Road users can be fined up to £1,000 if they do not inform the DVLA of a health issue that affects their ability behind the wheel
State pensioners with one of three medical conditions could be ‘unsafe to drive’ (Image: Getty)
Pensioners could be “unsafe to drive” and may not be allowed on the roads if they suffer from one of three medical conditions. Individuals with some “age-related health conditions” such as dementia, Parkinson’s and bad eyesight, need to inform the DVLA before getting behind the wheel.
According to insurance experts at Aviva, these are the conditions where it could become “unsafe to drive”, meaning officials need to be informed to retain a driving licence. These age-related conditions are more likely to affect individuals later in life, meaning the over 70s are at greater risk of feeling the impact.
These age-related health conditions affect drivers more later in life (Image: Getty)
Aviva said: “There are some age-related health conditions that you must tell the DVLA about, such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and some eyesight problems. You should also report any medical conditions to your insurance company.”
Not every driver suffering from these conditions will be immediately pulled off the road and lose their licence. However, it may mean individuals have to undergo further tests or assessments to prove they are safe behind the wheel.
The DVLA tends to make decisions on a case-by-case basis, relying on medical reports from specialists to determine if an individual will be safe. Authorities may decide to issue a short-term licence instead, allowing motorists to travel but ensuring they are checked again sooner rather than later.
Dementia can lead to impaired judgement and decision making, memory issues and loss of spatial awareness, which can be a major concern on the roads.
Parkinson’s can lead to motor control issues, including tremors and stiffness, which are likely to affect road users’ control of the pedals. Meanwhile, bad eyesight can lead to poor observations, putting motorists at risk of missing crucial road hazards.
However, experts have warned that failing to declare medical conditions to stay on the road for longer was not a good idea and likely to backfire.
According to the Government, road users can be fined up to £1,000 if they do not inform the DVLA of a medical condition that affects their ability to drive.
Aviva added: “If you don’t declare medical conditions on your car insurance, there’s a risk that your policy could be cancelled. This applies to any form of non-disclosure, so make sure the information you provide to your insurer is correct and up to date.”