Driving and Disability
Driving and disability Driving With a Medical Condition or Disability Having a medical condition or disability does not necessarily mean […]
Driving With a Medical Condition or Disability
Having a medical condition or disability does not necessarily mean you cannot drive, or that you will not be allowed to drive. Many disabled drivers continue to drive safely with the right advice, adaptations and support.
Whether you are a new driver or an experienced driver, you must tell the DVLA about any medical condition or disability that may affect your ability to drive safely.
When you need to tell DVLA
You must tell DVLA if you have a driving licence and you develop a notifiable medical condition or disability, or if a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence.
New Condition
Tell DVLA if you develop a condition or disability that could affect safe driving.
Condition Gets Worse
You should not wait until your licence is due for renewal if your condition has changed.
First Licence
You must declare notifiable conditions when applying for your first driving licence.
What counts as a notifiable medical condition?
A notifiable condition is anything that could affect your ability to drive safely. GOV.UK gives examples including epilepsy, strokes, glaucoma, heart conditions, sleep apnoea, diabetes or taking insulin, and syncope or fainting. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Epilepsy
- Strokes and neurological conditions
- Visual impairments
- Glaucoma
- Heart conditions
- Sleep apnoea
- Diabetes or taking insulin
- Physical disabilities that may affect driving
Sometimes it may be best to stop driving temporarily
In some situations, you may need to surrender your licence and apply to get it back when you meet the medical standards for driving again.
GOV.UK says you must surrender your licence if your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more, if your condition affects safe driving and lasts for 3 months or more, or if you do not meet the required medical standards for driving.
If you are unsure, check GOV.UK guidance and speak to your doctor before continuing to drive.
Applying for a dropped kerb
A dropped kerb may make it easier to get from your car to your home if you need to park on the road.
Applications are normally handled by your local council. In England, GOV.UK can help you find the right local council service for dropped kerb applications.
Always check with your local council before arranging any work. You usually need permission before a kerb can be lowered.
Applying for a provisional driving licence
Before learning to drive a car, moped or motorcycle, you need to apply for a provisional driving licence. If you have a notifiable medical condition or disability, you must declare it on the application.
Apply
Apply for your provisional driving licence through the official GOV.UK service.
Declare
Tell DVLA about any condition or disability that could affect your driving.
Wait for Checks
It may take longer if DVLA needs to check your health or personal details.
Specialist driving instructors can help
Disabled learner drivers may benefit from instructors who understand adapted vehicles, mobility needs and specialist driving controls.
Experienced instructors can help with more than just driving. They may be able to advise on getting in and out of the car, using adapted controls, and managing a wheelchair or mobility equipment.
Motability notes that eligible disabled drivers may be able to learn to drive from age 16 if they receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA or the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Specialist lessons may help with:
- Getting in and out of the car more easily
- Using hand controls or adapted pedals
- Loading or managing a wheelchair
- Understanding vehicle adaptations
- Building confidence after illness or injury
- Preparing for the driving test
The theory and practical tests can include reasonable adjustments
You must pass the theory test before booking the practical driving test. Disabled drivers take the same driving test as everyone else, but you should mention any special requirements when booking.
Tell the test booking service what you need
When booking a theory or practical test, let the test provider know if you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, use a wheelchair, have reading difficulties, have restricted movement, or use adapted vehicle controls.
Driving examiners are trained to understand special needs that may arise from disabilities. Extra time may be allowed so you can explain the nature and function of any adaptations and get in or out of the vehicle safely.
- Wheelchair access
- Hearing difficulties
- Reading difficulties or dyslexia
- Restricted movement
- Physical disability
- Adapted vehicle controls
Where to find more help
There are several useful organisations and official services that can help disabled drivers, new drivers and people returning to driving after illness or injury.
Looking for a wheelchair accessible car or van?
Our team can help you compare wheelchair accessible vehicles, layouts and adaptations so you can find a vehicle that works for your needs.
This page is general guidance only. Driving, medical and licence rules can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK and DVLA information before applying, driving or booking a test.