UK drivers on certain medications warned by DVLA about driving restrictions

The DVLA may tell motorists to avoid driving if they are taking certain medications like opioid painkillers, tranquillisers and some antidepressants, according to experts

The DVLA may ban drivers on some common medications. Motorists could be advised to “avoid driving” if they are taking certain medicines, according to leading experts.

Greg Wilson, motoring expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving. Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.”

Drivers are legally required to notify the DVLA of certain medical conditions that may impair their ability to drive. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

You have the option to voluntarily surrender your licence. This may be worth considering if your doctor advises you to stop driving for 3 months or more, or if your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely for a period of 3 months or more.

Alternatively, if your medical condition means you no longer meet the required standards for driving, you will need to inform the DVLA and return your licence, reports Birmingham Live.

Should you have a medical condition that affects your driving and choose not to voluntarily relinquish your licence, you are obliged to notify the DVLA, who will then determine whether you are fit to retain your driving licence. Those holding a car or motorcycle licence are able to check and report their condition online via the DVLA’s dedicated service, which allows drivers to search for their health condition and notify the relevant authorities accordingly.

The DVLA website advises: “You’ll need to enter some details about your current driving licence and your condition.

“To search for the condition, you’ll need to say what type of licence you have and confirm your entitlement to drive.”

It further states: “If you’re checking for someone else, and you do not know the information about their licence, you can check the A to Z list for the condition.

“If you report your condition to DVLA through the service, you might need to give your GP or consultant’s name and address.”