DVLA updates the list of reportable medical conditions for drivers in the UK

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has reduced its list of notifiable ocular conditions that drivers must declare.

An extended list was published in 2022, which contained several technical errors and included common ocular signs and conditions. This would have resulted in many drivers with otherwise normal eye health and good levels of vision making DVLA declarations.

Following intervention from the College of Optometrist who raised concerns over the additional guidance to the DVLA, this list of notifiable medical conditions has been reduced in a 2023 update.

Commenting on behalf of the College, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney said; “We are very happy to see the revised list has been published. The previous update could have resulted in considerable harm and confusion, so we are pleased our intervention helped result in a timely resolution. We along with other professional bodies continue to offer support to the DVLA to provide optometric and vision science expertise.”

The new revised list is now much clearer and under the new guidelines you must tell DVLA if you:

• have a certain type of eye condition that affects both eyes (or one eye when you only have vision in one eye)
• have been told you may not meet the visual standards for driving by a GP, optician or eye specialist

The eye conditions you must tell DVLA about are:

• blepharospasm
• diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
• diplopia (double vision)
• glaucoma
• nyctalopia (night blindness)
• retinitis pigmentosa

If the condition only affects one eye and you have sight in both eyes, you only have to tell DVLA if you:

• do not meet the visual standards for driving
• have been told you may not meet the visual standards for driving by a GP, optician or eye specialist

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

What are the visual standards for driving

Although the UK has been an EU leader in optometry, it is not at the forefront in ensuring drivers’ vision is effectively checked, maintained and supported by optometrists.

The UK is one of the very few countries in Europe that does not require standardised vision assessments prior to driving licence application and renewal.

The current UK system tests car drivers’ ability to read a vehicle number plate at a set distance during the driving test, with no continuing requirement for visual assessments if they are not bus or lorry drivers.

You should meet the standards if you:

• can read a number plate from 20 metres away
• have no double vision
• have a normal field of vision in at least one eye (your optician can test this)

What to do if you experience eye related issues when driving?

If you have any issues with your vision, or you would like to know more about our services, please call us on 0115 933 2999 or email us and we would be delighted to help.