There are many obvious ailments and health issues which British drivers should notify the DVLA about – but there are some which could have drivers skirting close to breaking the law.
Motoring experts, Lease Car, have published a list of health problems which, according to the DVLA, might affect your ability to control a vehicle.
The list may seem a little fanciful and like it has been created by autocrats from Brussels, but the consequences of not notifying the DVLA and then being involved in an accident as a consequence of the symptoms could see drivers fined up to £1,000 and prosecuted.
So what are the conditions which you should tell the DVLA about?
Though some may suggest that the experience of déjà vu is a trick of the mind, it’s one taken seriously enough that the DVLA need to know about it, especially is medically induced cases. These incidences are often associated with epilepsy, which is quite obviously a condition which the DVLA would need to know about.
Got an ear infection? If your GP tells you that you have a complaint know as Labyrinthitis, then you might consider contacting the DVLA for advice. A common, inner ear infection, symptoms can get quite severe with headaches, hearing loss, pain in the ear and even vertigo, all the kinds of side effects that you don’t want to experience whilst behind the wheel of a car.
Any condition which can see some fall asleep unexpectedly is a big concern for drivers and sleep apnoea has a risk of developing series side effects to that extent. Most sufferers only have regularly interrupted sleep, but even that has an impact on everyday life.
Perhaps one of the more bizarre ailments on the list is eating disorders. However, if the problem is at such an extent, in cases of anorexia, where the individual feels weak and dizzy, then that will affect your ability to drive.
One of the most common conditions in more elderly drivers is arthritis and it’s unfortunate that the symptoms of this disease can often be crippling. If the complaint is located in your hands, spine, knees and hips (which it often is), then that could affect your ability to drive and you will have to let the DVLA know.