Medical Conditions and Fitness to Drive

You must tell the DVLA about any "notifiable" medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely. The DVLA maintains a list of over 100 conditions. Some of the most common include:

You can check the full list and notify the DVLA through the GOV.UK medical conditions page. You can report most conditions online.

Many people with epilepsy can hold a driving licence, but there are strict rules. For a Group 1 licence (cars and motorcycles), you must meet one of these criteria:

Seizure-free for 12 months: You have not had any seizures (of any type) for at least 12 months.

Sleep-only seizures for 12 months: If your seizures only occur during sleep, you must have had this pattern for at least 12 months.

For Group 2 licences (lorries and buses), the requirements are stricter: you must be seizure-free for at least 5 years without taking anti-epileptic medication.

You must notify the DVLA, who will review your case. If approved, you will typically receive a shorter-period licence (1, 2, or 3 years) that requires regular renewal.

Most people with diabetes can drive safely. The rules depend on your treatment:

Diet or tablet-controlled diabetes: You generally do not need to notify the DVLA unless you experience complications such as visual problems. However, if you take medication that carries a risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), you should notify them.

Insulin-treated diabetes: You must notify the DVLA. Your licence will be reviewed and you may receive a shorter-period licence (1, 2, or 3 years). You must also:

Check your blood glucose no more than 2 hours before driving and every 2 hours on long journeys.

Ensure your blood glucose is at least 5 mmol/l before driving.

Keep fast-acting glucose in your vehicle at all times.

No. There is no upper age limit for driving in the UK. You do not have to stop driving when you turn 70.

However, you must renew your licence at age 70 and then every 3 years after that. The renewal is free of charge. As part of the renewal, you must make a self-declaration about your health and confirm that you meet the eyesight requirements.

The DVLA does not require a medical examination for standard renewals at 70, but they may request one if you declare a medical condition or if they have concerns about your fitness to drive.

You can renew online at GOV.UK or by completing the D46P form that the DVLA will send you before your 70th birthday.

Failing to declare a notifiable medical condition is a serious matter:

Fine: You could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Insurance: Your motor insurance may be invalidated, meaning you would not be covered in the event of an accident.

Criminal prosecution: If you are involved in an accident and it emerges that you had an undeclared condition that contributed to the incident, you could face criminal charges.

Civil liability: You could be held personally liable for any damage or injury caused.

If you are unsure whether to declare a condition, the safest approach is always to notify the DVLA. They will assess your case fairly, and many people with medical conditions are allowed to continue driving.

After a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack, sometimes called a "mini-stroke"), you must stop driving immediately and notify the DVLA.

For a Group 1 licence (cars), you typically cannot drive for at least 1 month after a stroke or TIA. You may be able to resume driving after this period if your doctor confirms you have made a satisfactory recovery.

For a Group 2 licence (lorries and buses), you must not drive for at least 12 months and must pass additional medical assessments.

The DVLA will assess your individual case and may require medical reports from your consultant. If approved, you may receive a shorter-period licence initially.

You must meet the minimum eyesight standards to hold a driving licence:

Number plate test: You must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres (about 5 car lengths). This can be with glasses or contact lenses if needed.

Visual acuity: At least 6/12 (decimal 0.5) on the Snellen scale, measured with both eyes open (or your better eye if you only have sight in one eye).

Visual field: You must have an adequate field of vision. Conditions like glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or hemianopia can affect your visual field and must be declared.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them every time you drive. It is an offence to drive without them if you need them to meet the minimum standard.

Many medications are perfectly safe to take while driving, but some can impair your ability to drive safely. Medications that commonly carry warnings include:

Strong painkillers (codeine, tramadol, morphine) can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times.

Some antihistamines (particularly older types like chlorphenamine) can cause drowsiness. Newer antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine are generally considered safe.

Sleeping tablets and sedatives (zopiclone, diazepam) can impair driving even the morning after taking them.

Some antidepressants can cause drowsiness, particularly when first starting treatment.

Always check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication, or ask your pharmacist. If a medication warns against driving or operating machinery, you should follow that advice.