Driving and disability

Having a medical condition or disability does not necessarily mean you cannot or will not be allowed to drive. You must let the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) know about any medical condition or disability that may affect your driving.

Medical conditions, disabilities and driving

You must tell DVA if you have, or have ever had, a medical condition or impairment that may affect your driving.

If you hold a current driving licence and have a 'notifiable' medical condition or disability, you must tell DVA right away. You should not wait until your licence is due for renewal. You must also tell DVA if your medical condition or disability has become worse since your licence was issued or if you develop a new medical condition or disability.

Sometimes the best option can be to surrender your licence and re-apply for its restoration at a later date.

'Notifiable' medical conditions and disabilities include epilepsy, strokes and other neurological conditions, mental health problems, physical disabilities and visual impairments. 

The research charity RICA publishes booklets aimed at motorists with particular needs, including

  • motoring after amputation
  • receiving a brain injury
  • having a stroke
  • motoring with arthritis
  • cerebral palsy
  • multiple sclerosis
  • restricted growth
  • Mobility (RICA website)

New drivers and the provisional driving licence

Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle, you must apply for a provisional driving licence. If you have a notifiable medical condition or disability you must declare it on the application form.

DVA aims to deliver your provisional driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It might take longer if they have to check on your health or personal details.

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