The DVLA has announced a number of changes to their health rules, with a significant number of older motorists across the country affected.
Known as the ‘assessing fitness to drive’ guidelines, these rules outline the medical conditions that could make driving dangerous.
A spokesperson for the vehicle retail platform Motor Match highlighted that, whilst these changes can feel restrictive, they are in place to reduce the risk of accidents on the roads.
They explained: “The recent updates to the DVLA’s ‘assessing fitness to drive’ guidelines ensure all drivers on the road are medically fit to operate a vehicle.
“Designed to improve road safety, these changes are particularly important for those with conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or heart-related issues that have developed or worsened.”
One of the most significant changes to the ‘assessing fitness to drive’ guidelines is the new rules surrounding those with a non-aneurysmal (including perimensencephalic) subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Motorists with this condition are advised to advise the DVLA if they want to continue driving a car, motorcycle, lorry or bus.
The organisation reassured drivers that they will be able to get behind the wheel of most vehicles once again if they have a clinical confirmation of recovery, with heavy goods vehicle (HGV) motorists able to resume driving six months after comprehensive cerebrovascular (intercranial arterial) imagine that has excluded an aneurysm.
The DVLA has also changed its definition for controlled drinking and outlined the impact it may have on motorists.
They advised: “Drinking at a level in the mannel which their clinician confirms acceptably controls their alcohol use disorder and their alcohol use is unlikely to impact on personal, social and work responsibilities.”
Motorists who persistently misuse alcohol were told to notify the DVLA immediately and not get behind the wheel, with their licence being reconsidered after a minimum of six months of little to no drinking.
Motor Match’s spokesperson warned all drivers to read up on these new regulations, with those affected who continue to spend time behind the wheel at risk of a £1,000 fine.
They warned: “With the introduction of these new guidelines, drivers must take responsibility for reporting their medical conditions.
“Failing to disclose a notifiable medical condition can lead to a hefty fine of up to £1,000 and, in extreme cases, legal prosecution, especially if the condition contributes to a serious accident.”
