Imminent DVLA policy change could see drivers landed with £1,000 fine

Drivers with eye conditions are being warned about imminent policy changes which could result in a £1,000 fine and three points on their licence.

The DVLA has confirmed it is set to update its guidance for drivers with eye conditions in the coming weeks. 

This comes after the Association of Optometrists (AOP) raised concerns over the published list of notifiable health conditions in October last year.

The AOP highlighted the current DVLA guidance was not specific enough and suggested every driver in the UK who receives an eye test will need to be advised to tell the DVLA, rather than it just affecting those with eye conditions which could impact their driving. 

If it is determined bad vision is a factor of a driving accident, the driver will be fined £1,000 and have three points on their licence if they had not notified the DVLA of their condition prior to the accident.

Failure to notify about vision loss or issues could even result in a driving ban in more serious cases. 

This is why it is important for the guidance to be clear and specific to those with medical conditions on whether they need to update the DVLA of their condition. 

Insurers Quotezone have identified other conditions that could prevent motorists from legally taking to the road or invalidate their insurance – leaving them unprotected in the case of an accident.

Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “It is important for all drivers to be aware of the medical conditions DVLA needs to be aware of.

“Many of the conditions named by the DVLA won't actually affect your ability to drive, but they do need to be kept up to date with any changes. 

“Taking all precautions to be safe on the road is extremely important and drivers must play their part to ensure their well being and the wellbeing of other road users is protected to the best of their knowledge.”

The DVLA has an extensive list of over 110 conditions that can affect driving, so some motorists may be unaware of all of these conditions or the extent to which they can affect driving ability.

Wilson said some lesser known conditions can carry an increased risk and therefore insurance premiums can be higher – or more seriously, some ailments can even result in the driver’s licence being revoked.

He said: “If drivers have been diagnosed with any of these conditions they need to inform both the DVLA and their insurance provider, since having inaccurate details on the insurance policy can void the insurance and leave drivers unprotected.”

Drivers can report their eye condition online to the DVLA here.

Here are some important health conditions drivers must make the DVLA aware of: 

1. Syncope

Syncope is a condition that causes a temporary loss of consciousness. Fainting conditions including syncope, which causes blackouts, must be reported to the DVLA.

2. Certain operations

Operations on certain body parts, including your legs, can exempt you from driving, yet this can be up to the discretion of the doctor, who should inform you on driving procedures after leaving the hospital.

3. Heart conditions

Any heart conditions must be reported to the DVLA. For example, arrythmia must be reported as it can affect the ability to safely stop a car, and can be distracting.

4. Stroke

After having a stroke it is possible that you may be able to drive again in the future, but initially you must stop driving for one month after having a stroke. If you have returned back to normal health after a month, you can start driving again, however the DVLA needs to be informed if health problems still persist for longer than a month after the stroke.

5. Vertigo

Recurrent or sudden dizziness must be reported to the DVLA as it may effect your ability to remain safe on the roads.