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Original poster

This list of conditions to tell the DVLA

80 replies

hungryhippo90 · 04/04/2018 15:38

Ok I know, it’s from the detail trail, but the list of conditions we should be telling the DVLA about.....

Really? I don’t feel like I should have told them about my anxiety because I don’t drive if I’m anxious- putting myself behind the wheel would not be good.

It lists depression, cancer, aspergers.... so so many conditions.

Thoughts please people.

I never knew the list was so exhaustive!

www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-5577361/The-five-surprising-medical-conditions-need-legally-declare-getting-wheel.html

OP posts:
Original poster
hungryhippo90 · 04/04/2018 15:38
  • daily fail!
OP posts:
DGRossetti · 04/04/2018 15:47

Thoughts please people.

To be pleased the DVLA is taking public safety as seriously as it possibly can ?

The flip side is the number of people killed every year by drivers who should never have been behind the wheel.

frankchickens · 04/04/2018 15:50

Malignant melanoma ? Eh?

SauvignonBlanche · 04/04/2018 15:51

Full list from DVLA website here.

MotherforkingShirtballs · 04/04/2018 15:55

For some of the conditions it's less about the condition itself and more about the side effects of any medications or treatments you may be taking due to it. For example, some medications can make you drowsy or impair your reaction times.

bingoLounge · 04/04/2018 15:55

"Thoughts"?

Sounds good to me.

What possible reason is there for thinking you should be able to keep medical information secret from the DVLA?

"I don’t feel like I should have told them about my anxiety because I don’t drive if I’m anxious"

If you're "anxious" enough to mention it to an internet forum and probably anyone you meet including your GP, it sounds "serious" enough for the DVLA to take an interest.

DGRossetti · 04/04/2018 15:57

you should be able to keep medical information secret from the DVLA?

What I don't understand is why a doctor can't tell the DVLA directly ? I appreciate we have to have a veneer of confidentiality, but there are already exemptions for (what I would certainly class as) the public good.

MotherforkingShirtballs · 04/04/2018 16:00

I wish doctors could report directly to the DVLA. I think everyone should have to send a medical declaration to the DVLA every ten years that shows they have no medical or sight impairments that will affect their ability to drive. There are people on the roads who should not be because they don't think their condition affect them when really it does and they are an accident waiting to happen.

stressedoutfred · 04/04/2018 16:00

@frankchickens , I had to check that as I was diagnosed with MM at Christmas!

This list of conditions to tell the DVLA
Hereshopingforimprovement · 04/04/2018 16:00

Many of these conditions, anxiety and depression in particular only need to be declared if the affect your driving, your doctor can advise whether they do or not of you are not sure.

DGRossetti · 04/04/2018 16:01

I think everyone should have to send a medical declaration to the DVLA every ten years that shows they have no medical or sight impairments that will affect their ability to drive.

No argument from me. Personally I'd also insist on everyone attending a speed awareness course every decade too. (I say that someone who did, and was amazed at how much I (re) learned and learned afresh).

KTD27 · 04/04/2018 16:04

Defibrillator?!

Slightlyperturbedowlagain · 04/04/2018 16:06

What I don't understand is why a doctor can't tell the DVLA directly ?
I agree, have had several elderly relatives in the past that have been advised not to drive but have not taken it on board. Luckily they all eventually stopped driving without serious mishap. I think there should be some sort of system whereby the Dr issues you with a notice that they are informing the DVLA about a condition you have. The worry would be I suppose that then people might avoid even seeking medical care to start with which might be even more of a risk.

gussyfinknottle · 04/04/2018 16:06

I have MS. I told the DVLA of my diagnosis before I told my Mum. Don't mess with this stuff. Don't hide stuff. Your GP has to tell them if they think you haven't.

MotherforkingShirtballs · 04/04/2018 16:08

An artirial or ventricle defibrillator, it's an implant that helps your heart maintain a normal rhythm by administering regular shocks. You have to notify the DVLA because did it malfunctions or if it has no affect and you happen to be behind the wheel at the time.....

AEJS · 04/04/2018 16:09

I have recently had my license returned to me after losing it for a year after a severe episode of psychotic depression.

While it was very annoying and inconvenient not to be able to drive for that year I was safe, my children were safe as were other road users.

I wasn't well enough to make the decision for myself so needed the doctors and the DVLA to make it for me.

I now have to reapply yearly for my license and again the doctors will decide. At the moment I am in remission but it may not stay this way so this way again everyone is safe.

Nikephorus · 04/04/2018 16:09

You only have to tell them if your condition affects your driving but thanks for worrying me that I hadn't mentioned my autism!

Floralnomad · 04/04/2018 16:10

For many of the illness / diseases on the list you only have to tell the DVLA if you are driving a bus / lorry some other public transport not just if you are driving a private car / bike .

MotherforkingShirtballs · 04/04/2018 16:10

With some conditions you have to notify them whether or not it affects your driving, which is why it's best to be aware of the list and aware of changes in your health that may need to be notified.

GrooovyLass · 04/04/2018 16:15

Déjà vu???

Slightlyperturbedowlagain · 04/04/2018 16:16

Fortunately Déjà vu only needs to be notified if it’s linked to epilepsy or seizures Smile

gussyfinknottle · 04/04/2018 16:20

I had epilepsy as a teenager. Loads of deja vu instances. It's not some woo thing it is ONLY an epilepsy thing. See your GP if you get it a lot.
You can drive as long as you are seizure free for a specific length of time including on meds.

NKFell · 04/04/2018 16:20

I think it's a good idea but I would also like it to go directly.

I think too many people think it means you automatically lose your licence but I have T1 Diabetes and have done my whole life, the DVLA know, and have always known and I can still drive.

WannaGetQuizzical · 04/04/2018 16:21

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

bingoLounge · 04/04/2018 16:24

@DGRossetti

Impressive misquoting of me!

The reasons (I suspect) for it not being the Dr's responsibility are:

  1. Why the GP? How about a surgeon or other physician? Ophthalmologist or optometrist? Pharmacist? There's no clear responsibility in many cases.

  2. you assume that the reporting would be quick and easy with regard to the workload of the person reporting.

  3. you assume that a binary 'does this mean that x person shouldn't drive' is an easy question to answer

  4. your idea seems to shift the blame from the driver. Something modern society seems to like but not something I agree with.

  5. You have little understanding of how far away we are from a universal database or even multi-organisation access to all this information and even if it's a positive thing.

  6. Block chain technology is likely to solve this issue within the next decade.