Can I drive while waiting for a DVLA medical?

11th Jun 2024

Driving rules in the UK are important and something all car owners need to be aware of.

They are in place keep both the driver, passengers, and other road users safe from any potential dangers – and this includes disclosing any medial issues that could impact a driver’s ability when behind the wheel.

This guide looks at DVLA medical information, and why all owners of a driving licence should inform on what to do if they feel they are not able to drive as safely as they did before a new health problem.

What is a DVLA medical?

There are a lot of responsibilities for drivers in the UK, but an important one is that they must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability.

This can also include a condition or disability that has got worse since you got your licence.

New drivers must also inform the DVLA or any disabilities or illnesses when applying for a licence on their website.

Under the Health Conditions and Driving section of there are certain conditions that need to be reported to the DVLA.

They include diabetes, syncope, heart conditions, sleep apnoea, epilepsy, glaucoma, or suffering from a stroke.

Can I drive while waiting for a DVLA medical?

If you have reported a medical condition to the DVLA, then you should wait for confirmation that your updated information has been confirmed.

Once you have the correct and complete information on the DVLA database, you can start driving again (as long as your licence is valid, and you have car insurance).

It is important to note that you must provide all the necessary information to the DVLA, as Section 88 of The Road Traffic Act 1988 allows you to continue driving.

In cases where the driver hasn’t provided all the correct details on a medical condition, they could face fines up to £1,000.

Can you drive with a urinary catheter?

According to the DVLA, you do not need to inform them if you are driving with a catheter ablation.

However, drivers must not drive for four weeks after an ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) when there is impaired ventricular function, or congenital heart disease.

For drivers who have had an ablation for other reasons, they must stop driving for two days.

Drivers who do not inform the DVLA could face a large fine.

Driving after local anaesthetic – what does the DVLA say?

You cannot drive for at least 24 hours after taking a local anaesthesia – and maybe longer if the effects of the medication haven’t worn off.

Ask your doctor or GP for advice, and make a responsible decision on whether you are in a fit state to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Do you need to inform car insurance after having surgery?

Yes, you should immediately inform your car insurance company after having surgery – as it could impact your policy.

This is because you may not have made a complete recovery from the procedure or the medication.

If it is a more serious condition or survey, then you may not be able to get behind the wheel of your car for a few months.

To return to driving, you must be free from pain, be comfortable when driving and be able to safely control the vehicle.

What medical conditions have to be declared for car insurance?

The DVLA states that you must declare certain medical conditions if you own a driving licence.

They include:

Diabetes
Syncope
Heart conditions
Sleep apnoea
Epilepsy
Glaucoma

However, if you feel that a medical condition is impacting your driver, then you should contact your car insurance provider.

Does ADHD affect car insurance?

You will only need to inform your car insurance provider if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if you feel that the medication is impacting your ability to drive.