Health Conditions and Driving
Certain health conditions can affect your ability to drive safely, whether by causing sudden loss of consciousness, impairing vision, slowing reaction times, or affecting judgement and concentration. In the UK, drivers have a legal duty to tell the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) about any condition that could affect their driving. Below is an A–Z list of common conditions, why they can be a problem behind the wheel, and a link to the official DVLA guidance for each one.
A
Absence seizures
These brief lapses in awareness can happen without warning, meaning a driver could momentarily lose control of the vehicle.
Check the guidance on seizures and epilepsy
Acoustic neuroma
This tumour on the hearing nerve can cause dizziness, balance problems and hearing loss, all of which can affect safe vehicle control.
Check the guidance on acoustic neuroma
Agoraphobia
Severe anxiety in open or unfamiliar spaces can make a driver panic or freeze, particularly on busy roads or motorways.
Check the guidance on agoraphobia
Alcohol problems
Ongoing alcohol misuse affects reaction time, coordination and judgement, all of which are essential for safe driving.
Check the guidance on alcohol problems
Alzheimer’s disease
Progressive memory loss and confusion can affect a driver’s ability to navigate, make decisions and respond to hazards.
Check the guidance on Alzheimer’s disease
Amaurosis fugax
This temporary loss of vision in one eye is often linked to mini-strokes and can happen suddenly while driving.
Check the guidance on transient ischaemic attacks and mini-strokes
Amputations
Loss of a limb can affect a driver’s ability to operate the pedals or steering wheel safely, though many drivers return to the road with an adapted vehicle.
Check the guidance on amputations
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
This condition causes progressive muscle weakness that can gradually reduce a driver’s physical ability to control a vehicle.
Check the guidance on motor neuron disease – also known as ALS
Angina
Angina can cause chest pain during physical or emotional stress, which may occur while driving and affect your ability to remain in control.
Angioplasty
Recovery from this heart procedure can involve a temporary period of reduced fitness to drive while the heart stabilises.
Check the guidance on heart attacks and angioplasty
Ankylosing spondylitis
Stiffness and reduced movement in the spine and neck can limit a driver’s ability to check mirrors and blind spots.
Check the guidance on ankylosing spondylitis
Anorexia nervosa
Severe eating disorders can cause fatigue, poor concentration and fainting, all of which can compromise driving safety.
Check the guidance on eating disorders
Anxiety
Severe anxiety can affect concentration and decision-making, and panic while driving can be dangerous for the driver and other road users.
Aortic aneurysm
A weakened, bulging section of the aorta carries a risk of sudden rupture, which could cause collapse at the wheel.
Check the guidance on aortic aneurysms
Aortic stenosis
Narrowing of the aortic valve can cause dizziness, breathlessness or fainting, particularly during physical exertion such as driving in heavy traffic.
Check the guidance on aortic stenosis
Arachnoid cyst
Depending on its size and location, this fluid-filled sac in the brain can cause headaches, seizures or pressure effects that impair driving.
Check the guidance on arachnoid cysts
Arrhythmia
An irregular heartbeat can cause sudden dizziness or blackouts, creating a real risk of losing control of the vehicle.
Check the guidance on arrhythmias
Atrial defibrillator
Devices that correct heart rhythm can deliver shocks that startle or briefly incapacitate a driver.
Check the guidance on defibrillators
Arteriovenous malformation
This abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain carries a risk of bleeding or seizures, both of which can affect driving safety.
Check the guidance on arteriovenous malformations
Arthritis
Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the hands, hips or neck, can limit a driver’s grip on the wheel and ability to react quickly.
Check the guidance on arthritis
Asperger syndrome
While many people on the autistic spectrum drive safely, some may need extra support with concentration or processing complex traffic situations.
Check the guidance on autistic spectrum condition, including Asperger syndrome
Ataxia
This condition affects coordination and balance, which can make it difficult to control the pedals and steering accurately.
Check the guidance on ataxia, including Friedreich’s ataxia
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Difficulty sustaining attention and impulsivity can affect a driver’s ability to anticipate hazards and follow the rules of the road consistently.
Autistic spectrum condition
Sensory sensitivities or difficulty adapting to unexpected situations can be a factor for some drivers on the autistic spectrum.
Check the guidance on autistic spectrum condition, including Asperger syndrome
B
Balloon angioplasty (leg)
Recovery from this procedure to widen leg arteries can temporarily limit pedal control and mobility.
Check the guidance on balloon angioplasties in the leg
Bipolar disorder
Extreme mood swings between mania and depression can affect judgement, impulse control and concentration while driving.
Check the guidance on bipolar disorder – previously known as manic depression
Blackouts
A sudden loss of consciousness at the wheel, even briefly, can lead to a serious loss of vehicle control.
Check the guidance on blackouts and fainting
Blepharospasm
Uncontrollable eyelid spasms can temporarily block vision, which is obviously hazardous when driving.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Blood clots
Clots that travel to the lungs or brain can cause sudden pain, breathlessness or collapse without warning.
Check the guidance on blood clots
Blood pressure
Severely high or unstable blood pressure raises the risk of stroke or sudden collapse while driving.
Check the guidance on blood pressure
Brachial plexus injury
Nerve damage in the shoulder and arm can weaken grip and control of the steering wheel.
Check the guidance on brachial plexus injuries
Brain abscess, cyst or encephalitis
Infections or growths affecting the brain can cause seizures, confusion or reduced coordination.
Check the guidance on brain abscesses, cysts or encephalitis
Brain aneurysm
A weak spot in a brain blood vessel carries a risk of rupture, which can cause sudden, severe incapacitation.
Check the guidance on brain aneurysms
Brain angioma
This cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain can trigger seizures or bleeding that affect consciousness.
Check the guidance on angiomas
Brain haemorrhage
Bleeding in the brain can cause sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness, all of which are dangerous while driving.
Check the guidance on brain haemorrhages
Brain injury (traumatic)
Head trauma can affect memory, reaction time, vision and judgement, sometimes for a long recovery period.
Check the guidance on traumatic brain injuries
Brain tumours
Depending on their size and location, brain tumours can cause seizures, vision loss or impaired coordination.
Check the guidance on brain tumours
Broken limbs
A fracture in an arm or leg can restrict movement and make it difficult to safely control the vehicle.
Check the guidance on broken limbs
Brugada syndrome
This inherited heart rhythm condition carries a risk of sudden fainting or cardiac arrest.
Check the guidance on Brugada syndrome
Burr hole surgery
This brain surgery requires a recovery period during which reaction times and concentration may be affected.
Check the guidance on burr hole surgery
C
Caesarean section
Recovery from major abdominal surgery can limit movement and reaction speed for a period after the operation.
Cancer
Depending on the type and stage, cancer or its treatment can cause fatigue, pain or cognitive effects that impair driving.
Check the guidance on cancer (not including leukaemia)
Cataracts
Clouding of the eye’s lens reduces clarity of vision, particularly at night or in glare, both common while driving.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Catheter ablation
This procedure to correct heart rhythm problems can require a short recovery period before driving resumes.
Check the guidance on catheter ablations
Cardiac problems
Heart conditions in general can raise the risk of sudden collapse, chest pain or breathlessness behind the wheel.
Check the guidance on cardiac problems
Carotid artery stenosis
Narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain increases the risk of stroke or sudden loss of consciousness.
Check the guidance on carotid artery stenosis
Cataplexy
Sudden, temporary muscle weakness triggered by strong emotion can cause a driver to lose control without warning.
Check the guidance on cataplexy
Cavernoma
These clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain can bleed or trigger seizures that affect consciousness.
Check the guidance on cavernomas
Central venous thrombosis
A blood clot in the brain’s venous system can cause headaches, seizures or neurological symptoms affecting driving.
Check the guidance on central venous thrombosis
Cerebral palsy
This condition can affect muscle control and coordination, which may impact the physical demands of driving.
Check the guidance on cerebral palsy
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
This inherited nerve disorder can cause muscle weakness in the legs and feet, affecting pedal control.
Check the guidance on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Chiari malformation
This structural brain condition can cause dizziness, poor coordination or headaches that interfere with safe driving.
Check the guidance on Chiari malformation
Chronic aortic dissection
A tear in the aorta’s wall carries an ongoing risk of sudden, severe pain or collapse.
Check the guidance on chronic aortic dissection
Cognitive problems
Difficulties with memory, attention or processing speed can directly affect a driver’s ability to react to hazards.
Check the guidance on cognitive problems
Congenital heart disease
Structural heart problems present from birth can cause breathlessness, fatigue or arrhythmias that affect driving fitness.
Check the guidance on congenital heart disease
Convulsions
Any type of fit or convulsion carries a risk of sudden loss of control while driving.
Check the guidance on fits, convulsions and seizures
Coronary artery bypass or disease
Reduced blood flow to the heart raises the risk of chest pain, breathlessness or a sudden cardiac event at the wheel.
Check the guidance on coronary artery bypass or disease
Coronary angioplasty
Recovery from this heart procedure usually requires a short break from driving while the heart heals.
Check the guidance on heart attacks and angioplasty
Cranial nerve palsy (with double vision)
Double vision makes it difficult to judge distances and positions accurately, which is essential for safe driving.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Cystic fibrosis
This condition can cause fatigue and breathlessness, particularly during longer or more demanding drives.
Check the guidance on cystic fibrosis
D
Deafness
Significant hearing loss can affect awareness of sirens, horns or other auditory warning signals on the road.
Check the guidance on deafness
Defibrillator
An implanted defibrillator delivering a shock can be sudden and disorientating, posing a risk while driving.
Check the guidance on defibrillators
Déjà vu
When linked to seizure activity, episodes of déjà vu can be a warning sign of an underlying condition affecting consciousness.
Dementia
Memory loss, confusion and impaired judgement make it progressively harder to drive safely as the condition develops.
Check the guidance on dementia
Depression
Severe depression can affect concentration, reaction time and motivation, all of which matter for safe driving.
Check the guidance on depression
Diabetes
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can cause confusion, shaking or loss of consciousness with little warning while driving.
Check the guidance on diabetes
Dilated cardiomyopathy
This condition weakens the heart’s pumping ability, which can cause fatigue, breathlessness or fainting.
Check the guidance on dilated cardiomyopathy
Diplopia (double vision)
Seeing double makes it hard to judge the position and distance of other vehicles and hazards accurately.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Dizziness
Episodes of dizziness or vertigo can affect balance and spatial awareness, both essential for controlling a vehicle.
Check the guidance on dizziness (including vertigo)
Drug misuse
Illegal or misused drugs can impair reaction time, judgement and coordination, significantly increasing accident risk.
Check the guidance on drug misuse
E
Eating disorders
Severe eating disorders can lead to fatigue, poor concentration and fainting spells that make driving unsafe.
Check the guidance on eating disorders
Empyema (brain)
A collection of infected fluid in the brain can cause seizures, confusion or neurological symptoms affecting driving.
Check the guidance on brain empyemas
Epilepsy
Seizures can occur without warning and cause a complete loss of control, making unmanaged epilepsy a serious driving risk.
Check the guidance on seizures and epilepsy
Essential tremor
Involuntary shaking, particularly in the hands, can affect a driver’s grip and precision on the steering wheel.
Check the guidance on essential tremors
Eye conditions
Good vision is fundamental to safe driving, so any condition reducing sharpness, field of view or clarity needs to be reported.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
F
Fainting
A sudden faint at the wheel, even briefly, can lead to loss of control and a serious accident.
Check the guidance on blackouts and fainting
Fits
Any type of fit carries the risk of sudden, uncontrolled movements and loss of awareness while driving.
Check the guidance on fits, convulsions and seizures
Fractured skull
A skull fracture can be associated with brain injury, seizures or lasting cognitive effects that affect driving fitness.
Check the guidance on head injuries
Friedreich’s ataxia
This progressive condition affects coordination and muscle control, making precise vehicle handling difficult over time.
Check the guidance on ataxia, including Friedreich’s ataxia
G
Glaucoma
This condition gradually narrows the field of vision, which can mean hazards at the edge of view go unnoticed.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Global amnesia
A sudden, temporary episode of memory loss can leave a driver disorientated and unable to respond appropriately to the road.
Check the guidance on global amnesia
Grand mal seizures
These major seizures cause complete loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions, making driving during this time extremely dangerous.
Check the guidance on seizures and epilepsy
Guillain-Barré syndrome
This condition causes rapid-onset muscle weakness that can affect a driver’s strength and coordination.
Check the guidance on Guillain-Barré syndrome
H
Head injury
Depending on severity, a head injury can affect memory, reaction time, vision or the risk of seizures.
Check the guidance on head injuries
Heart attack
Recovery from a heart attack usually requires time off driving while the risk of a further cardiac event is assessed.
Check the guidance on heart attacks and angioplasty
Heart arrhythmia
An irregular heart rhythm can trigger sudden dizziness or blackouts without warning.
Check the guidance on arrhythmias
Heart failure
A weakened heart can cause breathlessness and fatigue that build up, particularly on longer journeys.
Check the guidance on heart failure
Heart murmurs
While often harmless, some murmurs indicate underlying valve problems that can affect stamina and circulation while driving.
Check the guidance on heart murmurs
Heart palpitations
A racing or irregular heartbeat can be distracting and, in some cases, precede fainting at the wheel.
Check the guidance on heart palpitations
Heart valve disease or replacement valve
Problems with the heart’s valves can reduce circulation efficiency, leading to breathlessness or fainting.
Check the guidance on heart valve disease or replacement valves
High blood pressure
Very high or poorly controlled blood pressure increases the risk of stroke or sudden collapse.
Check the guidance on high blood pressure
HIV or AIDS
In most cases HIV does not affect driving, but related illness or medication side effects occasionally need to be considered.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
This cancer and its treatment can cause fatigue or other symptoms that temporarily affect a driver’s alertness.
Check the guidance on Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Huntington’s disease
This inherited condition affects movement, coordination and thinking, gradually impacting the ability to drive safely.
Check the guidance on Huntington’s disease
Hydrocephalus
A build-up of fluid on the brain can cause headaches, vision problems or cognitive changes affecting driving.
Check the guidance on hydrocephalus
Hypertension
Persistently high blood pressure raises the long-term risk of a stroke or heart event while driving.
Check the guidance on high blood pressure
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
This thickening of the heart muscle can cause breathlessness, dizziness or a risk of sudden collapse.
Check the guidance on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypoglycaemia
Low blood sugar can develop quickly and cause confusion, shaking or loss of consciousness at the wheel.
Check the guidance on hypoglycaemia
Hypoxic brain damage
Brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation can affect memory, coordination and reaction time.
Check the guidance on hypoxic brain damage
Hysterectomy
Recovery from this surgery can temporarily limit movement and the ability to react quickly behind the wheel.
I
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
A shock delivered by an ICD can be sudden and disorientating, which is why a period off driving is usually required afterwards.
Check the guidance on defibrillators
Intracerebral haemorrhage
Bleeding within the brain tissue can cause sudden weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness.
Check the guidance on intracerebral haemorrhages
Ischaemic heart disease
Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle raises the risk of chest pain or a cardiac event while driving.
Check the guidance on ischaemic heart disease
K
Kidney dialysis
Dialysis sessions can leave patients feeling fatigued or light-headed, which can affect alertness while driving.
Check the guidance on kidney dialysis (also known as renal dialysis)
Kidney problems
Severe kidney disease can cause fatigue, confusion or other symptoms that reduce driving fitness.
Check the guidance on kidney problems
Korsakoff’s syndrome
This memory disorder, often linked to alcohol misuse, can seriously affect a driver’s ability to recall and process information.
Check the guidance on Korsakoff’s syndrome
L
Labyrinthitis
This inner-ear infection can trigger sudden vertigo and loss of balance, both hazardous while driving.
Check the guidance on labyrinthitis
Learning difficulties
Depending on severity, learning difficulties can affect a driver’s ability to process road signs, rules and fast-changing situations.
Check the guidance on learning difficulties
Left bundle branch block
This electrical conduction problem in the heart can, in some cases, be linked to fainting or arrhythmia risk.
Check the guidance on left bundle branch blocks
Leukaemia
This blood cancer and its treatment can cause fatigue and other symptoms that affect concentration while driving.
Check the guidance on leukaemia
Lewy body dementia
This form of dementia can cause fluctuating alertness, hallucinations and movement problems that affect driving safety.
Check the guidance on Lewy body dementia
Limb disability
Reduced movement or strength in an arm or leg can affect control of the steering wheel, pedals or gears.
Check the guidance on limb disability
Long QT syndrome
This inherited heart rhythm disorder carries a risk of sudden fainting or cardiac arrest, sometimes triggered by stress.
Check the guidance on Long QT syndrome
Loss of an eye
Losing sight in one eye reduces depth perception and the overall field of vision needed to judge distances safely.
Check the guidance on monocular vision
Low blood glucose (sugar)
A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause confusion, shaking or loss of consciousness with very little warning.
Check the guidance on hypoglycaemia
Lumboperitoneal shunt
This device drains excess fluid from around the spinal cord and can be associated with headaches or complications affecting driving.
Check the guidance on lumboperitoneal shunts
Lung cancer
This condition and its treatment can cause breathlessness and fatigue that affect stamina behind the wheel.
Check the guidance on lung cancer
Lymphoma
Cancer affecting the lymphatic system can cause fatigue and other symptoms that reduce alertness while driving.
Check the guidance on lymphoma
M
Macular degeneration
This eye condition affects central vision, making it harder to read signs, judge distances and spot hazards ahead.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Malignant brain tumours
These tumours can cause seizures, weakness or cognitive changes that make driving unsafe.
Check the guidance on brain tumours
Malignant melanoma
Advanced skin cancer that has spread can, in some cases, cause symptoms affecting general fitness to drive.
Check the guidance on malignant melanoma
Manic depressive psychosis
Extreme mood episodes, including psychosis, can seriously affect judgement, insight and safe decision-making while driving.
Check the guidance on bipolar disorder – previously known as manic depression
Marfan’s syndrome
This connective tissue disorder can affect the heart and blood vessels, carrying a risk of sudden complications.
Check the guidance on Marfan’s syndrome
Medulloblastoma
This type of brain tumour can affect balance, coordination and consciousness.
Check the guidance on medulloblastomas
Memory problems (severe)
Significant memory loss can affect a driver’s ability to navigate familiar routes and follow road rules consistently.
Check the guidance on severe memory problems
Meningioma
Depending on its size and location, this usually slow-growing brain tumour can cause seizures or neurological symptoms.
Check the guidance on meningioma
Mini-stroke
A transient ischaemic attack can cause temporary weakness, vision loss or confusion, and increases the risk of a future stroke.
Check the guidance on transient ischaemic attacks and mini-strokes
Monocular vision (sight in one eye only)
Having sight in only one eye reduces depth perception, which can affect judging the speed and distance of other vehicles.
Check the guidance on monocular vision
Motor neurone disease
This progressive condition weakens muscles over time, gradually affecting the physical ability to control a vehicle.
Check the guidance on motor neurone disease
Multiple sclerosis
MS can cause fatigue, vision problems, weakness or coordination issues that fluctuate and affect driving safety.
Check the guidance on multiple sclerosis
Muscular dystrophy
Progressive muscle weakness can reduce strength and control needed to operate a vehicle safely.
Check the guidance on muscular dystrophy
Myasthenia gravis
This condition causes muscle weakness that worsens with activity, including the sustained effort of driving.
Check the guidance on myasthenia gravis
Myocardial infarction
A heart attack requires a recovery period before returning to driving, due to the risk of a further cardiac event.
Check the guidance on heart attacks and angioplasty
Myoclonus
Sudden, involuntary muscle jerks can cause an unexpected, uncontrolled movement of the hands or feet while driving.
Check the guidance on myoclonus
N
Narcolepsy
This condition causes sudden, overwhelming episodes of sleepiness that can occur without warning, even while driving.
Check the guidance on narcolepsy
Night blindness
Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness makes driving after dusk significantly more hazardous.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
O
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Intrusive thoughts and compulsions can distract a driver’s attention at critical moments on the road.
Check the guidance on obsessive compulsive disorder
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Interrupted breathing during sleep leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, a major cause of drowsy-driving accidents.
Check the guidance on excessive sleepiness
Ocular myasthenia gravis (with double vision)
Double vision caused by this condition makes it difficult to accurately judge the position of other road users.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Ophthalmoplegia (with double vision)
Restricted eye movement causing double vision affects a driver’s ability to track moving hazards and judge distances.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
P
Pacemakers
Drivers with a pacemaker usually need a short recovery period after fitting before it’s safe to drive again.
Check the guidance on pacemakers
Palpitations
A racing or fluttering heartbeat can be a distraction and, occasionally, a warning sign of fainting.
Check the guidance on heart palpitations
Paranoia
Distorted or fearful thinking can affect a driver’s judgement and their reaction to other road users.
Check the guidance on paranoia
Paranoid schizophrenia
Symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations can seriously impair a driver’s perception of reality and safe decision-making.
Check the guidance on paranoia
Paraplegia
Loss of movement in the lower body means a vehicle usually needs to be adapted for hand controls to be driven safely.
Check the guidance on paraplegia
Parkinson’s disease
Tremor, stiffness and slower movement can affect reaction time and the ability to operate the pedals and wheel smoothly.
Check the guidance on Parkinson’s disease
Peripheral arterial disease
Reduced blood flow to the legs can cause pain and weakness that affects pedal control, especially on longer drives.
Check the guidance on peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral neuropathy
Nerve damage affecting the hands or feet can reduce sensation and control needed for precise steering and braking.
Check the guidance on peripheral neuropathy
Personality disorder
Certain personality disorders can affect impulse control, risk-taking behaviour or emotional regulation while driving.
Check the guidance on personality disorders
Petit mal seizures
These brief lapses in awareness, though short, can be enough to cause loss of vehicle control.
Check the guidance on seizures and epilepsy
Pituitary tumour
Depending on size, these tumours can press on the optic nerve and affect vision, or cause hormonal symptoms affecting alertness.
Check the guidance on pituitary tumours
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Flashbacks, hypervigilance or panic attacks, particularly if triggered by driving-related events, can affect safety on the road.
Psychosis
Episodes of psychosis can distort perception and judgement, making it unsafe to drive until symptoms are well managed.
Check the guidance on psychosis
Psychotic depression
Combining severe low mood with psychotic symptoms can significantly impair insight, concentration and decision-making.
Check the guidance on psychotic depression
Pulmonary arterial hypertension
High blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries can cause breathlessness, fatigue and fainting, all relevant to driving safety.
Check the guidance on pulmonary arterial hypertension
R
Renal dialysis
Regular dialysis treatment can leave patients feeling tired or unwell, affecting alertness behind the wheel.
Check the guidance on kidney dialysis (also known as renal dialysis)
Retinal artery fugax
A temporary blockage in the retina’s blood supply can cause sudden, brief vision loss while driving.
Check the guidance on transient ischaemic attacks and mini-strokes
Retinitis pigmentosa
This progressive condition gradually narrows peripheral vision and reduces night vision, both important for safe driving.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Retinopathy (with laser treatment)
Damage to the retina, and recovery from laser treatment, can temporarily or permanently affect visual acuity.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
S
Schizo-affective disorder
This condition combines mood symptoms with psychosis, which can affect insight, judgement and safe driving behaviour.
Check the guidance on schizo-affective disorders
Schizophrenia
Hallucinations, delusions or disorganised thinking during active episodes can seriously affect safe decision-making on the road.
Check the guidance on schizophrenia
Scotoma
A blind spot in the visual field can hide hazards such as pedestrians or vehicles from view.
Seizures
Seizures of any kind risk a sudden loss of awareness or control, making driving unsafe until they are well controlled.
Check the guidance on fits, convulsions and seizures
Severe communication disorders
Difficulty processing or expressing language can affect a driver’s ability to understand road signs and respond to situations quickly.
Check the guidance on severe communication disorders
Severe depression
Profound low mood, fatigue and poor concentration can significantly reduce a driver’s ability to focus safely.
Check the guidance on severe depression
Sight in one eye only
Monocular vision reduces depth perception, which can make it harder to judge how far away other vehicles are.
Check the guidance on monocular vision
Sleep apnoea
Broken sleep caused by this condition leads to excessive tiredness during the day, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
Check the guidance on excessive sleepiness
Sleepiness (excessive)
Persistent daytime sleepiness, whatever the cause, is one of the most common contributors to fatigue-related driving accidents.
Check the guidance on excessive sleepiness
Spinal problems and injuries
Pain, stiffness or reduced mobility in the spine can limit a driver’s ability to turn, check mirrors or react quickly.
Check the guidance on spinal problems
Stroke
A stroke can cause lasting weakness, vision loss or cognitive changes, and increases the risk of a further event.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Bleeding around the brain can cause sudden, severe symptoms including loss of consciousness.
Check the guidance on subarachnoid haemorrhages
Surgery
Recovery from any major operation can temporarily affect movement, reaction time and concentration needed for safe driving.
Syncope
Fainting, even briefly, causes a complete but temporary loss of consciousness that is extremely dangerous while driving.
Check the guidance on blackouts and fainting
T
Tachycardia
An abnormally fast heart rate can cause dizziness or breathlessness that distracts a driver or leads to fainting.
Check the guidance on tachycardia
Temporal lobe epilepsy
Seizures originating in the temporal lobe can cause altered awareness or strange sensations that impair driving.
Check the guidance on seizures and epilepsy
Tonic clonic fits
These seizures involve stiffening and jerking of the body along with loss of consciousness, making driving during an active episode impossible.
Check the guidance on seizures and epilepsy
Tourette’s syndrome
Involuntary movements or vocal tics can occasionally distract a driver or interfere with smooth vehicle control.
Check the guidance on Tourette’s syndrome
Transient global amnesia
A sudden, temporary episode of memory loss can leave a driver confused and unable to respond safely to the road.
Check the guidance on global amnesia
Transient ischaemic attack
A mini-stroke can cause brief weakness, vision loss or confusion, and signals an increased risk of a future stroke.
Check the guidance on transient ischaemic attacks and mini-strokes
Tunnel vision
A severely narrowed field of view means hazards approaching from the side can easily be missed.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
U
Usher syndrome
This condition combines hearing loss with progressive vision loss, affecting both sight and sound-based awareness on the road.
Check the guidance on Usher syndrome
V
Valve disease or replacement valve
Problems with the heart’s valves can reduce stamina and increase the risk of breathlessness or fainting while driving.
Check the guidance on heart valve disease or replacement valves
Ventricular defibrillator
A shock delivered by this device can be sudden and disorientating, requiring a break from driving afterwards.
Check the guidance on defibrillators
Vertigo
Episodes of spinning or unsteadiness can affect balance and spatial awareness needed to control a vehicle.
Check the guidance on dizziness (including vertigo)
Vision in one eye only
Reduced depth perception from monocular vision can make it harder to judge distances between vehicles.
Check the guidance on monocular vision
Visual acuity (reduced)
Blurred or reduced sharpness of vision affects the ability to read signs and spot hazards at a safe distance.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
Visual field defect
Gaps or narrowing in the field of vision can mean hazards go unnoticed until it’s too late to react safely.
Check the guidance on eye conditions
VP shunts
These devices drain excess fluid from the brain and can be linked to headaches or complications that affect driving.
Check the guidance on VP shunts
W
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
This heart rhythm condition can cause episodes of a rapid heartbeat, dizziness or fainting while driving.
Check the guidance on Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
This guide is for general information only. If you have a health condition that could affect your driving, always check the official DVLA guidance and report it if required, since driving with a notifiable condition without informing the DVLA is a legal offence. You can also find further information at the Gov.uk.
