Drivers with medical conditions can now report them online thanks to a new change to the service.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has launched a digital service for car and motorcycle licence holders.
It allows them to inform the agency of any medical conditions without using paper forms.
DVLA now allows drivers to report medical conditions online
Tim Moss CBE, chief executive of the DVLA, said: "More than 60,000 drivers have already switched to our online medical service, avoiding paperwork, saving time, and benefiting from a faster application process.
"Customers can save up to 10 days by applying online rather than by post.
"As well as making applications quicker and easier, drivers using the service have collectively avoided tens of thousands of pounds in postage costs.
"With 24/7 access and the ability to track progress online, we are making it simpler than ever for people to manage their driving licence in a way that works for them."
The new online system allows drivers to report multiple medical conditions in one session, track the status of their application, and renew a medical driving licence online for the first time.
It is available around the clock and is intended to reduce postage costs and administrative delays.
The agency is currently experiencing high demand from drivers with medical conditions and believes the new system will help manage this more efficiently.
The DVLA reports a nearly 50% increase in digital uptake over the past year.
Justin Madders, roads minister, said: "Drivers need to be able to report medical conditions easily and quickly.
"I understand their frustration and that is why I’ve been working closely with the DVLA to push forward improvements to the services drivers receive.
"This quick, easy-to-use online service is making it easier for drivers to report their medical conditions, making our roads safer for everyone that uses them.
"This new initiative will save people time and money so they can keep their licences up to date, and it’s already working for thousands of customers using the service."
Which medical conditions need to be reported to the DVLA?
As explained on the gov.uk website, motorists with a driving licence must tell DVLA if:
- you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability
- a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence
Notifiable conditions are described as anything that could affect your ability to drive safely.
This includes conditions such as:
- diabetes or taking insulin
- syncope (fainting)
- heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
- sleep apnoea
- epilepsy
- strokes
- glaucoma
To find the full A-Z list, visit the gov.uk website; here you can also report it online using the new service as mentioned above.
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If you have a medical condition that affects your driving and do not voluntarily give up your licence, you must inform DVLA.
They will decide if you can continue holding a driving licence.
Drivers risk being fined up to £1,000 if they do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects their driving.
Have you used the new online service to report a medical condition to the DVLA? Let us know in the comments.
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