Surprising health conditions you might need tell the DVLA about
Our new research shows the top five surprising health conditions that you may need to warn the DVLA about
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Last updated 13 August 2025
An estimated 10.3 million people in the UK are living with medical conditions that could be putting their driving licences at risk.
We've researched some of the most common health conditions that catch UK drivers off guard.
These medical conditions can affect your driving and you might need to tell the DVLA if you live with them - depending on what the law says.
If you don’t, you could get a fine of up to £1,000 and face prosecution if you have an accident on the road.
Top 5 most common health conditions you might need to report to the DVLA
Diabetes (4.6 million people diagnosed in the UK)
Cancer (3.5 million people diagnosed)
Sleep apnoea (1.5 million people diagnosed)
Glaucoma (700,000 people diagnosed)
Pacemakers (500,000 people fitted with one)
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1. Diabetes - 4.6 million people diagnosed in the UK
According to Diabetes UK, 4.6 million people live with diabetes diagnoses. This research also shows nearly 1.3 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed.
What the law says
You need to tell the DVLA if:
Your insulin treatment lasts (or will last) over 3 months
You had gestational diabetes, and your insulin treatment lasts over 3 months after birth
You get disabling hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or are at risk of developing it
2. Cancer - 3.5 million people diagnosed in the UK
Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that 3.5 million people are living with cancer in the UK.
"While having cancer doesn't automatically mean you need to inform the DVLA, there are some cases when you should," explains Ben Welham, our motoring expert.
"It's always worth checking with your doctor about whether your diagnosis or treatment could impact your ability to drive."
What the law says
You only need to tell the DVLA if you have cancer if:
you develop problems with your brain or nervous system
your doctor says you might not be fit to drive
you’re restricted to certain types of vehicles or vehicles that have been adapted for you
your medication causes side effects which could affect your driving
3. Sleep apnoea - 1.5 million people diagnosed in the UK
The British Lung Foundation estimates that 1.5 million adults in the UK have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
You should avoid driving if your sleep apnoea causes excessive sleepiness that impairs your ability to drive safely.
"With excessive sleepiness causing poor concentration and reaction times, the effects of sleep apnoea can be very dangerous behind the wheel," says Ben.
What the law says
You must not drive your used Mercedes (or any other vehicle) until you're free from excessive sleepiness or until your symptoms are under control and you're undergoing necessary treatment.
You must tell the DVLA if you have:
Confirmed moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), with excessive sleepiness
Either narcolepsy or cataplexy, or both
Any other sleep condition that has caused excessive sleepiness for at least 3 months
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4. Glaucoma - 700,000 people diagnosed in the UK
Findings from Glaucoma UK show that over 700,000 adults have been diagnosed with glaucoma in the UK.
And, with many more not aware they have it, the importance of regular eye exams is clear.
Glaucoma impairs your peripheral vision, making it hard to see objects outside your direct line of sight, such as pedestrians, other cars and more hazards common when driving.
“Driving at night can be more challenging because of increased light sensitivity and the effects of headlight glare from other vehicles - particular bright LEDs,” explains Ben.
What the law says
You must tell the DVLA if you:
Have a certain type of eye condition that affects both eyes (or one eye when you only have vision in one eye)
Have been told you may not meet the visual standards for driving by a GP, optician or eye specialist
5. Pacemakers – Over 500,000 people fitted with one in the UK
The British Heart Foundation says that around 50,000 people are fitted with a pacemaker in the UK each year, with the 500,000th pacemaker being fitted in the UK in 2009.
"After having a pacemaker fitted, it’s necessary to have a short break from driving for safety reasons before getting back behind the wheel," Ben added.
What the law says
You need to tell the DVLA if you have been fitted with a pacemaker
When it's first implanted, you will need to stop driving. You should be able to drive again after one week as long as you have no other condition that would prevent you from driving
You do not need to tell the DVLA if you have had a pacemaker battery change, also known as a ‘box’ change
How to stay within the law
If you've recently been diagnosed with a medical condition, you can check online to find out if your condition needs to be reported. Take a look through the A-Z list of conditions to find yours on there.
You'll then be told how to report your condition, and this will either be via the online service or by sending a paper form.
Remember to share any new medical information with your insurance provider to make sure you’re fully covered.
Ben added: “Don’t put off telling your insurance provider. Once you know where you stand with the DVLA, update your car insurance policy straightaway and avoid risking your cover.”
When to voluntarily surrender your licence
To voluntarily give up your licence you need to tell the DVLA and send them your licence.
You might choose to do this 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
You do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving and don’t voluntarily give up your licence, you must inform the DVLA. They will decide if you can continue holding a driving licence.
"The key message is simple: when in doubt, check it out," advises Ben. "The DVLA's online checker takes minutes to use, but failing to report a condition could cost you your licence and land you with a £1,000 fine."
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