Drivers are urged to check the latest medical guidelines as DVLA changes health rules – those affected face £1,000 fine
MILLIONS of drivers could be forced to surrender their licence or risk a £1000 fine.
Drivers are being told to check the DVLA‘s latest guidelines after the government agency made a series of changes to its health rules.
Known as the “assessing fitness to drive” guidelines, these rules outline the medical conditions that could make driving dangerous.
A spokesperson for the vehicle retail platform Motor Match said that the changes were in place to reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
They explained: “The recent updates to the DVLA’s “assessing fitness to drive” guidelines ensure all drivers on the road are medically fit to operate a vehicle.
“The are designed to improve road safety, these changes are particularly important for those with conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or heart-related issues that have developed or worsened.
“With the introduction of these new guidelines, drivers must take responsibility for reporting their medical conditions.
“Failing to disclose a notifiable medical condition can lead to a hefty fine of up to £1,000 and, in extreme cases, legal prosecution, especially if the condition contributes to a serious accident.”
Drivers will have to reapply for their licence when turn 70 and then reapply every three years after that.
One of the big changes the DVLA has made to its “assessing fitness to drive” is the rule surrounding those with a non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Motorists with this condition are advised to advise the DVLA if they want to continue driving a car, motorcycle, lorry or bus.
The organisation reassured drivers that they will be able to get behind the wheel of most vehicles once again if they have a clinical confirmation of recovery, with heavy goods vehicle (HGV) motorists able to resume driving six months after comprehensive cerebrovascular (intercranial arterial) imagine that has excluded an aneurysm.
The DVLA has also changed its definition for controlled drinking and outlined the impact it may have on motorists.
They advised: “Drinking at a level in the manner which their clinician confirms acceptably controls their alcohol use disorder and their alcohol use is unlikely to impact on personal, social and work responsibilities.”
Motorists who persistently misuse alcohol were told to notify the DVLA immediately and not get behind the wheel, with their licence being reconsidered after a minimum of six months of little to no drinking.
There’s a list of more than 110 medical conditions that can affect driving abilities and which you’d need to flag to the agency.
Some of the most common ones include diabetes, vertigo, and sleep apnoea.
You’d also need to tell the DVLA of any changes to your vision – for example, if you’re suffering from visual impairments such as cataracts.
Meanwhile British drivers could face serious fines if they don’t inform the DVLA on seven major updates on their driving record.
Chris Richards, a motoring expert from SimplyQuote, said severe penalties and points can be added to your license if you don’t follow these steps.
For one, Brits need to keep the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) up to date on who the registered vehicle keeper is.
Other key information includes common medical conditions and changes to your address or name.
And if you’re involved in an accident but don’t report the right info, you could face prosecution.
If motorists fail to keep the DVLA informed, they could end up paying £1,000 or receiving six points on their license.
Drivers also need to update their insurance provider if they’re in an accident.
If not their insurance policies might be rendered invalid, which could lead to a hefty fallout.
Although some of the updates, like address and name, may seem minor – they could save you a lot of trouble and money.
Significant changes to your car also need to be flagged – for example, modifications to the colour, exhaust system or number plate.