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Drivers aged 55 and over across the UK will now be subjected to new rules from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Data from the Department for Transport states there is a significant increase in the number of older drivers with medical conditions that could affect their driving, including vision problems, chronic illness, and slower reaction times.
Because of this, new regulations have been brought in to help increase safety on British roads, including new rules surrounding some people's licences. The regulations, which began coming into place on October 27, 2025, have significantly changed renewals for elderly drivers.
Now, drivers aged between 55 and 69 must renew their licence every five years, instead of 10 for most other drivers. During the renewal process, the driver must also report any health condition that may affect their ability to drive.
Current guidance from the DVLA lists a total of 188 health conditions that could potentially impact a person's ability to drive and may need to be reported. Failing to do so could lead to significant fines, especially if the driver has already been told by their GP to stop driving for three months or longer, or if their medical condition, which affects their driving ability, lasts for three months or more.
Whilst the DVLA's A-Z guidance catalogue contains up to 188 conditions that might impact your driving, seven specific ones must be declared to the DVLA. These are classified as 'notifiable' medical conditions or disabilities.
The DVLA's guidance warns: "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 legal right to drive while dealing with one of the above health conditions or disabilities largely depends on how it specifically affects you. According to the DVLA, there are only three situations where you must give up your licence to the DVLA, thus making 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
Whilst awaiting a decision from the DVLA regarding your medical condition, you are typically still permitted to drive. Following their assessment, the DVLA will inform you if your vehicle needs to be adapted to your requirements or if you must stop driving.
This decision will be communicated through a letter, which will also offer further guidance for your next steps.