Elderly drivers: Confused.com put OAPs to the test
Drivers could be fined and invalidate their car insurance by hiding details from the DVLA, according to experts at AgeUK.
Motorists must tell the licensing agency if they pick up a medical condition which could impact their ability to drive safely.
Failure to report the information could land older road users in hot water with fines likely to rise to £1,000.
The DVLA website contains an extensive list of medical conditions which must be declared to authorities but these are mainly made up of serious long-term conditions.
AgeUK states this includes dementia, insulin-treated diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease.
READ MORE Elderly drivers warned over eyesight issues as campaigners demand law changes
Meanwhile, road users suffering from the effects of epilepsy, eyesight issues or chronic neurological conditions must also get in touch.
Motorists must get in contact with officials straight away and cannot leave identifying a diagnosis until their next driving licence renewal.
AgeUK warns: “If you’ve developed a medical condition or disability that could affect your driving, you must tell the DVLA – even if you’re not yet due to renew your licence. This also applies if your condition has worsened since your licence was issued.
“You might be worried that you’ll lose your licence if you tell the DVLA about your condition – but this isn’t usually the case.
DON’T MISS
DVLA issues urgent warning to elderly motorists with over 70s at risk[LATEST]
Elderly drivers may lose their driving licence after being dobbed in by family[ANALYSIS]
Elderly drivers could lose over £6,000 this summer due to ‘lucrative target’[COMMENT]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
POLL:
POLL: Should elderly drivers be subject to more frequent check-ups of their abilities?
“It’s a legal obligation for you to declare certain conditions to the DVLA. If you don’t declare a medical condition that affects your driving, you could be fined. And if you have an accident where your health condition may have been a factor, your insurance might not cover you.”
After declaring a condition, the DVLA will quickly decide whether it is safe to continue driving. GP surgeries may also be contacted to arrange for a local examination while a driving assessment may also be booked.
The DVLA may issue motorists with a one or two year licence so they can review a driver’s illness more regularly.
Previous data from DirectLine shows this is not just an issue among elderly drivers with around 3.4million licence holders not disclosing medical details.
The study found a massive 51 percent did not feel the illness impacted their ability to drive a vehicle.
Meanwhile, 14 percent said they didn’t realise they had to inform the authorities about the issue at all.
However, five percent openly admitted they did not declare their condition over fears their licence would be revoked.
Gus Park, director of motor at DirectLine said: “Some medical conditions have more of an impact on driving ability than being over the drink-drive limit, so it’s frightening that almost one in ten motorists drive with a notifiable medical condition without reporting it to the DVLA.”
Source: Read Full Article