Drivers with medical conditions warned of prosecutions and fines

Online used car retailer cinch shared that more than 10 million UK drivers could be risking their licence and face fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to report certain medical conditions to the DVLA.

As a result, cinch has revealed the surprisingly common health conditions that can impact your ability to drive safely and legally, according to the DVLA.

Ben Welham, motoring expert at cinch, said: “The key message is simple: when in doubt, check it out.

“The DVLA's online checker takes minutes to use, but failing to report a condition could cost you your licence and land you with a £1,000 fine.”

The government website warned: “You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.”

Top 5 most common health conditions DVLA must know

The online used car retailer said these are the top five most common health conditions you might need to tell the DVLA about:

• Diabetes (4.6 million people diagnosed in the UK)
• Cancer (3.5 million people diagnosed)
• Sleep apnoea (1.5 million people diagnosed)
• Glaucoma (700,000 people diagnosed)
• Pacemakers (500,000 people fitted with one)

Diabetes

Diabetes UK shared that 4.6 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK while nearly 1.3 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes but haven’t been diagnosed yet.

You should tell the DVLA about your diabetes if:

• Your insulin treatment lasts (or will last) more than three months
• You had gestational diabetes and your insulin treatment lasts more than three months after birth
• You get disabling hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or are at risk of developing it

When to see your GP about cancer

Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that 3.5 million people are living with cancer in the UK.

You don’t always have to declare your cancer diagnosis to the DVLA.

Ben said: “It's always worth checking with your doctor about whether your diagnosis or treatment could impact your ability to drive.”

The DVLA needs to know you have cancer if:

• You develop problems with your brain or nervous system
• Your doctor says you might not be fit to drive
• You’re restricted to certain types of vehicles or vehicles that have been adapted for you
• Your medication causes side effects which could affect your driving

Sleep apnoea

You should avoid driving if your sleep apnoea causes excessive sleepiness that impairs your ability to drive safely.

“With excessive sleepiness causing poor concentration and reaction times, the effects of sleep apnoea can be very dangerous behind the wheel,” explains Mr Welham.

Do not drive your vehicle until you're free from excessive sleepiness or until your symptoms are under control and you're undergoing necessary treatment.

Tell the DVLA if you have:

• Confirmed moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) with excessive sleepiness
• Either narcolepsy or cataplexy or both
• Any other sleep condition that has caused excessive sleepiness for at least three months

If you're unsure if you're able to drive check with your GP (Image: Getty)

Glaucoma

Regular eye exams are vital as many more people could have glaucoma without realising.

Glaucoma impairs your peripheral vision, making it hard to see objects outside your direct line of sight such as pedestrians, other cars and more common hazards you might come across when driving.

Ben said: “Driving at night can be more challenging because of increased light sensitivity and the effects of headlight glare from other vehicles - particularly bright LEDs.”

You must tell the DVLA if you:

• Have a certain type of eye condition that affects both eyes (or one eye when you only have vision in one eye)
• Have been told you may not meet the visual standards for driving by a GP, optician or eye specialist

Pacemakers

Around 500,000 people are fitted with a pacemaker in the UK each year, The British Heart Foundation said.

“After having a pacemaker fitted, it’s necessary to have a short break from driving for safety reasons before getting back behind the wheel,” Mr Welham added.

You need to tell the DVLA  if you have been fitted with a pacemaker.

When it's first implanted, you must stop driving. You should be able to drive again after one week as long as you have no other condition that would prevent you from driving.

You do not need to tell the DVLA if you have had a pacemaker battery change, which is also known as a box change.

What to do if you have a medical condition and drive

If you've recently been diagnosed with a medical condition, you can check the government website to see if you need to declare it to the DVLA.

Recommended reading:

• Motorists urged to follow 2-second rule that's the simplest in the Highway Code
• Drivers warned of £100 fines over common motorway mistake
• EV drivers warned to be aware of one issue when travelling in autumn and winter

You'll then be told how to report your condition. This will be either via the online service or by submitting a paper form.

Remember to share any new medical information with your insurance provider to make sure you’re fully covered.

Welham added: “Don’t put off telling your insurance provider. Once you know where you stand with the DVLA, update your car insurance policy straightaway and avoid risking your cover.”