment
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Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
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Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders
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Multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions
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Alcohol or drug dependence
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Sudden disabling dizziness or vertigo
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Brain injury or damage affecting function
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Severe arthritis or conditions affecting mobility
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Any other condition that may affect safety to drive
If you have a medical condition not listed here but it impacts your ability to drive safely, it’s important to check with the DVLA whether it needs to be reported.
For more information, visit the Government website