Do European Driving Licence Holders Need to Inform the UK’s DVLA About Medical Conditions?

by admindvla August 17, 2023 9:19 am0

In short, the answer is yes. Driving in the UK with a European driving licence comes with certain responsibilities. One of the key aspects of this is the requirement to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about certain medical conditions or disabilities that could affect a person’s ability to drive safely. This is crucial for all drivers, including those with European driving licences, to ensure the safety of all road users.

European Drivers in the UK

If you are a European driving licence holder and you are driving in the UK, you must adhere to the same rules and regulations as UK driving licence holders. This includes the requirement to inform the DVLA about any medical conditions or disabilities that could affect your ability to drive safely.

Who Needs to Inform the DVLA?

According to the DVLA, you must inform them if you have a driving licence and:

  1. You develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability.
  2. A condition or disability has worsened since you got your licence.

Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely. These can include diabetes or taking insulin, syncope (fainting), heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers), sleep apnoea, epilepsy, strokes, and glaucoma.

How to Inform the DVLA

To inform the DVLA about your medical condition or disability, you need to check if you need to tell the DVLA about your condition to find the forms or questionnaires you need. The address you need is on the forms. If you’re in Northern Ireland, you must contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA). There are different forms for different conditions and disabilities. You can contact the DVLA if you’re not sure what to do.

Consequences of Not Informing the DVLA

It is important to note that you could be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell the DVLA about a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.

Surrendering Your Licence

In some cases, you may need to surrender your licence to the DVLA. This is necessary if:

  1. Your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more.
  2. Your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more.
  3. You do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition.

You can apply to get your licence back when you meet the medical standards for driving again.

Conclusion

European driving licence holders driving in the UK must adhere to the same rules and regulations as UK driving licence holders. This includes the requirement to inform the DVLA about any medical conditions or disabilities that could affect their ability to drive safely. This is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial step in ensuring the safety of all road users.