Drivers with eye conditions are being warned about imminent policy changes which could result in a £1,000 fine and three points on their licence as DVLA set to update guidance in the coming weeks after the Association of Optometrists (AOP) raised concerns over the published list of notifiable health conditions in October last year.

The AOP highlighted the current DVLA guidance was not specific enough and suggested every driver in the UK who receives an eye test will need to be advised to tell the DVLA, rather than it just affecting those with eye conditions which could impact their driving. 

If it is determined bad vision is determined as a factor of a driving accident, the driver will be fined £1,000 and have three points on their licence if they had not notified the DVLA of their condition prior to the accident.  Failure to notify about vision loss or issues could even result in a driving ban in more serious cases. 

This is why it is important for the guidance to be clear and specific to those with medical conditions on whether they need to update the DVLA of their condition.  Many conditions named by DVLA do not affect the ability to drive but changes to them must be updated with both DVLA and the insurance provider as failure to do so can invalidate the policy and void the insurance.

Drivers can report their eye condition online to the DVLA here.

Some important health conditions drivers must make the DVLA aware of: 

1. Syncope a condition that causes a temporary loss of consciousness. Fainting conditions including syncope, which causes blackouts, must be reported to the DVLA.

2. Certain operations including on your legs, can exempt you from driving, yet this can be up to the discretion of the doctor, who should inform you on driving procedures after leaving the hospital.

3. Heart conditions must be reported to the DVLA. For example, arrythmia must be reported as it can affect the ability to safely stop a car, and can be distracting.

4. Stroke it is possible that you may be able to drive again in the future after a stroke.  But initially you must stop driving for one month after having a stroke. If you have returned back to normal health after a month, you can start driving again, however the DVLA needs to be informed if health problems still persist for longer than a month after the stroke.

5. Vertigo recurrent or sudden dizziness must be reported to the DVLA as it may effect your ability to remain safe on the roads. 

Further information:

https://www.gov.uk/eye-conditions-and-driving/bus-coach-lorry