What to Do If Health Affects Driving UK

Your ability to drive safely depends on more than just your skills behind the wheel—it also relies heavily on your physical and mental health. In the UK, if poor health affects your driving, the law is clear: you must take action, both for your safety and for others on the road.

Here’s what you need to know about your responsibilities, what conditions must be reported, and how to stay within the law.

Your Legal Duty: Tell the DVLA

If you develop a medical condition or your health worsens in a way that affects your ability to drive, you are legally required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

You must report your condition even if you're not currently driving, but still hold a valid licence. Failing to do so can lead to:

A £1,000 fine
Prosecution if you're involved in an accident and didn’t report a relevant condition
Potential invalidated insurance if the insurer wasn’t made aware of the issue

You can inform the DVLA online or by post using specific medical forms available on the GOV.UK website.

Common Health Conditions That Must Be Reported

There are over 200 medical conditions that can affect your ability to drive safely. Some of the most commonly reported include:

Epilepsy or seizures
Diabetes treated with insulin
Heart conditions, such as arrhythmia or pacemaker use
Vision problems, including serious sight loss in one or both eyes
Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
Mental health conditions, such as severe anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
Sleep disorders that cause excessive daytime sleepiness, like sleep apnoea
Substance misuse issues (drugs or alcohol)

Even temporary conditions, such as blackouts or fainting spells, must be reported if they could compromise your control of a vehicle.

You can check the full list on the GOV.UK medical conditions and driving page.

What Happens After You Report It?

After informing the DVLA, they may:

Ask for more information from you or your GP
Send you for a medical examination or an assessment
Decide to reissue your licence with restrictions, issue a short-term licence (e.g. 1–3 years), or
Revoke your licence temporarily or permanently if it's unsafe for you to drive

If your condition improves or becomes manageable with treatment, you may be allowed to drive again following a reassessment.

Should You Tell Your Car Insurance Provider?

Yes. You must also inform your car insurance provider if you have a medical condition that affects your driving. Failure to do so could result in your insurance being void, meaning you’re not covered in the event of a crash—even if it’s not your fault.

What If You’re Not Sure Whether Your Condition Affects Driving?

If you’re uncertain, speak to your GP or consultant. They can advise whether your condition needs to be reported and whether you should continue driving while awaiting a decision from the DVLA.

Remember, it's better to be cautious. If you continue driving with a condition that affects your control or judgement, you put yourself and others at serious risk.

Support If You Have to Stop Driving

Giving up driving due to health can feel like a loss of independence—but support is available:

Blue Badge scheme: If you have mobility issues
Public transport passes or community transport services
Help with mobility scooters or adapted vehicles, if you’re able to return to driving with restrictions
Local authority or charity support for elderly or disabled drivers

Your GP or local Citizens Advice can help connect you with services to maintain independence.

Final Word

If poor health affects your driving, you must tell the DVLA. It's not just a legal obligation—it’s a matter of safety for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Don’t delay or guess—check the GOV.UK guidance or speak to your doctor.

Driving is a privilege, not a right—and looking after your health is part of staying road-safe and responsible.