Call for evidence – Driver licensing for people with medical conditions

22 August 2023

A range of medical conditions, disabilities and treatments can affect an individual’s ability to safely control a vehicle. All drivers are therefore legally obliged to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical condition that affects their ability to drive. This is vital in helping to make sure that their health does not unduly increase their risk of having a road traffic accident which could cause injury or death to themselves and other road users.

DVLA determines medical fitness to drive for holders of and applicants for driving licences relating to all classes of vehicle in GB (driver licensing is devolved in Northern Ireland).

DVLA administers this statutory function on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, who is ultimately responsible for deciding whether the holder or applicant for a driving licence meets the required medical standards for driving. DVLA assesses the fitness to drive of individuals with medical conditions and makes licensing decisions to make sure that driving licences are only issued to those who meet the required medical standards. It is important that licensing decisions are made based on the correct information and strike the right balance between the road safety risks and the needs of a driver to maintain mobility.

This DVLA call for evidence explains the current driver licensing framework and provides an insight into other countries’ medical licencing processes. This is not a consultation on developed proposals, but rather an early-stage request for input to help formulate proposals that could support potential future changes to the legislative framework.

The call for evidence period began on 31 July and will run until 22 October.