To not inform the DVLA about this...

[Mummybo8]

I have a condition which has caused me to go into anaphylactic shock. I still have the condition but I’m now on effective medication. The incident where I went into anaphylactic shock was years ago.

Anyway, I’m about to do driving lessons and I called up the DVLA to renew my provisional but when I heard the automated message, there was an option to speak to the medical team. I thought I should let them know about my condition, just to make sure I’ve definitely gone through the correct process.

The man that I spoke to said that the condition isn’t on their list of notifiable conditions but they’d like me to fill out a medical application form anyway.

I was chatting to my mum on the phone tonight and I told her this and she said that I shouldn’t have told them as it’s not a notifiable condition and this is just going to put my insurance costs up.

With it not even a notifiable condition so it would be a real pain if I end up having to fork out over the odds for insurance. We have two small kids and not much money. I’m taking out a loan to learn to drive and I just don’t want to end up doing that to then not be able to afford the insurance.

I’m thinking about just not returning the medical questionnaire. What should I do?

Won't they have a record of your call and that they sent you a medical form

I was concerned about that. I was thinking about maybe calling them and asking if I can just not complete the form as it’s not notifiable.

Complete and return the questionnaire - surely that’s the only real option? I currently have no licence as I had to surrender it to the DVLA for medical reasons and yes, it’s shit, but not as shit as if the worst happened and I ended up killing or maiming someone because I hadn’t been truthful on the questionnaire.

But they must have a record of your convo on your file now - I presume you gave them your details so they could send you the form?
I don't think you have any choice but to fill in the form.

But my condition isn’t notifiable and people with severe allergies don’t have to notify. I just wish I had googled it rather than call them. I think they’re sending the questionnaire just to cover their own backs when my condition isn’t even one which is on their list. It’s not the sort of thing where I wouldn’t have time to pull over and like I said, it’s controlled by medication.

They’ve already told her it’s not a notifiable condition so why would she be in trouble driving with it?

I probably wouldn’t tbh, they won’t be organised enough to follow up the questionnaire (and I’m not sure I even understand why they would?)

I've done this before innocent.y let them know, told it's not on their list but they need to investigate anyway. You will get a form you must fill out within 28 days or your licence will be taken off you and then they will contact your GP and any specialists to investigate. Sorry but you are in for a very long process.

My brother has epilepsy and I think being upfront about your health when it comes to driving is vital. Hence the reason I wanted to check I was following protocol. But obviously if it’s not a notifiable condition, I don’t want to have to pay extra on my insurance.

would an insurer ask about it anyway? They usually just ask about their set medical conditions. My insurance is expensive (when I have a licence) but not because of my medical condition - they’re not allowed to discriminate - but because I’ve actually retained my licence for so little time since I passed donkeys years ago. I’d just fill in the questionnaire, and you’ll probably never hear from them again, but you also won’t have to worry that one day they’ll realise you never sent it back. And yes, the medical department are slow but they do follow things up.

Oops looks from eleflumpflys post that you might’ve set the wheels in motion anyway... maybe see what the form says?

(When it arrives)

I assume if you fill it in, they'll assess it and give you the all clear and you'll have nothing to declare to an insurance company.

It’s been a few years since I last got my licence back, but you used to be able to declare yourself fit to drive and drive while they did all the follow ups - I don’t know if that’s still the case but worth checking.

Why ring them up in the first place? You have no record of what you or they have said. You should have emailed them. Never verbally discuss medical issues.

My dh has a notifiable condition. His insurance is no more than mine (and we both gave quite cheap insurance). I wouldn't worry too much. If it's not notifiable you won't have to tell the insurance company and its highly unlikely dvla will put any restrictions on your license.

With a brother you know how important it is and you were righ to check even if might not have been strictly necessary. Fill the form in, they'll touch with your GP and see what happens.

I also have epilepsy and don't pay extra for my insurance. I checked specifically and was told that if my GP and the DVLA are happy for me to have a licence then they're not concerned.

You did the right thing in checking and I hope it all goes through smoothly. Good luck

Obviously that's should say "with a brother with epilepsy"....

It isn't about insurance, it's about the DVLA and the DSA seeing that you're fit to drive.

I was reported maliciously for driving with a medical impairment (despite the DVLA knowing this from my original provisional license, it was declared never assessed). After being reported they sent a questionnaire, then wrote to my GP and then sent me for an assessment. Whole process took a year. I'm still driving and have my license. Now you've informed them it's best to do what they ask.

So medical conditions aren't a rating factor with insurance so they wont change the premium of it due to any condition!! Insurance companies only need to know about the condition if a dr or medical professional have advised you to tell the dvla and it's notifiable! So if you tell the dvla and insurance companies it shouldn't effect any premiums!!

I have a condition which is not notifiable but I filled in the medical form and told the DVLA.

I am almost 100% sure that my insurance is not affected. I click "DVLA aware but no restriction" on the forms.

I only pay about £230 for the year, have been driving for 5 years, and I have a virtually brand new (17 plate) car.

you Must tell your insurance company as they won’t pay out if they find out afterwards. If the dvla say you are fit to drive I don’t see any problem.

Notification of the dvla and notification to your insurers are two entirely separate processes.

Fill in the form for dvla. If you don't you could get your licence revoked while they investigate. As it's not a notifiable condition the expected outcome from you filling in the form will be them confirming that it's fine.

Separately your decision about notifying your insurers goes like this: anything that would affect your premium that you fail to notify them of will invalidate your policy in the event of a claim. Effectively, it is throwing away money to drive with an insurance policy that is based on withholding information from the insurers. You might as well drive uninsured as if there is an accident they will find out what you weren't telling them and will declare the policy void.

You should tell your insurers if it's an ongoing condition (sorry didn't mean it like that.)