DVLA - Help - Have I shot myself in the foot?!? (2024)

22 June at 8:19AM edited 22 June at 8:19AM

ProseccoGirl said:

I rang my GP for some advice, and to cut a long story short, after a telephone consultation, they "think that it's likely" to be a type of Vertigo (BPPV). They said they'd send me a leaflet, some exercises and will give me a prescription and I should feel better in about 3 days. Great. (I feel better already and I haven't even picked up the script yet)

BUT...on reading the leaflet the GP sent, is says that Vertigo is a notifiable condition to DVLA !!!!! They didn't say anything on the phone about it.

Obviously, I wouldn't drive if I felt unwell.

Have I just opened a whole can of worms for myself now, by making it "official" and it's now on my records?

Would they impose any restrictions and does that mean I have to tell insurers too, and have to pay higher premiums.

I've now gone into panic mode!!! Do they really mean for one-off conditions that the GP "thinks" it might be.

I don't have an ongoing condition, just an episode, likely caused by very specific circ*mstances.

Does anyone have any experience of dealing with the DVLA on such matters?

If you experienced it it's reportable. It's no big issue. The dvla will ask you to fill out a medical questionnaire and may give you a limited license, mine was renewable every 3 years when I reported a seizure. You must also tell your insurance

22 June at 8:19AM

itsthelittlethings Posts: 290 Forumite

22 June at 8:22AM

22 June at 8:24AM

There is no requirement to only report if you have a diagnosis. Many people experience events that stop them driving and have to have medical assessments to check their fitness to drive.

It can take years to get a diagnosis of something, epilepsy for example, it is irresponsible to continue driving if it might effect you again whilst driving

MattMattMattUK Posts: 8,951 Forumite

22 June at 8:25AM edited 22 June at 8:34AM

ProseccoGirl said:

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I rang my GP for some advice, and to cut a long story short, after a telephone consultation, they "think that it's likely" to be a type of Vertigo (BPPV). They said they'd send me a leaflet, some exercises and will give me a prescription and I should feel better in about 3 days. Great. (I feel better already and I haven't even picked up the script yet)

BUT...on reading the leaflet the GP sent, is says that Vertigo is a notifiable condition to DVLA !!!!! They didn't say anything on the phone about it.

Obviously, I wouldn't drive if I felt unwell.

Have I just opened a whole can of worms for myself now, by making it "official" and it's now on my records?

Would they impose any restrictions and does that mean I have to tell insurers too, and have to pay higher premiums.

I've now gone into panic mode!!! Do they really mean for one-off conditions that the GP "thinks" it might be.

I don't have an ongoing condition, just an episode, likely caused by very specific circ*mstances.

Does anyone have any experience of dealing with the DVLA on such matters?

Have you been disgnosed? I would ask to speak to your GP and see if you are treated as having Vertigo.

A one off condition can be a future indicator so it is often reportable. From the experience of helping a friend with a notifiable condition that untreated would stop him from driving the whole thing can be sorted with the DVLA in less than a week and it made no difference to insurance, one is required to declare that one is treatment compliant though.

22 June at 8:26AM

itsthelittlethings said:

Ask the GP if you should report it.

GP has already handed the op a leaflet saying it is.

22 June at 8:26AM

When my FIL was diagnosed with alzheimers - also a condition which must be reported to DVLA - all they did was change his licence to yearly renewal.

We also informed his insurance company, who basically said that as long as his GP & DVLA haven't said that he can't drive then they don't care.

itsthelittlethings Posts: 290 Forumite

22 June at 8:56AM

marcia_ said:

itsthelittlethings said:

Ask the GP if you should report it.

GP has already handed the op a leaflet saying it is.

I think it’s worth clarifying with the GP if this is reportable, OP may not actually have been diagnosed with vertigo but have been given a leaflet which the advice is still useful for them. Call the GP on Monday and don’t drive until then?

Mildly_Miffed Posts: 440 Forumite

22 June at 8:56AM

You've had one episode... so far. Of a condition that can't (yet) be identified.

Imagine if the next episode occurred while you were driving.

THAT's why DVLA make certain medical conditions notifiable, and why they MIGHT withdraw a licence if they think it makes you a risk behind the wheel.

Considering not seeking medical advice for fear of your licence.
No. Just... no.
Is your licence more important than your health and, potentially, somebody else's life? REALLY?

22 June at 11:16AM