If someone has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s then the law says that they MUST inform the DVLA, even if they do not believe that their driving is affected. Having Parkinson’s doesn’t automatically disqualify you from driving, and many people with Parkinson’s continue to drive safely. However, the DVLA will need to gather some more information to make that decision.

Not informing the DVLA about the diagnosis is illegal and risks a fine of up to £1000.

What needs to be done?

Contact the DVLA with the driving license number and details of the person with Parkinson’s. This can be done online: Tell DVLA about a medical condition that could affect your driving – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). You can also write to them at:

DVLA
Drivers Medical Group
Longview Road
Swansea
SA99 1TU

Or phone: 0300 790 6806

It is important to inform the car insurance company as well.

What happens next?

The DVLA will send a questionnaire to complete and request the person’s permission to obtain medical information about them. They will sometimes have to contact the GP or specialist doctor for more information if they cannot make a decision based on the responses to the questionnaire. They will then decide either:

• The person can continue driving (but tend to review this decision periodically)
• The person needs to do a driving assessment so that an assessor can see how symptoms affect driving and whether they would benefit from adaptations to the vehicle.
• Sometimes the decision is that someone must stop driving and give up their licence.

It is usually alright to continue driving while awaiting the decision of the DVLA unless you feel unsafe, the GP or Parkinson’s specialist team has said that you should not drive, or your medication is making you very drowsy.