Driving and Health Conditions: What You Need to Know

Driving is a part of millions of people’s daily routine. Many of us can’t even imagine what we’d do if we didn’t have our vehicles to get us from A to B. However, sometimes health conditions can impact our ability to drive safely, and we may have no choice but to stop driving. 

In this guide, we’re going to explore some of the health conditions that can prevent you from driving and what you need to consider to ensure that you’re always safe behind the wheel, whilst also abiding by the law.

In This Guide:

• Medical Conditions You Have to Declare to the DVLA
• Medical Conditions You Can Drive With
• Eyesight Standards for Drivers
• Assessing Driving Ability
• Driving Aids or Modifications
• When Should You Stop Driving?
• Car Insurance

Medical Conditions You Have to Declare to the DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK must be informed if you have any serious medical conditions or disabilities that may impact your ability to drive. This could be anything from neurological disorders or any condition that physically impairs you. For example, epilepsy, heart problems, and strokes are all medical conditions you need to declare. If you don’t do so, then you could be subject to a fine or, in the worst case, a prosecution if you have an accident. 

If you’re unsure, find out if you need to report your condition on the UK government website, with the most up-to-date guidance there to help you. You could even speak to your GP if you want personalised advice regarding your ability to drive.

Medical Conditions You Can Drive With

While some medical conditions may prevent you from driving, there are plenty of conditions you can drive with, as long as they are managed and controlled. This is especially so if it’s something that can be improved through medication or treatment. For instance, diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis can be health concerns that don’t debilitate you to the extent that you can no longer drive. However, each case is individual and it all depends on how much your situation could impact the way you drive. 

In some cases, the DVLA can even issue a shorter-term licence or require periodic medical reviews to ensure your fitness to drive if this is more suitable for you.

Eyesight Standards for Drivers

An important element of your health and wellbeing, that can have a pivotal outcome on your driving, is your eye health and vision. You need to be able to see with clarity to drive safely. Typically, the law in the UK is that you should be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. However, if you need glasses or contact lenses for this, then this is fine, so long as you always have the suitable visual aid you need when you’re driving. It’s also imperative that you have eye tests on a regular basis to ensure that you haven’t developed any detrimental optical conditions and your prescription hasn’t changed.

Certain eye conditions, like glaucoma or cataracts, may need to be declared to the DVLA, depending on their severity and how it can deteriorate your vision or reduce your reaction time.

Assessing Driving Ability

If you're questioning your driving ability due to a medical or optical issue, then you should always seek a professional assessment to help you to decipher if you’re safe to be on the road. There are ways you can assess these, either by speaking to a medical professional or by contacting the DVLA to address your concerns. You may be able to visit a driving assessment centre to find out more information, with a test that focuses on your physical and cognitive abilities.

Driving Aids or Modifications

If you have a physical disability or condition, then your car could be adapted to optimise how you drive. For example, there’s special steering wheel aids, hand controls for people who can’t easily use foot pedals, and accessories to assist you when getting in and out of your vehicle, like wheelchair hoists or ramps. However, you must ensure that you know how to use this properly, so always read the instruction guides and only use these once you fully understand how they work.

Car Insurance

When it comes to car insurance, you must always let your insurers know if you have any medical conditions that could impact your driving. Whilst this may change your policy, it’s vital you do this. If you don’t, your insurance could become invalid. That being said, if you’ve been given the go-ahead to drive by the DVLA, then your insurance company may not charge you more because of your medical condition, but it might be worth getting in touch with them to find out about the terms and conditions that relate to you.

As it’s often age-related conditions that can affect your driving, it’s important that you have the right car insurance in place, especially as the cost of your cover can change after you turn 70 years old as well as when you turn 80. If pre-existing medical conditions or being a certain age is going to impact your policy, you want to make sure that you have the most suitable and cost-effective policy for you, so always ensure you visit comparison sites to make an informed decision whilst weighing up your options.

All in all, driving with a medical condition demands careful consideration and responsibility. By staying in-the-know about the medical conditions that need to be declared to the DVLA, ensuring your eyesight meets the legal standard, and keeping your car insurance current, you can remain a safe and confident driver. Always prioritise safety for yourself and others on the road, and seek professional advice as soon as possible if you’re ever unsure about your driving ability.