Illness and driving: when you must tell DVLA and what silence costs

Many drivers do not know that they must tell DVLA, the licensing agency, about some illnesses. According to GOV.UK, failing to report a condition that might affect safe driving risks a fine of up to £1,000, and you could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.

Which conditions must you report?

According to GOV.UK, you must tell DVLA about both new diagnoses and existing conditions that have worsened. The list includes, among others, diabetes treated with insulin, fainting (syncope), heart conditions including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers, sleep apnoea, epilepsy, strokes and glaucoma.

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When exactly should you report?

You should report as soon as a condition is diagnosed or worsens, rather than waiting for a routine licence renewal. Different conditions have different forms and procedures — some require a doctor’s report, others a specific DVLA questionnaire.

What happens after you tell DVLA?

DVLA reviews your case and may leave your licence unchanged, issue a licence for a limited period (for example one or three years with a later review), require a medical assessment, or in some cases suspend your licence. The decision depends on how the condition affects safety.

Can you keep driving while it is reviewed?

In some cases yes, if a doctor has confirmed you can drive safely and no other restriction applies. But if a doctor advises you to stop, or your licence is revoked, you must not drive.

What if you can no longer drive?

If a condition means you cannot drive safely, you can voluntarily surrender your licence on GOV.UK. It is not permanent: when your condition allows, you can apply to get it back. Voluntary surrender is usually simpler and quicker than a forced revocation.

Telling DVLA about an illness is not just a legal duty but a matter of safety for everyone on the road. If you are unsure whether your diagnosis must be reported, check with your doctor and on GOV.UK — silence costs more.