The DVLA could prevent state pensioners with six common medical conditions from driving if they are considered unsafe on the road. If you develop a medical condition or disability that may affect your driving, you must inform the DVLA, even if your licence is not yet due for renewal.
Conditions That Must Be Declared
Age UK warns that the medical conditions you must declare include: dementia, insulin-treated diabetes, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, any chronic neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, and any condition affecting both eyes or total loss of sight in one eye.
These conditions are particularly relevant for older people, as dementia and Parkinson's disease typically become more common with age. Insulin-treated diabetes and eyesight ailments also increase in prevalence among older adults.
After you declare a medical condition, the DVLA will decide whether you can continue driving based on the information you provide. With your permission, they may contact your GP or consultant, or arrange for a local doctor to examine you. They may also ask you to take a driving assessment, appraisal, or eyesight test.
Aviva states: 'You can usually report your medical condition online. Once done, the DVLA will respond with their decision, which may involve issuing a new licence or requiring modifications to your vehicle. If a doctor has told you to stop driving, you must download a form, fill it out, and send it to the DVLA along with your licence.'
You should be able to continue driving if your condition does not affect your ability to drive safely. It may simply require adjustments or adaptations to your car. The DVLA might issue a licence valid for one, two, or three years, then review the situation. They can also issue a licence specifying that your car must be fitted with certain adaptations, such as special controls, for safe driving.
