Published on 10 September 2024
How to check you’re safe to drive
Making sure you’re eyesight and general fitness meet DVLA requirements is something everybody needs to do, regardless of age. It’s an important part of staying safe on the roads… but do you know how to check your driving fitness?
If you’re on medication or have any health issues, it’s important to take caution and check you're in a fit state to drive. And, if you’re over 70, you’ll need to renew your licence every three years.
- ● Check you’re fit to drive by getting your eyes tested regularly.
- ● Get in touch with the DVLA if you think a friend or family member may not be fit to drive.
- ● If you have a medical condition and don’t declare it to your insurer or the DVLA, you could receive a £1,000 fine or have your licence taken away.
What do we mean by ‘driving fitness’?
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) have set certain medical requirements for drivers known as your ‘fitness to drive’. For example, can you read a number plate from 20 metres away? How’s your general health? Are you fit enough to be considered safe on the roads? This includes keeping to the laws concerning alcohol and drugs.
You’re also required to keep a valid driving licence and declare if there’s any change to your health.
How do I check if I’m fit to drive?
Your health is important and it can affect your driving. Here are some things you can do to check you’re safe to be on the road. Failing these checks could mean a fine and the possibility you’ll have your licence taken off you.
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Regular eye tests
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Check in with your local doctor
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Look out for side effects
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Know your limits
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Be honest
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Get assessed
Make sure your vision’s up to scratch with routine checks. If you need glasses or contacts to drive, you must be wearing them whenever you're in the driving seat.
If there’s a change in your medical condition or you have health concerns, ask your GP about it.
Read the labels on medication or speak to your pharmacist or GP. Some medications have possible side effects that may impact your fitness to drive.
Driving should never be attempted under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s highly dangerous and against the law, so keep under the legal limit and keep out of trouble.
Make a frank assessment of your own driving ability and reactions. If you don’t feel well, you’re tired or lack focus, it's better if you don’t drive.
If you're an older driver or you’ve recently experienced a change to your health, maybe it’s time to take an assessment to test your driving fitness.
Which health conditions can affect driving fitness?
You’re legally required to tell your car insurer of any medical condition, including diabetes, that could affect your driving ability. While diabetes may not make a difference to your car insurance, if you need to treat it with insulin it may affect your price.
Here’s a list of some of the common conditions drivers are required to declare on their car insurance and tell the DVLA.
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Changes to your eyesight
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Neurological conditions
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Physical conditions
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Blood sugar conditions
Conditions such as double vision or cataract symptoms could affect your ability to drive. It’s always best to get your doctor’s opinion.
If you have epilepsy, for example, you’re required to renew your driving licence more frequently. People with these types of conditions will need to have their medical condition reviewed regularly to test their driving fitness.
People modifying their car to help them drive with a physical disability need to tell their car insurer to make sure they get the right cover.
You must declare if you have insulin-treated diabetes or experience disabling hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar episodes) or you’re aware of your hypoglycaemia. You’ll also need to report if you develop complications (like issues with your vision) that affect your ability to drive safely.
GOV.UK is a good place to check to see if you need to declare a condition to the DVLA.
What if I think someone’s not fit to be driving?
Knowing how to approach the subject will help if you want to talk to someone you know, like an older driver, about potentially hanging up the keys. Unless the DVLA needs to get involved, it’s ultimately up to the driver but it’s vital you talk to them if you think they’re no longer fit to drive or you have any safety concerns (for them or other road users).
Listen to what they have to say first – it’s a tough decision that may mean a sacrifice in terms of their mobility, freedom and self-sufficiency. Have a think before you arrange the chat and research different ways they’ll still be able to get about.
Here are a few things you might like to mention when discussing the topic of giving up driving:
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Alternative means of travel
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Modifications
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Getting assessed
Could they use public transport? Look over any buses or trains that may be available to them. Are they eligible for a discount? Your help could make it feel less daunting.
Could they adapt their driving technique? Modifying their car with features such as hand controls or power steering cushions (which improve steering performance) could increase their fitness to drive.
If they feel they’re still fit to drive, would they be willing to take a driving assessment to prove it? They could also ask their GP to give them a ‘fit to drive’ test. At the very least it might put your minds at ease.
Remember to tread carefully and demonstrate a level of understanding when you approach this topic, though. You’d forgive them for reacting defensively when you first mention giving up driving. If they get angry or upset, be patient. Take a breather or have a cup of tea before trying again. They may be glad to have your support.
If you're worried about someone that’s still absolutely against taking themselves off the road, you can get in touch with the DVLA. But take a minute to think about how else you might encourage them to stop driving before taking this step, as it could affect your relationship in the long term.
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