Dr Melanie: Are you safe behind the wheel? The law on health requirements
The law says we must report medical problems
that could affect our fitness to drive
Driving requires our full attention and complete control of our vehicles. But once we’ve passed our test, it may be years before we need to renew our licences, although people over 70 and Group 2 drivers (of lorries, taxis and other large vehicles) must reapply more frequently. We may not realise when health issues become relevant, but if we’re not fit to drive, or drive against medical advice, we could be prosecuted, find our insurance invalidated, or, worst of all, cause serious injury or death.
Short-term problems
Acute illness, pain, emotional distress or even a bad cold can affect our alertness, concentration, judgment and reaction times; we should be honest with ourselves and not drive. Pharmacy and prescribed medicines can also make us unsafe, for example drowsy or dizzy; read the label and don’t drive if in doubt. After one-off treatments such as surgery, head injury or fractures, your doctor should advise when you can drive again, including being fit enough to make an emergency stop.
Recurrent and longer-term problems
The DVLA (Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority) issues guidelines for a wide range of medical problems affecting the heart, nervous system, eyes, kidneys and mental health, plus diabetes, drug/alcohol dependence and other conditions. For example, after a stroke or mini-stroke, most drivers can resume driving after a month, provided their vision, awareness and movement have recovered. But Group 2 drivers must notify the DVLA and surrender their licences for a minimum of 12 months.
Anyone who suffers loss of consciousness (syncope), even if it’s probably just a simple faint, should seek prompt medical advice to rule out serious heart, neurological and other causes, including epilepsy. The DVLA says you mustn’t drive until you get the all-clear for conditions that could strike again suddenly while driving.
People taking medication/ insulin for diabetes may develop sudden low blood sugar and unconsciousness; again your doctor will tell you when or whether you can drive. Many neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, can affect coordination and physical control of the car, while the ability to recognise whether we’re making safe judgments may be impaired by some psychiatric conditions, learning disabilities and dementia. If you’re unsure, or don’t agree you should stop driving, you could pay for an assessment of your driving skills by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (roadar.org/drivers/ driving-assessments.htm).
Vision
It’s legal to drive with just one eye, but not if you don’t have all-round vision (for example, glaucoma can cause ‘tunnel vision’ while strokes can make us ignore one side of the body). Cataracts affecting the eye lens can lead to hazy vision, blurring and dazzle, which can be cured by a small operation. But if the sensitive back of the eye ‘wears out’ (macular degeneration) you’ll find it harder to see shapes and colours clearly and may need to stop driving. Make sure you have regular eye tests, which can also detect other health problems, and meet the legal requirements (with spectacles, if necessary).