DVLA Guidelines

Question 0

What are the DVLA guidelines for epilepsy?

Answer 0

First seizure - 6 months off driving

Must have had five years without anti epileptics if heavy vehicle driver

Known epilepsy - must refrain from driving for 1 year after a seizure, either awake or asleep

Question 1

What are conditions in which the patient should notify the DVLA?

Answer 1

Epilepsy
Stroke
Other neurological and mental health conditions
Physical disabilities
Visual impairments

Question 2

What are the DVLA guidelines for cardiovascular disorders?

Answer 2

Stop driving for at least one week after:
Angioplasty
NSTEMI with successful angioplasty
Pacemaker

Stop driving for four weeks after:
CABG
STEMI
NSTEMI without angioplasty

Stop driving if:
Getting angina at rest
Left ventricular assist inserted

Question 3

What are the DVLA rules for TIA or stroke?

Answer 3

Don’t drive for a month!

License usually withheld until examination by independent doctor

Question 4

What are the DVLA rules for dementia?

Answer 4

Only drive if condition is mild

Question 5

When should drivers be considered for relicensing by the DVLA?

Answer 5

Alcohol abuse
Drug abuse
Antipsychotic medication taken in sufficient quantities to impair driving
Severe mental disorder

Question 6

When should drivers on oral hypoglycaemics notify the DVLA?

Answer 6

Don’t drive if:
Had >1 episode of hypoglycaemia requiring assistance from anther person in the past year

Blood glucose levels are not being monitored regularly

Not having a regular medical review

Have other DVLA criteria such as requiring laser eye treatment etc