Millions of British drivers are unknowingly risking staggering fines of up to £2,500 and invalidating their car insurance by failing to declare a common medical condition to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The little-known rule mandates that motorists must inform the DVLA if they develop any of hundreds of medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive safely. Among the most frequently overlooked is sleep apnoea, a disorder affecting an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK.
What Conditions Must You Declare?
The list of notifiable conditions is extensive. Drivers must report:
- Sleep apnoea (if symptoms affect your ability to drive safely)
- Diabetes (if treated with insulin)
- Epilepsy
- Visual impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses or lenses
- Heart conditions
- Strokes or TIAs (mini-strokes)
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease or Multiple Sclerosis
- Any condition that causes dizziness, fainting, or lack of awareness
The Severe Consequences of Non-Declaration
Failing to report a relevant condition can have severe financial and legal repercussions:
- A fine of up to £2,500
- Automatic invalidation of your car insurance, meaning you would not be covered in an accident
- Potential prosecution if involved in a collision while driving with an undeclared condition
Furthermore, you could be charged with driving without a valid licence, adding further penalties and potential points to your record.
How to Report Your Condition
The process is straightforward. You can report a medical condition to the DVLA online via the government's official website. You will typically need to provide details of your condition and your doctor's contact information. The DVLA may then contact your GP or consultant for further information before making a decision on your licence.
It is always better to be proactive. If you are in any doubt about whether your condition needs to be declared, the safest course of action is to inform the DVLA. Protecting your licence and ensuring you are driving legally and safely is paramount.
