Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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π In the UK, driving with an unreported medical condition that impairs safety is a criminal offence. Both patients and doctors have legal responsibilities β failure to comply can lead to fines, prosecution, or professional consequences. It is for the doctor to advise and the patient to self report to the DVLA either by phone or mail. The ultimate decision on driving is for the DVLA medical professionals to decide. A formal driving assessment can sometimes help.
Condition | Driving Restriction | Patient Duty π | Doctor Duty π¨ββοΈ | DVLA / Legal Notes βοΈ |
---|---|---|---|---|
β‘ First Seizure | β No driving for 6 months (if recurrence risk <20%/yr). | Notify DVLA, stop driving. | Advise of restriction & record advice. | DVLA may require neuro report. Licence restored if low recurrence risk. |
β‘ Epilepsy (diagnosis) | β No driving until seizure-free for 1 year. | Must inform DVLA & insurer. | Clarify regulations, document advice. | DVLA monitors ongoing seizure control. |
π§ Stroke / TIA | β No driving for 1 month (longer if deficits persist). | Notify DVLA if residual deficit or recurrent TIAs. | Check recovery, advise re DVLA rules. | Multiple TIAs β 3-month ban. DVLA may request medical evidence. |
β€οΈ ACS (STEMI, NSTEMI, unstable angina) | β Drive after 1 week (if PCI + LVEF β₯40%). π 4 weeks if medically managed. | No DVLA notification if uncomplicated. | Assess LV function, ensure no complications. | Notification only if ongoing angina, LV dysfunction, or arrhythmias. |
β€οΈ Angina | β Must not drive if occurs at rest, with stress, or while driving. β Resume if controlled. | No notification if stable. | Advise on activity-related restrictions. | DVLA requires notification if symptoms unpredictable. |
π΅ Simple Faint (vasovagal) | β No restriction if provoked + prodrome + postural (β3 Psβ). | No need to notify DVLA. | Reassure, confirm typical features. | DVLA not involved unless atypical/unexplained. |
π¨ High-Risk Syncope | β No driving 4 weeks if cause treated. β 6 months if unexplained. | Notify DVLA if unexplained or untreated. | Identify/treat cause, advise restrictions. | DVLA may revoke licence pending cardiology/neuro review. |
π Low-Risk Syncope | β Resume after 4 weeks if normal ECG & no structural heart disease. | No DVLA notification required. | Document normal findings & safety advice. | DVLA not notified if clearly low risk. |
π§ Dementia / Cognitive Impairment | β Cannot drive if unsafe. May drive in early mild dementia if passed assessment. | Must notify DVLA on diagnosis. | Assess cognition, advise DVLA rules, report if unsafe. | DVLA may order on-road assessment. Licence often revoked as disease progresses. |
π Visual Defects | β No driving if visual acuity <6/12 or visual field defect affecting both eyes. | Must notify DVLA if vision fails standards. | Check Snellen & fields; advise accordingly. | DVLA requires visual field testing before licence decision. |
π Diabetes (insulin-treated) | β Allowed if good control + awareness of hypos. β Stop driving after severe hypo (requires 3rd party assistance) β must report. | Inform DVLA if insulin-treated or recurrent hypos. | Check hypo awareness; reinforce rules. | DVLA may revoke if recurrent severe hypos. |
Driving assessment centres (e.g. Driving Mobility Centres in the UK) provide independent, specialist evaluations for people whose medical conditions may affect their ability to drive safely. They support both patients and clinicians in borderline or complex cases.
Teaching Point π©Ί: DVLA driving advice hinges on: - Neurological events (seizure: 6β12 months off; TIA/stroke: 1 month off if recovery complete). - Diabetes (insulin: must notify DVLA, strict glucose monitoring, risk of hypoglycaemia). - Cardiac conditions (syncope/arrhythmia: off until risk controlled). - Vision (acuity β₯6/12, field β₯120Β° horizontally). Always check the latest DVLA guidance (At a Glance Guide).