Drivers are breaking the law and could face fines if they fail to report certain medical changes to the DVLA, a BBC expert has warned. Lawyer Denise Nurse sounded the alert on BBC Morning Live after a driver contacted the programme.
Legal Expert Highlights Risks
Ms Nurse responded to a driver whose health condition was not listed on the DVLA website. She told host Gethin Jones: 'It is a topic where you might be vaguely aware you’re supposed to do something but not quite sure what you should notify and what the impact is.'
'The first thing I want to say is just because you notify the DVLA, it doesn’t automatically mean you lose your license or you can’t drive. That’s just to stop everyone from panicking about this,' she added.
Not Automatic Revocation
She clarified: 'It’s not an automatic license revocation.' However, she noted that it is a theoretical possibility, stating: 'But it is an actual requirement that you do notify of some conditions in certain circumstances. And if you don’t, there are three major things that can have a significant impact on you.'
Consequences of Non-Disclosure
The legal expert outlined the penalties: 'First of all, potentially a £1,000 fine. Secondly, it could invalidate your insurance. And thirdly, if you’re in an accident, it could mean you’re prosecuted if you didn’t notify.'
Ms Nurse explained: 'So, that all sounds quite serious and it puts it into some context. But what we’re really talking about here is things where you have to notify because of the effect of that condition on your ability to drive. This is all about how your driving competence. And at the end of the day, wouldn’t we all want to be fit to drive?'
Recommendations for Drivers
She advised: 'If you’ve been told by your medical professional to notify the DVLA, then do it. That’s my recommendation. You know, take that seriously.' She also recommended using the online form on the DVLA or gov.uk website. 'If you can’t specifically see yours, don’t worry. Go through the online form, and it takes you to a bit at the end that says, my condition isn’t listed, and then you’ll get a general self-declaration form.'
If online access is not possible, she suggested: 'Go back to your GP, ask them to print it out. Go to your local library, get someone to print it out for you, fill it in, post it off.'
