DVLA changes mean more licence checks for Brits over 55

UK drivers aged 55 and over are now subject to new rules from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The Department for Transport's data reveals a significant rise in older drivers with medical conditions that could impair their driving, including vision issues, chronic diseases, and slower reaction times.

As a result, new regulations have been introduced to enhance safety on British roads, including changes to some people's licences. These rules, which started being implemented on October 27, 2025, have drastically altered the renewal process for elderly drivers.

Drivers between the ages of 55 and 69 must now renew their licence every five years, compared to the usual 10-year period for most other drivers. During this renewal process, drivers are also required to disclose any health conditions that could affect their ability to drive.

The DVLA's current guidance lists a total of 188 health conditions that could potentially affect a person's driving ability and may need to be reported. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines, particularly if the driver has been advised by their GP to cease driving for three months or more, or if their medical condition, which impairs their driving ability, persists for three months or longer.

While the DVLA's comprehensive A-Z guidance catalogue lists as many as 188 conditions that could affect your driving ability, seven particular ones must be reported to the DVLA. These are categorised as 'notifiable' medical conditions or disabilities.

The DVLA's guidance states: "You could be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident."

Health conditions that can affect your driving

If you possess a driving licence and experience any of the following 'notifiable' conditions, they could influence your driving abilities and must be declared to the DVLA:

• Diabetes or taking insulin
• Heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
• Epilepsy
• Strokes
• Sleep apnoea
• Syncope (fainting)
• Glaucoma

While the above conditions must be reported to the DVLA, there are a wide variety of other conditions that you may also need to report. Some of these can range from extremely common health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

However, in many cases, these conditions only need to be reported if they affect your ability to drive safely. You can check to see if your condition needs to be reported here.

Will I lose my licence if I have a health condition?

Your entitlement to drive while managing one of the above health conditions or disabilities largely hinges on how it specifically impacts you. According to the DVLA, there are only three circumstances where you must surrender your licence to the DVLA, thus rendering you unable to drive:

• Your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more
• Your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more
• You do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition

While awaiting a decision from the DVLA regarding your medical condition, you are typically still allowed to drive. Following their assessment, the DVLA will notify you if your vehicle needs to be modified to suit your needs or if you must stop driving.

This decision will be communicated through a letter, which will also offer further guidance for your next steps.