| Department | Contact Number |
| DVLA Medical | 0300 790 6806 |
Why Would I Ring The DVLA Medical Contact Number?
You may find that you need to use the DVLA Medical Contact Number if you have recently been advised by your doctor to inform the DVLA of a recent diagnosis.
Some of the questions you may find yourself wanting to ask include:
- Is my medical condition considered to be ‘notifiable’?
- What should I do if my condition has worsened?
- What do I do if I have recently develop a medical condition that impacts on my driving ability?
- Do I need to surrender my licence?
- Do I need to have an examination?
- Will I need a driving assessment or and eyesight test?
- Do I need to adapt my vehicle?
Medical Conditions And The DVLA
You will need to inform the DVLA if you have a driving licence and develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or an existing condition has gotten worse.
Conditions that are considered to be notifiable includes epilepsy, strokes, other neurological and mental health conditions, or physical disabilities and visual impairments that could affect your ability to drive in a safe manner.
If you don’t tell the DVLA about a condition that impacts on your ability to drive safely, you may find that you receive a fine of up to £1,000 as well as there being a possibility of being prosecuted if you have an accident.
If your doctor informs you that following your diagnosis you should stop driving, you must surrender your licence to the DVLA.
After you have informed the DVLA of your medical condition, a decision should be made within 3 weeks. If the DVLA requires more information about your condition, a decision may take up to 90 days. This is because they may need to consult with your doctor, arrange an examination or request that you take a driving assessment or an eyesight test. If you are still waiting to hear from the DVLA, you can ask your GP if it is safe for you to drive.
The decision from the DVLA can be one of four scenarios. These are:
- You can keep your old licence or get a new one
- You can get a short licence that lasts 1, 2 or 3 years and is reviewed if you want to reapply
- You will need to adapt your vehicle
- You will need to stop driving and surrender your licence
If you are told you need to adapt your vehicle, you can get an independent assessment of what needs to be adapted through the Forum of Mobility Centres.
If you are told that you must stop driving, you will be given a medical reason for this decision and will be told if and when you can reapply for your licence. You will also be told that you have the right to appeal the decision.
The DVLA And Your Blue Badge
You can apply for or renew your Blue Badge parking permit online. After completing the form, your application will be sent on to your council pending a decision.
Before you apply, you should check with your council how far in advance of the expiry date you should renew. If your application is unsuccessful, your council should inform you of the reason why and you can ask them to reconsider if you don’t feel all the important information you provided was considered. If your mobility problems become more serious, you can also reapply.