Reporting dangerous driving to DVLA

[Mrsmunchofmunchington]

It isn’t my parent but an elderly friend.
I don’t have contact details for his family. I did chat generally to him and asked in a roundabout way if his family ever go in the car with him driving and they don’t so they are likely unaware of the danger he is in.

I have been driven by him and it is utterly terrifying to the degree that I won’t go in his car ever again.

The first time I thought it was because he was awaiting cataract surgery so after he had the surgery I gathered my courage and agreed to another trip but it was just as awful.

He doesn’t notice oncoming traffic at junctions, doesn’t judge speed of approaching cars at roundabouts, forgets to indicate, misses turnings.

He does limit his driving to just his local area from his own choice because he says doesn’t like motorways or dual carriage ways anymore but he could easily have an accident locally.

I feel terrible contemplating taking this step, as I know it will be a huge upset for him but the alternative of him hurting himself or someone else is worse.

I looked at the DVLA website but it isn’t clear how to report someone.
I want to do it anonymously. He absolutely would not accept me doing this if I was to be honest with him.

Can somebody who has been through this tell me how to do this please?

I did this for my FIL after a similar experience to you.

I completed the online form and he was sent a letter asking for his medical details. He was outraged, went off to see his GP and was then shocked that the GP completely agreed that he shouldn't be driving.

My top tip is to have a story ready for when they accuse you of doing it - I think it was pretty obviously me and I lied through my teeth and he decided a nurse at the hospital had done it, which I was very happy to agree with.

I’m in the same position. I’ve already reported it to the police and got nowhere. There doesn’t seem to be a place on the DVLA website to report an elderly driver. The person I want to report knows she shouldn’t be driving and got rid of her car for a couple of months but now has bought a Volvo because they are safer! Mine is an acquaintance of my mums.

Can you tell me how to find the form please?

That is what I am struggling with.

DVLA need to make it easy to find as this is a fairly common issue.

You are absolutely right, it's impossible to find the form! When I did it I found it easily.

I think I'd phone the DVLA.

I haven't had to do it but there was an awful accident here a few years ago involving a woman and her daughter. The elderly driver ran them over at a pedestrian crossing and then drove someway up the road with the little girl under his car. He didn't see the red light, didn't see them crossing, didn't realise he had hit them and didn't notice he had a human stuck under his car. Her daughter died but she lived. If someone had stepped in and had his licence removed it would never have happened.

I know @Blarn, I remember that too and that is exactly why I want to do it. And I’ve already tried the police,

You need the third option on this [[https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/driver/capture-transaction-type

I completed the online form anonymously about my father. He was sent a medical form to complete which he didn't do because he 'didn't need to' as he was 'perfectly capable of driving properly '. Because he didn't return the form, along with the required medical evidence from his GP, his licence has been revoked and he will need to take a proper driving test to get it back!

Thank you

Thank you @SleepingisanArt this is really helpful. Question….what medical evidence did he need from his GP? My DF has failing cognitive function and I am concerned re his driving. He absolutely will not have any form of memory tests though. We can all see and hear he is struggling but adamant he won’t have any tests.
Did you need to submit your contact details? An email address or a mobile no. Or just submit the form direct from the web page, no further info required? Thanks x

Hi @Mrsmunchofmunchington

1. Online Reporting

You can report concerns about someone's fitness to drive via the DVLA's online medical reporting form. This form allows you to submit details anonymously. You’ll need to provide:

• The person’s name and address
• Details of your concerns (e.g., medical conditions, observed unsafe driving)
• Any supporting evidence (optional but helpful)

1. By Post

If you prefer, you can write to the DVLA at:
Drivers Medical Enquiries
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1TU
United Kingdom

Include as much detail as possible, and you do not need to include your own contact information if you wish to remain anonymous.

1. By Phone

You can also call DVLA’s medical enquiries line at 0300 790 6806. While this method may not guarantee anonymity, you can ask not to have your details recorded.

What Happens Next?

Once the DVLA receives your report:

• They will review the information and may contact the driver for further medical evidence.
• The DVLA will not disclose your identity to the person you reported or to anyone else, only the details of your concerns.
• If necessary, they may request a medical or driving assessment.
• If they are referred for a driving assessment, the aim is to check their physical and cognitive ability to drive a vehicle safely and in comfort. There will be a driving instructor and an occupational therapist in the car with the driver and the person being assessed will have to use one of the assessment centers cars with dual controls.
• An assessment is not like a driving test. The appointment will consist of a short interview followed by an on-road assessment where they will drive one of the centres vehicles around the local area. They will be asked to undergo a brief cognitive assessment and read a number plate at least 20.5m in the distance, and then, following instruction from the driving instructor, asked to demonstrate their driving ability on the road. The practical aspect of the assessment should not take any longer that 40-45 minutes.
• The occupational therapist and driving instructor will have a brief discussion about the assessment and then the driver will be invited to join them to discuss the outcome of the assessment.
• It may be that the person can continue to drive with adaptations, in which case this will be discussed by the Occupational Therapist or it maybe deemed that they are NOT fit to drive and the centre will advise the DVLA of this and their licence will be revoked. They will then be advised on the next steps. They will receive a copy of their report. If they have been referred by the DVLA and wish to see a copy of the report, they will need to request a copy from them. If you make an anonymous report to the DVLA, if they think there is potential merit in your concerns, they will refer the driver to the assessment centre. The Driver will not know who referred them, even the assessment centres are not given this information, only the nature of the concerns raised.
• If they are banned from driving, they do have the right to appeal but it would have to be something substantial to get them to overturn the decision.

This is not just about their safety, its about the safety of everyone on the roads and the pedestrians - send in your anonymous report, if they are good enough to drive they will get written confirmation of it and if their licence is revoked, they will be none the wiser that it is you.

@PrettyPickle thank you for your very comprehensive and informative reply. Very much appreciated and reassuring to know the full process. Many thanks x

My FIL was like this once he got into his 70’s (now RIP). His reactions were very slow and he was a danger on the road. I was worried he’d hit someone or cause an accident and, like you, I just couldn’t go in the car with him. We had mentioned it to him and he was stubborn. He reversed into our (new) neighbour’s wall and knocked it down almost completely and he almost knocked someone over. He started to realise and sacrificed his car shortly afterwards.

MIl has just had an emergency eye op. The PIL are quite secretive about their health particularly if it makes them look old (90 & 87). And their kids are in denial that previously useful parents aren't up to running errands and doing DIY. Everyone has their head in the sand.
Personally, i think both of them should have semi shifted to public transport and taxis years ago but that didn't happen. So we have the perfect storm of no Plan B in place, and no body wanting to step up and be the bad guy.
Would MIL be sent for a reassessment after an eye op?
Should I tip off the DVLA?
It will inconvenience the wider family, they all hate my pragmatic approach but I can't see any alternatives being put in place and I think the temptation to use the cars when they aren't well is too great.

Yes I’d report. Some elderly drivers are a danger to both themselves and other road users.

My late FIL ended up in court for various driving offences and lost his driving licence as a result.

You’ve clearly been in a car with my father. Trying to summon up the nerve to report him to the DVLA as well.

Just do it, they won't know its you and if they are safe to drive (for now) then at least you will have peace of mind.

I did it to my mother. She was a danger to herself and others so I reported her on the DVLA website anonymously. She voluntarily gave up driving a couple of weeks later. I suspect because they got in touch with her.

I and my brother tipped off the DVLA about my Dad. They sent forms which I filled in, leaving nothing out. Mostly heart issues & vertigo with some ‘confusion’. He actually had early signs of Vascular Dementia.

The first thing they did was call him for an eye test, which he failed. Job done.

If they know they have issues they’re taking the risk of being uninsured.

I know someone who I used to discuss this issue with. Her dad (who she knew was unsafe) had an accident and killed her mum.

Report.