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DVLA medical standards for HGV/LGV Drivers
DVLA medical standards for HGV/LGV Drivers: Guide for Drivers and Managers
This guide summarises DVLA medical fitness requirements for drivers of HGVs, LGVs, and buses (DVLA Group 2 drivers). Less strict standards apply for Group 1 licence holders (cars and vans).
Disclaimer: This information is based on current DVLA guidance. However, it is only a guideline and does not replace professional medical or legal advice. Always consult the DVLA, your doctor, or occupational health for advice specific to your situation.
WorkAble Occupational Health provides D4 medical examinations for HGV drivers.
We also offer occupational health consultations for drivers with health problems.
Drivers may ask their managers for a referral if they have health concerns.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss further, please get in touch.
Medical conditions and DVLA guidance on fitness to drive for Group 2 (HGV) drivers
Alcohol: persistent misuse or dependence (low-risk)
If you are diagnosed with persistent alcohol misuse, you must not drive, and you must notify the DVLA. Your licence will be refused or revoked for at least 1 year of controlled drinking or abstinence, confirmed by medical assessment and blood tests.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and illegal. Even small amounts of alcohol may cause a number of effects, including impairment of judgment, coordination, reaction time, and vision. These are not always experienced by the drivers. The UK has strict blood alcohol limits:
In the UK (except for Scotland), the limit is 35 ug (micrograms) of alcohol per 100 ml of breath (or 80 mg (milligrams) per 100 ml of blood).
In Scotland, the limit is 22 µg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath (or 50 mg per 100 ml of blood).
It is very difficult to calculate whether you are under the drink-drive limit, as this varies depending on your weight, sex, metabolism, food intake, and the time elapsed since drinking. The only way to be sure you are safe to drive is to not drink any alcohol at all before driving.
For more information on alcohol and driving, visit Drinkaware
OH:Occupational health note: Drivers who are unable to drive because of alcohol misuse or dependence may be suitable for non-driving duties, if available. Occupational health can provide relevant guidance on fitness for non-safety-critical work and recommend workplace adjustments.
Alcohol: dependence (high-risk)
High-risk alcohol dependence, you must stop driving and notify the DVLA. Your driving licence will be refused or revoked for a minimum of three years of complete abstinence.
Following the period of abstinence, you will initially receive a time-limited licence, and the DVLA will monitor you through independent medical examinations and blood tests.
OH:Occupational health note: See Alcohol: Persistent misuse or dependence (low-risk)
Angina
Angina pectoris (reduced blood supply to the heart) causes chest pain or discomfort when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. The blood supply to the heart is restricted, causing chest pain and other symptoms. It is important to understand that angina increases the risk of a heart attack.
If you have angina, you must notify DVLA. You must stop driving when you have symptoms. If symptoms continue, your driving licence will be revoked.
You may be relicensed if
– You have no angina for at least 6 weeks
– You meet the requirements for exercise or other tests
– You don’t have other disqualifying conditions
For more information, see: Government advice and BHF advice for drivers with angina
OH:Occupational health note: Drivers who are temporarily unable to drive because of unstable or high-risk angina may be fit for adjusted, lighter duties, if available. Occupational health can provide assessment and relevant advice.
Anxiety/Depression (mild) and fitness to drive
You may drive and need not notify DVLA.
Anxiety/Depression (severe) and fitness to drive
Severe anxiety or depression can significantly affect your ability to drive safely. These conditions can cause symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, agitation, disturbed or erratic behaviour.
There is a particular risk if you might consider attempting suicide at the wheel.
If you experience these symptoms or have other symptoms of severe anxiety/depression that affect your ability to drive, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
Relicensing may be reconsidered after 6 months if you have been stable and well, have adhered to the treatment plan, and are not experiencing medication side effects affecting alertness or concentration. The DVLA may require a supportive report from a specialist.
More information is available from the GOV.UK and Rethink
OH:Occupational health note: Drivers who are temporarily unable to drive to Group 2 standard because of severe anxiety may be fit for adjusted, non-driving duties, if available. Occupational health can provide relevant guidance and advice.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are heart rhythm problems that can affect your fitness to drive and potentially cause sudden incapacitation. Common examples include atrial fibrillation (AF), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and other conditions affecting the heart’s electrical system.
If you have an arrhythmia, including S-A disease, significant AV conduction issues, atrial fibrillation (AF) or tachycardia (e.g., SVT), you must notify DVLA.
You must stop driving if your heart rhythm problem has caused or is likely to cause incapacity. Seek advice from your cardiologist, GP or occupational health if you are not certain.
Relicensing is possible only if the underlying cause has been identified, arrhythmia has been under control for at least 3 months, your Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) is at least 40%, and you don’t have other disqualifying conditions.
For more information, see:
www.gov.uk/arrhythmia-and-driving
www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/atrial-fibrillation
Occupational health note: Drivers temporarily unfit to drive because of significant arrhythmia may still be eligible for alternative, non-driving roles. Occupational health can assess work-related fitness and recommend suitable adjustments or redeployment in severe or treatment-resistant cases.
Arthritis, severe (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
Severe arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause significant joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This can limit your mobility and affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
You must inform the DVLA if you use special controls for driving or if the symptoms impair your ability to control a vehicle.
If you are uncertain, seek advice from your consultant, GP or occupational health. If the symptoms impact you at work, you can request a referral to occupational health for further support and guidance.
For more information, see:
Occupational health note: When driving is not possible due to severe arthritis, some employers may be able to offer lighter or adjusted duties with suitable breaks. Occupational health can provide relevant guidance on fitness for adjusted work, if available.
Brain injury, traumatic
Traumatic brain injury is when a head injury causes a change in normal brain function.
You must not drive and must notify the DVLA. The licence will be refused or revoked. Relicensing may be possible when the annual risk of a seizure falls below 2% and there is no lasting impairment affecting safe driving.
If there is complete recovery with no functional deficits, relicensing is usually allowed after 2-5 years.
Relicensing can be considered after three months if there is full clinical recovery, no seizures (other than an immediate seizure at the moment of impact), no post-traumatic amnesia lasting more than 24 hours, and no intracranial haematoma or contusions on CT scans.
OH:Occupational health note: Alternative duties can be explored for drivers unable to meet Group 2 fitness standards. We may undertake an assessment and provide advice on fitness for supported work, if available.
Brain tumours
DVLA recognises 4 risk groups for brain tumours: very low, low, high and metastatic disease.
If you are diagnosed with a brain tumour, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA immediately. The specific rules for relicensing depend on whether the tumour is benign or malignant and its location. Different regulations also apply after treatments like surgery or radiotherapy.
Relicensing may be possible after 2 years if there are no disqualifying conditions and will depend on the tumour’s nature and location.
OH:Occupational health note: Symptoms related to a brain tumour may be incompatible with work. Employers may refer drivers for OH assessment and advice on fitness for adjusted duties, prognosis and indications for redeployment or ill-health retirement
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to vision impairment.
You must inform the DVLA, if the cataract affects your vision to the extent that you no longer meet the minimum eyesight standards for Group 2 drivers. (See Vision, below).
The minimum vision standards must always be met. If you can pass the number plate test, you may continue to drive. If cataracts are causing blurred vision or significant glare, especially at night, you must inform the DVLA.
OH:Occupational health note: If non-driving duties are available, occupational health can assess the extent of the visual impairment and advise on workplace adjustments, redeployment or ill-health retirement depending on the type and severity of the visual impairment.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD (including significant emphysema and chronic bronchitis).
You must notify DVLA if you have had the following complications:
■ cough syncope (fainting during a cough attack)
■ disabling dizziness (because of severe breathing problems)
■ fainting or loss of consciousness.
OH:Occupational health note: COPD that precludes driving may be incompatible with most duties. However, we may offer assessment and advice on redeployment, capability, or ill-health retirement.
Cognitive impairment (not mild dementia)
Cognitive impairment refers to difficulties with thinking, memory, concentration, or decision-making that are significant enough to affect daily activities. It may occur for a number of reasons, e.g., after a head injury or a stroke.
If you experience cognitive impairment significant enough to affect your driving, you must inform the DVLA.
The DVLA will assess each case individually, and they may require reports from specialists. A formal driving assessment might also be needed. A licence may be issued, but it will likely be subject to regular reviews.
OH:Occupational health note: Cognitive impairment that precludes driving may meet the ill-health retirement criteria. We can provide an OH assessment and relevant guidance.
Cognitive disability (e.g., after a stroke or head injury)
If you have a cognitive disability, you must not drive and must notify DVLA.
You will require individual assessment. While mild cognitive impairment may be acceptable, a more significant disability is not compatible with driving to the DVLA Group 2 standard.
OH:Occupational health note: See cognitive impairment.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
If you had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), you must not drive, and you must notify DVLA. You may be relicensed after 3 months if you meet the following conditions:
a satisfactory exercise tolerance test,
an ejection fraction (LVEF, heart pumping efficiency) of at least 40% and
no other disqualifying conditions.
Occupational health note: See Heart Attack or PCI (stenting)
Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, causes a progressive decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour.
If you are diagnosed with dementia, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA. The diagnosis of dementia means you will no longer be able to hold a Group 2 licence.
OH:Occupational health note: Please see Cognitive Disability above.
Diabetes, treated with insulin (type 1) or medication that may cause hypoglycaemia.
If you have diabetes, you must manage your blood sugar levels to ensure safe driving. For DVLA Group 2 drivers, the regulations are stricter because of the increased risks associated with driving large vehicles (see Hypoglycaemia).
You will receive a detailed letter from DVLA. You must follow the instructions provided in the ‘Information for drivers with diabetes’.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes treated with insulin, you must notify DVLA. You must meet the following criteria to receive your driving licence for 1 year. You need to be signed off by a consultant:
– full awareness of hypoglycaemia
– no severe hypoglycaemia (requiring others to help you) in the last 12 months
– regular blood glucose monitoring, including on non-driving days:
— no more than 2 hours before the first journey and
— no more than 2 hours after that, and
— every 2 hours after driving has started
More frequent self-monitoring may be required if the risk of hypoglycaemia is higher. If so, the consultant will tell you about the requirements.
You must use fingertip glucose checks and a blood glucose meter with memory to store 6 weeks of readings. Flash GM and RT-CGM are not allowed for Group 2 driving.
You will need annual medical reviews to ensure your condition is well managed.
You must demonstrate an understanding of the risks of hypoglycaemia
You must not have disqualifying diabetes complications.
Diabetes treated with medication that can cause hypoglycemia
Similar rules apply if you take tablets that can cause hypoglycemia, including sulphonylureas (e.g., gliclazide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, glipizide, tolbutamide) or glinides (e.g., repaglinide or nateglinide).
You may download DVLA leaflets at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-for-drivers-with-diabetes
OH:Occupational health note: for drivers with temporarily unstable diabetes or diabetic complications, occupational health may assess their fitness to drive and for non-driving roles and recommend suitable work adjustments. You may also check our Occupational Health Adjustments Guide.
Diabetes not treated with insulin or hypoglycaemic tablets
Fitness to drive HGV/LGV (DVLA Group 2):
You may drive but must notify DVLA. Your licence may be refused or revoked if you have disqualifying conditions, e.g., retinopathy affecting your visual function.
OH:Occupational health note: for drivers with temporarily unstable diabetes or diabetic complications, we may assess fitness for driving and for non-driving roles and recommend suitable work adjustments.
Dizziness
Fitness to drive HGV/LGV (DVLA Group 2):
If you experience sudden, unprovoked and disabling attacks of dizziness or vertigo, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
You will need to be assessed to determine if you can safely return to driving. Your ability to drive will depend on the underlying cause and whether the symptoms can be effectively controlled.
OH:Occupational health note: occupational health assessment can explore the severity and the prognosis and advise on alternative duties or redeployment options, if available.
Dyslexia
You may drive and do not need to notify DVLA as long as you successfully pass the driving test.
Dyspraxia
You may drive and do not need to notify DVLA as long as you successfully pass the driving test.
OH:Occupational health note: If neurodiversity is causing difficulties at work, occupational health may offer an assessment and recommend workplace adjustments for the management’s consideration.
Diabetes complications
Diabetes can lead to long-term complications that affect driving, including vision problems and nerve damage (neuropathy).
If you develop eye problems affecting your visual fields or acuity, you must not drive and must notify DVLA. Your licence will be refused or revoked.
OH:Occupational health note: long-term complications may affect fitness to drive and undertake other duties. An occupational health assessment can assess the severity and provide advice on long-term workplace adjustments. In advanced cases, we may also recommend redeployment or ill-health retirement.
Diplopia (Double Vision)
Diplopia, or double vision, is a serious condition for drivers. You must not drive and must inform the DVLA if you experience double vision.
Licensing will be refused or revoked permanently in cases of permanent double vision that cannot be corrected. Patching is not acceptable for licensing to Group 2 standards.
OH:Occupational health note: Non-driving and non-safety-critical tasks may be suitable for drivers with a temporary medical restriction. Occupational health can evaluate fitness for work and advise on reasonable adjustments.
Drug Misuse or Dependence and Driving
If you misuse or are dependent on drugs, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
You must stop driving, and you must notify DVLA about persistent misuse or dependence on the following drugs:
– Cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA), ketamine, LSD, hallucinogens, and other psychoactive substances. Relicensing may be considered after a minimum 1-year drug-free period and successful DVLA assessment.
– Heroin, morphine, codeine, benzodiazepines, synthetic benzodiazepines, synthetic cannabinoids, methadone, cocaine, methamphetamine. Relicensing may be considered after misuse or dependence ceases for at least 3 years and after a successful DVLA assessment.
Limited relicensing may be possible for those on supervised Methadone/Buprenorphine programmes under strict conditions and after a prolonged period of stability and assessment.
Driving under the influence of any illegal drug is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous. Driving under the influence carries severe penalties, including loss of your Group 2 licence, fines, and imprisonment.
OH:Occupational health note: Drug misuse or dependence affects many areas of functioning, including work. Occupational health can support adjusted duties in workers who engage with alcohol and drug management services and monitor their progress. Early intervention and support are crucial.
Epilepsy
If you have epilepsy, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
You can reapply for your Group 2 licence if you haven’t had a seizure for 10 years and have not taken any anti-epileptic medication during that period.
Exceptions apply for provoked seizures, when drivers may reapply after 5 years if they meet certain criteria. Your consultant, GP or occupational health can explain this in more detail.
OH:Occupational health note: Depending on the symptoms and control, adjusted, non-safety-critical duties may be recommended for drivers with epilepsy for employers’ consideration.
Glaucoma and other visual field effects
Glaucoma, a condition causing increased pressure in the eye, may damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma in both eyes, bilateral retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and other conditions may cause visual field deficits.
If you have a visual field defect, you must notify DVLA.
Licensing may be awarded if you meet the normal visual field requirements:
Central 30° vision in all directions and
Horizontal visual field at least 70° to the left and right and
Vertical visual field at least 30° up and down
As long as your vision meets the required standard for Group 2 drivers, you may be able to continue driving, but this will require regular monitoring.
OH:Occupational health note: See Cataract
Heart Attack or PCI (stenting)
If you have had a heart attack, you must not return to driving and inform the DVLA.
You can only reapply for your licence after at least 6 weeks and if you meet medical criteria, including:
a satisfactory exercise tolerance test
an ejection fraction (LVEF, heart pumping efficiency) of at least 40% and
no other disqualifying conditions.
Occupational health note: drivers temporarily unable to drive to DVLA Group 2 standard may gradually return to work, starting with lighter, part-time, non-safety-critical roles, if feasible. Occupational health can advise on temporary workplace adaptations before returning to driving.
Heart Failure
If you have heart failure, you must notify DVLA.
If your heart pumping function (ejection fraction, EF) is below 40% (NYHA Class III) and you have a marked physical activity limitation, you must not drive. Whether you can continue driving depends on the severity of your symptoms and your heart function.
OH:Occupational health note: Depending on availability, alternative duties may be appropriate for drivers temporarily or permanently unfit to drive to Group 2 standard. Occupational health may provide assessment and advice on fitness for work and recommend redeployment if available. In advanced cases, ill-health retirement may be appropriate.
Heart Pacemaker
If you have a pacemaker fitted, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
You must not drive for at least 6 weeks after the device is implanted.
You may be able to drive again if your EF is at least 40%, you have no other disqualifying condition, and you do not experience symptoms that would affect your driving.
Please see separate advice for ICD and implanted CRT defibrillators.
OH:Occupational health note: If fitness to drive has been affected, occupational health can recommend suitable non-driving tasks and workplace adjustments for the employers’ consideration.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar drops too low. It is a serious risk for drivers, especially those taking insulin or certain diabetes medications. Hypoglycemia can cause shakiness, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
If you are at risk of hypoglycemia (if you are on insulin or have had more than one episode of severe hypoglycaemia while on certain tablets), you MUST monitor your blood glucose at least twice daily from a fingerprick, including on days when you are not driving.
When driving, you must check no more than 2 hours before the start of the first journey and every 2 hours while driving. Always have fast-acting carbohydrates with you. You will need to use a blood glucose meter with sufficient memory to store readings. Flash GM / RT-CGM interstitial fluid glucose monitoring systems are not permitted for Group 2 drivers (they are permitted for drivers of cars and vans).
You must be able to bring the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop. The reliance on alarms is not acceptable and you must have adequate hypoglycaemia awareness.
If you experience hypoglycemia symptoms, pull over safely as soon as possible, turn off the engine, consume 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates followed by longer-acting carbohydrates (Biscuit, cereal bar, sandwich, fruit), and wait at least 45 minutes after your blood sugar has returned to normal before driving again.
If you have severe hypoglycaemia (someone has to help you), you must not drive, and you must notify DVLA.
OH:Occupational health note: If safe driving is affected by significant hypoglycaemia, occupational health consultation can assess the impact. We may offer advice on a temporary redeployment to alternative, non-safety-critical duties before diabetes is better controlled.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
If you have an ICD or a CRT defibrillator, you must not drive and must notify the DVLA. Your HGV driving licence will be refused or revoked permanently.
OH:Occupational health note: Drivers permanently unfit to drive because of ICD may be fit for adjusted duties if available. Occupational health can offer assessment and recommendations on redeployment or, in severe cases, ill-health retirement.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects your central vision. You must inform the DVLA if you are diagnosed with macular degeneration. Whether you can continue to drive depends on your remaining visual acuity and field of vision.
OH:Occupational health note: if the condition has become advanced, occupational health can assess the severity and recommend permanent workplace adjustments, redeployment or ill-health retirement after an individual OH assessment.
Medications
As a professional driver, you must be aware that many substances can impair your ability to drive safely. Many prescribed and over-the-counter medications can also affect your driving. Always check the label or patient information leaflet for warnings about driving. Look for phrases like “may cause drowsiness” or “do not operate heavy machinery”. Be especially careful when starting a new medication or if your dosage is changed. If you are unsure whether a medication might affect your driving, ask your doctor or pharmacist or seek occupational health advice.
OH:Occupational health note: Certain medications and their side effects may affect fitness to drive and fitness for work. Occupational health can assess the impact and recommend workplace adjustments for the employers’ consideration.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or motor neurone disease
If you have multiple sclerosis (MS) or motor neurone disease, you must inform the DVLA.
You can keep driving if you can control your vehicle safely. You might be able to keep your licence if you can drive safely, your condition is stable, and provide up-to-date medical reports from annual medical checks. These rules help ensure both your safety and the safety of others on the road.
OH:Occupational health note: If the symptoms are severe enough to affect driving, a referral to occupational health may be suitable to consider redeployment or ill-health retirement.Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a brain condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
If you have narcolepsy, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA
Relicensing may be possible after 3 months if your symptoms are well-controlled with medication and you meet strict criteria, including regular specialist reviews (see Obstructive Sleep Apnoea).
OH:Occupational health note: Drivers restricted from driving due to medical conditions may benefit from reassignment to lighter duties, where practical. Occupational health provides expert guidance on adjustments and role suitability.
Non-epileptic seizures (functional or dissociative seizures)
You must not drive and must notify the DVLA if you experience non-epileptic seizures.
Licensing may be considered once episodes have been satisfactorily controlled for 3 months and there are no relevant mental health issues. A specialist review may be required before relicensing.
OH:Occupational health note: Drivers with functional seizures may be fit for adjusted duties while accessing treatment. Occupational health assessment can guide return to supported, non-safety-critical work, if available.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSAS)
If you have excessive sleepiness caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) or other conditions, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (Apnoea-Hypopnea Index below 15):
You may be able to drive again if your symptoms are confirmed as being under control for at least 3 months.
Moderate or Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (Apnoea-Hypopnea Index above 15):
Relicensing will require good symptom control and treatment adherence documented by a physician. You will then require annual medical examinations at the minimum. If you are uncertain, consult your GP or occupational health.
OH:Occupational health note: obstructive sleep apnoea and other causes of excessive sleepiness are manageable with treatment. Occupational health assessments can advise on temporary adjustments as a driver access treatment.
Parkinson’s Disease
If you have Parkinson’s disease, you must inform the DVLA.
Whether you can continue to drive depends on the severity of your symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. You may drive as long as you are able to control the vehicle safely at all times.
Regular medical assessments will be required to monitor your fitness to drive.
OH:Occupational health note: If symptoms are severe enough to affect fitness to drive, the drivers may be assessed for suitability for redeployment or ill-health retirement.
Personality disorders, severe
If you have a diagnosis of a personality disorder, you must not drive and must notify DVLA.
The DVLA will contact your specialist and refuse or revoke your licence if there is likely to be danger at the wheel.
Relicensing may be considered if the behavioural disturbances are not related to driving or stable and unlikely to adversely affect driving and road safety.
OH:Occupational health note: personality disorders may be amenable to specialist treatment. If symptoms are severe and affect fitness to drive, occupational health may provide assessment and advice for fitness for other duties, if available.
Psychiatric Disorders
You must not drive, and you must inform the DVLA if you have a psychiatric disorder other than mild anxiety or depression, e.g., e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or a personality disorder.
OH:See Psychosis, below
Psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia)
If you were diagnosed with psychosis, you must not drive during acute illness and must notify DVLA.
Your licence may be restored if you have been stable for at least 12 months, follow your treatment plan, take minimal medication without driving impairment, have good insight, and receive a favourable psychiatric specialist report.
The DVLA requires a detailed assessment confirming you can drive safely, with particular attention to medication effects, relapse risk, and your insight into your condition.
OH:Occupational health note: Symptoms of acute psychosis are incompatible with any work. Occupational health can support a return to adjusted work during periods of stability if drivers remain unfit to drive to Group 2 standard.
Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
If you have a stroke, TIA (mini-stroke) or cerebral venous thrombosis, you must not drive, and you must inform the DVLA.
Your D4 driving licence will be refused or revoked for 1 year.
After one year, relicensing may be considered if there are no significant impairments affecting safe driving and no other risk factors. Licensing might require a satisfactory medical report, including additional tests.
OH:Occupational health note: Symptoms of TIA resolve completely in 24 hours and the drivers may be fit for adjusted duties before re-applying for their driving licence. Post-stroke recovery may take 12-18 months. Occupational health may provide assessment and advice on fitness for adjusted work, prognosis and indications for re-deployment or ill-health retirement for the employer to consider.
Surgery
How long you need to refrain from driving after surgery depends on the type of surgery and your recovery. You must not drive until you have fully recovered from the effects of the surgery and any anaesthetic. You need to have complete control and movement of your limbs to safely operate the vehicle’s controls.
Consult your doctor for specific advice about when it is safe for you to return to driving. You should notify the DVLA if surgery leads to disability lasting longer than 3 months that affects driving.
OH:Occupational health note: Employers can seek occupational health support to ensure compliance with DVLA guidelines. If symptoms preclude driving, we can assess fitness for non-driving, adjusted duties, if available.
Syncope (fainting)
If you experience syncope (fainting or loss of consciousness), you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.
Restrictions will depend on the cause of the syncope. You may need an assessment to determine if it is safe for you to resume driving.
OH:Occupational health note: if drivers are not fit for driving HGV/LGV due to fainting, occupational health can assess drivers’ fitness for non-driving, supported work and provide advice for employers’s consideration.
Visual function
All drivers must have a visual acuity of 6/12. This means they should be able to read a standard vehicle number plate from a distance of 20 metres.
HGV/LGV drivers must have visual acuity of at least
6/7.5 (0.8) in the better eye and
6/60 in the other eye.
This can be achieved using glasses or contact lenses of any corrective power. However, the corrective power of glasses must not exceed +8 dioptres in any plane.
Visual Fields: You must have a horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees, with an extension of at least 70 degrees to the left and right and 30 degrees up and down. There must be no significant defects within a central radius of 30 degrees. If you have any field defect, you must have an Estermann binocular field test performed and meet the required standard.
OH:Occupational health note: See Cataract
