If you cause an accident as a result of a medical condition of which you are aware you deserve prosecution.

Agreed. But in law, ignorance has never been a defence ?

I think the biggest problem is not if you are/are not fit to drive.

People, especially those in rural areas with no transport are much more likely to keep driving even when they should not, and relatives are forced to take the keys off them, to prevent an accident.

When they done a road side test for eyesight only, 1/3rd of cars got further attention, some got taken off the road there and then and had to get someone else to come and drive the car, for those who had no one the car was impounded.

What does this tell us, that there are a large minority of drivers that, simply put, cannot be trusted to give up driving when they should.

Until all drivers that require a medical form to continue driving is done by a doctor, then having people medically unfit to drive is something we will all have to live with, or die from.

Buses and lorries have to get it done by a doctor every 5 years, I see no reason why all drivers should not do the same, for the older people because the body becomes too knackered to cope, for younger people a special test for traces of drugs or any illegal substances.

They're determined to clear the roads of plebs no longer deemed useful ready for the Zil Lanes one way or another.

I wonder how common it is for doctors to advise patients to declare a condition to the authorities. I suspect it’s very rare.

We had three elderly relatives over the years who the family persuaded to stop driving. Two were borderline but the other was dangerous. Their doctors never suggested it (as far as we are aware).

Quite a common reaction from risk averse trainee or second year GPs is to advise no driving until you are seen by a consultant. This can take an age and they often refer you for tests before clearing you for driving .

"You must tell DVLA if your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)"

Given that most kids seem to get diagnosed with ADHD these days, does a childhood diagnosis count?

Most?

The overall ADHD diagnosis rate for children (5-15 years) is circa 5% (3-4% for adults)

On a more general point, if you tell the DVLA should you also tell your insurance company? And will your premium increase?

Yes you should tell your insurer, including DVLA's decision - which may be no restriction or they may issue a short-term licence, eg 1 year after which you need to re-apply to DVLA but can usually keep on driving while they make their decision.

When I informed my insurer that my previously "straight" licence have been revoked on medical grounds and subsequently been re-instated as a 1-year licence, there was no increase in premium.

These days, DVLA goes to such lengths during it's medical assessments that insurers and drivers can be assured that their decision is adequate for road safety.

Seem to remember that there is a requirement to take a medical if you wish to drive a large Transit van when you are over 75.

Does the same apply to towing trailers and caravans ?

...ordered my renewed 3-year licence online on Friday. It arrived today (Weds)!

Impressive work from the DVLA. Thank you Swansea...

They are on the ball these days, my HGV licence (always needs referral to the medical section due to childhood eye injury) came back in 4 working days, thanks in no small way to the doctor i use for my now annual medicals, who is always spot on with the paperwork.

Edited by FoxyJukebox on 07/12/2023 at 08:10