Million older motorists risk fines for failing to disclose medical conditions
Study reveals huge numbers of drivers, particularly older motorists, are not coming clean on medical conditions.
More than a million older motorists are risking a £1,000 fine or prosecution by failing to disclose serious medical conditions, new research has found.
Three in ten drivers over the age of 65 have medical conditions such as visual impairment, diabetes, heart conditions or epilepsy that must be disclosed to the DVLA. But of those with medical conditions 49% haven’t come clean, according to Direct Line.
There are also plenty of younger drivers who are breaking the law by failing to disclose medical conditions, too. Across the UK as a whole a quarter of drivers have conditions they should notify the DVLA about, but one in ten haven’t bothered.
“Regardless of age, drivers that have a notifiable or worsening medical condition or disability must disclose this to the DVLA and also to their insurer to stay within the law,” says Gus Park, director of motor at Direct Line. Even if you don't believe your condition affects your driving, you still need to be open about it. Fail to do so and you could face prosecution or a hefty fine.
Conditions you have to declare
There are several medical conditions that by law you have to tell the DVLA and your car insurer about including stokes, heart conditions and diabetes. These ailments are more common among older drivers.
|
Notifiable medical condition |
% of motorists aged over 65 with the condition |
|
Physical disability |
11% |
|
Heart condition |
6% |
|
Stroke or mini-stroke |
3% |
|
Diabetes controlled by insulin |
2% |
|
Visual impairment |
1% |
|
Brain conditions or severe head injuries |
1% |
|
Epilepsy |
1% |
“The issue of failing to disclose medical conditions is particularly prevalent amongst older motorists but the rules are the same regardless of age, experience or the severity of a medical issue,” says Park. “We’re urging anyone that thinks they may have a condition or disability they need to disclose to contact the DVLA and their insurer as they risk invalidating their licence and insurance if they don’t.”
What to do to declare
If you are unsure, you should Get in touch with the DVLA to see if you have to declare your medical condition.,Alternatively you can check online at the Government’s webpage on Health Conditions and Driving.
If you have an illness that means you have to give up driving for a period, surrender your licence as soon as you can as it can mean you are able to start driving again sooner. For example, with some brain operations you need to give up driving for 12 months. Also if you are caught driving you could face prosecution and a sizeable fine.
The rules differ on when your licence can be reinstated depending on whether it was surrendered voluntarily, or if it was revoked or refused for medical reasons.
If your licence is revoked you will receive a letter from the DVLA telling you why it has been revoked and how long you have to wait before getting a new licence. You can reapply eight weeks before the end of that period.
When you are eligible to reapply for your licence you’ll need to fill out a D1 application form, and the form relevant to your medical condition, and send them to the DVLA. You may also have to send them evidence that you are fit to drive.
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