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Knowing if you’re fit to drive is something we all need to consider before getting behind the wheel – it's an important question for all drivers.
Unfortunately, not everybody knows what 'fit to drive' actually means and taking control of a vehicle when you're not fully capable can be dangerous. We've compiled the guide below to explain what this means and how you can check if you’re fit to drive. We want to help make sure you and your loved ones stay safe on the road.
- You can get fined up to £1,000 or lose your licence if you don’t tell the DVLA or your insurance about your medical condition.
- It’s important to get regular eye tests to make sure your vision’s good enough to drive.
- If you think someone you know is unfit to drive, you can contact the DVLA confidentially.
Are you fit to drive? – It's an important question for drivers of all ages.
What does being ‘fit to drive’ mean?
To be legally fit to drive in the UK, you need to meet the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) standards. This includes having good enough vision to read a number plate from 20 metres, staying within the legal limits for alcohol and drugs, and generally being healthy enough to get behind a wheel.
For example, are your reactions quick enough to avoid an unexpected hazard and are you physically capable of performing an emergency stop or taking evasive action?
You should always carry a valid driving licence and remember to report health changes to the DVLA. You must tell DVLA if you have a driving licence and you develop a notifiable medical condition or disability.
Ignoring these rules can lead to serious consequences such as a fine or even losing your licence! It’s definitely not worth the risk.
Who is at risk and how do I check?
Before you hit the road, it's important to be in good health. For those over 70, that means renewing your licence every three years. Anyone on medication or with health issues should also take extra care to make sure they're safe to drive.
Want to make sure you're road-ready? Here are some key things to keep in check to drive with confidence:
- Get your vision checked regularly – It's so important to keep on top of eye health with regular check-ups. If you need glasses or contacts to drive, you have to wear them every time you're behind the wheel.
- Speak to your local GP – If you have any health concerns or if your medical condition changes, speak to your doctor for their professional opinion.
- Check medication side effects - Some medications can affect your driving ability. Check the labels for warnings or speak to your pharmacist or GP.
- Stay within legal limits – It’s crucial you’re not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when driving. Know the legal limits and stay well below them. It’s never worth the risk!
- Assess your driving – Be honest with yourself about your driving skills and reaction times. If you're feeling unwell, tired, or distracted, it's best not to drive.
- Driving Assessments – Consider having a driving assessment, it's a smart move if you're an older driver or your health has changed recently. It's a great way to get an unbiased check on your driving skills.
Got a health condition and not sure what to tell the DVLA? No worries, let’s break it down and help you sort out what to do next.
What health conditions might make me unfit to drive?
Not sure if you need to report a medical condition to the DVLA or your car insurance provider? Age Co, who are part of Age UK, paint a clear picture of what conditions drivers have to declare.
Some things that can affect your driving fitness and ability to drive safely include:
- Eyesight: Noticed any changes in your vision? It's important to mention it to your doctor because things like double vision or cataract symptoms could determine whether or not you're allowed to drive.
- Epilepsy and neurological conditions: You must let the DVLA and your insurer know if you've had any epileptic seizures or blackouts. To make sure you're fit to drive, the DVLA’s medical advisers may need to assess you in person and you may be required to renew your licence more often.
- Physical disabilities: If you're adapting your car for a disability, let your insurance provider know – you may need to amend your cover.
- Diabetes: Generally, it shouldn't make a difference to your insurance but if you're on insulin or have a restricted licence, it could affect your premium.
If you’re still unsure, you can head to GOV.UK to check if your condition needs to be reported to DVLA.
Rest assured, with LV= car insurance you don’t need to declare your medical conditions and this won’t affect your premium. But heads up – if you don't let the DVLA know about a medical condition that could affect your driving, you can face a fine of up to £1,000. Plus, if you're in an accident, there could be legal trouble, so it's best to keep them in the loop! For extra peace of mind, ask your insurer about hire car options and other optional extras that fit around your driving needs.
What should I do if someone I know is unfit to drive?
Talking to an older person or someone else you know about giving up driving can be tough. It's their call to make unless the DVLA steps in, but if you're worried about their safety or others', it's important to have a chat.
Try to see it from their perspective first – driving means freedom and independence, and it's hard to let go. Before you talk, look up other ways they can get around and stay active. Age UK bring up some useful points about what to say if you’re worried about someone’s driving and mention:
- Public transport – Check out the local buses or trains accessible to them, they also may be able to get a discounted ticket. Well worth checking!
- Car adaptations – Discuss adding car modifications like power steering cushions, or hand controls to enhance driving safety.
- Taxi phones – Look for a phone on the wall in public spaces like your local supermarket. Taxi phones are a simple way to call a local taxi service. Just pick it up and wait to be connected.
- Driving assessment – If they're hesitant about hanging up the keys, suggest you could find an experienced driver assessment to evaluate their driving skills. It's a supportive step to help them see where they stand.
Be delicate and understanding when you bring it up. They might be defensive or upset at first, and if things get too heated, it's okay to pause and try again later. They might even be thankful you're looking out for them.
If they're really against stopping and you're still concerned, you can contact the DVLA. Just think about how it might change your relationship and if there are other ways to help them consider stopping.
You can also ask them to speak to their local GP and take a driving ‘fitness test’ to get a professional medical opinion.
Check out LV= car insurance to find cover that’s the perfect fit for you.
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