Medical conditions, disabilities and driving
What DVLA will decide
DVLA will assess your medical condition or disability and decide if:
- you need to get a new driving licence
- you can have a shorter licence - for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years
- you need to adapt your car by fitting special controls
- you must stop driving and give up your licence
You need to adapt your vehicle
If you’ve been told that you must adapt your car, you get an independent assessment of your adaptation needs through Driving Mobility.
Find out more about adapting your vehicle and where to get special controls fitted through the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers.
You must stop driving
DVLA will send you a letter saying that you must stop driving. You’ll be given a medical reason for why, and be told if and when you can reapply for your licence.
If you’re told to stop driving, you can:
- send DVLA more medical evidence
- reapply for your driving licence (if your letter says you can reapply)
- appeal the decision
Send more medical evidence
You must give relevant information that was not included in the original assessment.
You must also include:
- proof that you meet the required standards for driving (these are explained in the decision letter DVLA sent you)
- the reference number from your decision letter
If you’re not sure what medical information to send to DVLA, check with a doctor or a healthcare professional.
DM Further Evidence
DMI Support
D5
DVLA
SA99 1DL
Reapply for your driving licence
Your letter will tell you if there’s a period of time you need to wait before getting a new licence. You can then reapply 8 weeks before the end of this period.
Reapply for your driving licence following a medical condition.
Appeal the decision
In England and Wales, you can appeal the decision by contacting your local magistrate’s court within 6 months. You must tell DVLA in writing if you choose to appeal.
In Scotland, appeal the decision by contacting your local sheriff’s court within 21 days. You must also tell DVLA you’re appealing within 21 days.
You may want to get legal advice before you appeal - you might be able to get legal aid to pay for it.
Contact DVLA in England and Wales
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Drivers Medical Group
Swansea
SA99 1DF
Contact DVLA in Scotland
Telephone: 0300 790 6806
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
Saturday, 8am to 2pm
Find out about call charges
Make a complaint
You can make a complaint if you’re unhappy with the service you get from DVLA.