DVLA has been considering improvements to the current system for delivering the licensing process for drivers with health issues. This has been in place for almost 40 years. Our aim is to have a system that delivers fairness and excellence - to ensure we provide good customer service whilst balancing the safety of all road users with the independent personal mobility wishes of individual drivers.
DVLA has been informed by a fundamental review of the way medical conditions are assessed, and associated road safety implications, by independent researchers, Risk Solutions. They took views from a wide range of organisations including those representing the interests of Police, motorists, health professionals, road safety and older people. A comparison was also made between the UK licensing arrangements and other European countries.
The Risk Solutions report is available to view here.
The findings and recommendations have been given extensive consideration by the Department for Transport, Driving Standards Agency and DVLA and have prompted a range of incremental changes to the medical licensing process to be introduced.
These improvements include, amongst others, making sure those working in the health services have the tools they need to provide clear advice on fitness to drive. We have produced a medical A-Z guide to help motorists understand whether they need to notify DVLA about a medical condition (the link is given below). We have also worked with interested bodies to develop a learning module on medical conditions and driver licensing awareness making it easier for health care professionals to understand their responsibilities and how to engage with the medical licensing process.
We feel that the report has now been fully addressed and that a full consultation exercise on the recommendations is no longer appropriate.
Should you require any further information regarding the Risk Solutions report please contact DVLA at:
Medical.Review@dvla.gsi.gov.uk
If you require information about a medical condition that may affect your driving, please visit the Motoring pages on Directgov to access the A - Z guide or use the following link:
Medical conditions that could affect your driving - A-Z Guide
