Last updated: 31 October 2026
As a GP I'm asked about this most weeks. Many conditions people worry about don't need reporting at all, while some short-term rules (such as not driving for a month after a TIA) apply even when the DVLA doesn't need to be told. This guide is for car and motorcycle (Group 1) licences. Lorry and bus drivers have stricter rules. See our D4 guide and HGV medical FAQ.
Common conditions at a glance (car licence)
| Condition | Tell DVLA? |
|---|---|
| Epileptic seizure, first seizure or blackout | Yes, and stop driving straight away (details) |
| Diabetes on insulin for more than 3 months | Yes (form DIAB1) |
| Diabetes on tablets or diet | Usually no. Check with your doctor if on gliclazide-type tablets |
| Disabling hypoglycaemia, or 2+ severe hypos while awake in 12 months | Yes |
| Sleep apnoea: moderate or severe with excessive sleepiness | Yes (form SL1) |
| Heart attack or angioplasty/stent | No, but you must stop driving for 1–4 weeks (details) |
| Pacemaker fitted | Yes (1 week off driving) |
| Implanted defibrillator (ICD) | Yes |
| Arrhythmia that has caused or could cause incapacity | Yes |
| High blood pressure | No (stop driving if malignant hypertension until controlled) |
| Stroke | Only if problems remain after 1 month. Don't drive for 1 month |
| TIA (mini-stroke) | No. Don't drive for 1 month |
| Eye condition affecting both eyes (e.g. glaucoma in both eyes) | Yes |
| Short or long sight, colour blindness | No |
| Mild to moderate anxiety or depression | No |
| Severe anxiety or depression with memory or concentration problems, agitation or suicidal thoughts | Yes |
Sources: GOV.UK: medical conditions, disabilities and driving, the A to Z of health conditions, and DVLA's Assessing fitness to drive. Always check your specific condition on GOV.UK, as there are many more.
How to tell the DVLA
Car and motorcycle licence holders can check and report a condition online through the GOV.UK "Check if a health condition affects your driving" service. You'll need your licence details and possibly your GP's or consultant's name and address. There are also paper forms for each condition (for example DIAB1 for diabetes, FEP1 for epilepsy, SL1 for sleep conditions). In Northern Ireland, contact the DVA instead.
When you must surrender your licence
You must give up your licence to the DVLA if:
- your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more
- your condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts 3 months or more
- you don't meet the medical standards for driving
You can apply to get it back when you meet the standards again.
What happens after you tell the DVLA?
You'll get a decision by letter. The DVLA may contact your doctor or consultant, arrange an examination, or ask for an eyesight test or driving assessment. It may then:
- let you keep a full licence
- issue a shorter licence for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years
- require adapted controls
- ask you to stop driving
You can usually keep driving while the DVLA considers your case, unless your doctor or the rules say you must stop.
Rules that apply even when you don't have to tell the DVLA
Several conditions have a "must not drive" period without notification, for example 1 month after a TIA, 1 to 4 weeks after a heart attack, and 4 weeks after heart bypass surgery. Your doctor should tell you, but if in doubt ask. The DVLA's medical guide is published on GOV.UK.
Common misunderstandings
- "My doctor will tell the DVLA." No. It's the driver's legal responsibility to tell the DVLA. Doctors only contact the DVLA directly in exceptional circumstances, when a patient keeps driving against advice.
- "I only need to report it if I'm on medication." Not true. Reporting depends on the condition and its effect on driving, not on the tablets.
- "If I report something, I'll definitely lose my licence." Most people who notify the DVLA keep driving, sometimes with a shorter licence.
At 70 and over
When you renew your licence at 70 and every 3 years after, you must declare notifiable conditions on the application. If you want to keep C1 (medium lorry) or D1 (minibus) entitlement past 70, you'll also need a D4 medical every 3 years.
Need a medical for C1, D1 or a lorry licence?
I carry out D4 examinations at Stonecroft Medical Centre, Sheffield S12. It's a full 30-minute appointment with an experienced GP, for £80.
Book your HGV / D4 medical with Dr Steve Walton, Sheffield S12: £80, 30-minute GP examination
Frequently asked questions
What medical conditions do I need to tell the DVLA about?
Any condition that could affect safe driving, including epilepsy and seizures, insulin-treated diabetes, sleep apnoea with excessive sleepiness, pacemakers and ICDs, some arrhythmias, strokes with lasting problems, and eye conditions affecting both eyes.
What happens if I don't tell the DVLA about a medical condition?
You can be fined up to £1,000, and may be prosecuted if you're involved in an accident as a result.
Do I need to tell the DVLA about high blood pressure?
Not for a car licence. You only need to stop driving if diagnosed with malignant hypertension, until it's controlled.
Do I need to tell the DVLA about depression?
Not for mild to moderate anxiety or depression. You must stop driving and tell the DVLA if severe depression causes significant memory or concentration problems, agitation, behavioural disturbance or suicidal thoughts.
Can I keep driving while the DVLA decides?
Usually yes, unless your doctor or the specific rules for your condition say you must stop.
Sources (GOV.UK / DVLA)
- Medical conditions, disabilities and driving (GOV.UK)
- Check if a health condition affects your driving: A to Z (GOV.UK)
- Assessing fitness to drive (GOV.UK)
Medical standards checked against DVLA's Assessing fitness to drive (November 2025 edition) and GOV.UK guidance, October 2026. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.