DVLA crackdown could affect 1.5 million drivers over undisclosed health conditions, including sleep apnea

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is tightening requirements for drivers to disclose medical conditions that could affect safe driving, in what officials describe as a safety-focused crackdown. Officials say the policy could affect about 1.5 million people who may have sleep apnea and have not told the agency. Under the new rules, failing to inform the DVLA about a health condition that could impair driving can bring a fine of up to £1,000 and potential prosecution if an accident occurs.

Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a common sleep disorder in which the walls of the throat relax and narrow or close during sleep, causing breathing to stop briefly and waking the sleeper. The NHS notes that sleep apnea is widespread, with the obstructive form being the most common. Daytime symptoms can include excessive sleepiness, mood swings and headaches. The DVLA says sleep-related disorders can impair a driver’s alertness and reaction times, and disclosure is required when symptoms could affect driving. Research cited by health authorities indicates that sleepiness contributes to up to 20% of motorway accidents, and that someone deprived of sleep due to sleep apnea may be up to 12 times more likely to be involved in a driving collision than someone who is well rested. Left untreated, sleep apnea can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, conditions that also normally require disclosure to the DVLA.

The rules also cover diabetes. People who manage diabetes with insulin must inform the DVLA if their treatment lasts longer than three months. Those who experience disabling hypoglycemia or who are told they are at risk of developing the condition must inform the DVLA as well. The guidance underscores that drivers who monitor blood glucose must carry a glucose meter and test strips in the vehicle and check levels regularly while behind the wheel. If blood glucose falls below 4.0 mmol/L, the driver should not drive until levels are safe again.

Beyond chronic conditions, the notes warn that common respiratory infections can affect driving performance. Data cited by health and insurance sources indicate that driving while ill can slow reaction times by about 10%, increasing the likelihood of an accident. One analysis estimated that more than 125,000 UK car crashes were attributed to drivers with the flu or a cold. While being ill is not a crime, authorities can pursue penalties for dangerous driving if illness contributed to an incident, according to a Car.co.uk spokesperson quoted in the notes.

The DVLA’s approach aims to reduce road risk by ensuring that health issues are identified and managed promptly, and that disclosures are made before driving. Health professionals and regulators emphasize that many people with sleep apnea or diabetes can continue to drive safely with proper treatment and monitoring. Drivers are encouraged to review DVLA guidance and discuss any concerns with their clinician to determine whether they can continue to drive, and under what conditions. The changes reflect ongoing public safety efforts to align medical eligibility with real-world driving capabilities, rather than to stigmatize individuals with chronic conditions.

In practice, the agency says, drivers should be proactive in informing the DVLA about conditions that could impact driving, obtain appropriate treatment, and follow medical advice to maintain safe operation of a vehicle. The ultimate goal, officials say, is to prevent crashes and protect both drivers and the broader public on the road.