DVLA officials may tell road users to “avoid driving” if they get behind the wheel under the influence of common medications.
DVLA could ‘ban’ drivers on three common medications – full list
The DVLA may “ban” drivers on any of some common medications. DVLA officials may tell road users to “avoid driving” if they get behind the wheel under the influence of common medications.
Greg Wilson, motoring expert at Quotezone.co.uk has warned: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving.”
Greg highlighted three medications as being at particular risk: opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants. He said these “are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.”
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You only need to tell DVLA if your depression affects your ability to drive safely under DVLA rules. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving, the DVLA says.
And you may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure if your depression will affect your driving.
The Labour Party government website said: “It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.”
Under DVLA rules, you must tell DVLA if you have a driving licence and you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability OR a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence.
You must surrender your licence to DVLA if your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more, your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more or you do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition.
The government website added: “Talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed any of the following drugs.”
And the RAC explained: “Failing to inform the DVLA of a medical condition and a prescription that can affect your driving can see you fined as much as £1,000.”