It is a legal duty to inform the DVLA of any injury or illness that has a likely impact on your ability to drive safely. Similarly, GPs must inform the DVLA if they think a patient is no longer safe behind the wheel. In some cases, this can mean that the DVLA will revoke your driving licence on medical grounds.
We can help you to make sense of the legal requirements for disclosing information to the DVLA and how you can appeal decisions made about your ability to drive.
WHEN MUST THE DVLA BE INFORMED OF A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Anyone who currently holds a driving licence, or is applying for a driving licence, is required to;
- Notify the DVLA of any injury or illness that would have a likely impact on safe driving ability, such as epilepsy or a stroke; other neurological and mental health conditions, physical disabilities or visual impairments
- Notify the DVLA if their condition or disability has worsened since they got a licence;
- Be open and honest with the GP and the DVLA;
- Comply with the requirements of the issued licence, including any requirement to have medical reviews;
- Make sure that they take prescribed medication, or undergo treatment that will keep them safe on the road.
Not informing the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
If you are required to notify DVLA about a medical condition or disability, they will assess your case and decide if;
- you need to get a new driving licence; or
- you can have a shorter licence – for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years; or
- you need to adapt your car by fitting special controls; or
- you must stop driving and give up your licence.
CHALLENGING THE DVLA’S DECISION
If the DVLA assesses your case and decides to stop you from driving, and you disagree with the decision, you can appeal in writing to the DVLA.
However, you must be able to provide relevant information that wasn’t included in your original assessment.
If that fails, you can also appeal against the decision to your local Magistrates’ Court within six months of the refusal to grant your licence. This is something that we can help you with.
HOW WE CAN HELP IF YOU LOSE YOUR DRIVING LICENSE ON MEDICAL GROUNDS
If the DVLA refuse to grant your licence, they will explain the required standards for driving in their refusal letter. We will review your case and advise you on your chances of success in appealing the DVLA’s refusal. We will explain the court process and advise you on the best way of challenging the DVLA’s decision in your case.
Usually, the first step is to instruct a medical expert to prepare a report that specifically addresses the issues raised by the DVLA. We will then gather any other relevant evidence to your case.
At your court appeal, we will represent you and argue that you are fit to drive and show how this is supported by the evidence obtained.
For more information on all motoring matters, please contact Regan or Gemma by email to info@reganpeggs.com, or call 0121 201 3765.
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