Over 600,000 motorists are being alerted that they run the risk of losing their licences due to a straight-forward DVLA regulation. Car insurance specialist and Quotezone.co.uk CEO Greg Wilson is sounding the alarm that individuals with conditions such as epilepsy, or those who’ve experienced strokes, might not be fit to drive under current guidelines.
For someone to legally drive, they must not have had an epileptic seizure within the past year; failure to meet this condition could lead to a revocation of their driving licence. In an aim to safeguard drivers and the public, the rules impose hefty penalties.
Greg Wilson explained the gravity of the situation: “In order to be able to drive you must have been seizure-free for 12 months, if someone is said to have had a seizure whilst awake, their licence will be revoked and after six months they may be able to have it back with a medical advisors go ahead.”
Highlighting the widespread prevalence of epilepsy, Express points out there are around 630,000 individuals in the UK living with this condition, which translates to about one in every hundred people. Epilepsy can strike at any stage of life, and government guidance on the official GOV.
UK website is strict: “You must tell DVLA if you’ve had any epileptic seizures or blackouts. You must stop driving straight away.”, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
Failing to notify the DVLA about a medical condition that impacts one’s ability to drive could result in a fine of up to £1,000. Additionally, if an undisclosed condition leads to an accident, the driver could face prosecution.
Though a licence revoked for health reasons can be concerning, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re off the road for good. The DVLA has introduced a new rule for drivers who’ve had a seizure due to changes in their anti-epilepsy medication, allowing them to reapply sooner for their driving privileges.
If there hasn’t been another seizure in over six months and they’ve returned to the original medication, their application stands a chance of being accepted. Also, those who experience seizures without losing awareness might still qualify, particularly if their first seizure was more than a year ago with no loss of consciousness.
In further guidance from GOV. UK, drivers are reminded: “DVLA will let you know whether or not you qualify after you’ve filled in the form. Until you hear from them you must stop driving.”
