DVLA revoking licence on medical grounds

Yes, the DVLA has the power to revoke or refuse a driving licence on medical grounds. This is one of its core statutory functions and it takes this responsibility seriously.

Legal basis:

The power comes from the Road Traffic Act 1988, primarily sections 92 to 99. Section 92 sets out that a licence must not be granted to a person who is suffering from a relevant disability or a prospective disability, unless the case falls within an exception. Section 93 provides the DVLA with the power to revoke a licence if it is satisfied that the holder is suffering from a relevant disability. Section 94 requires licence holders to notify the DVLA of any relevant or prospective disability that may affect their fitness to drive.

What counts as a relevant disability:

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 and associated guidance set out specific conditions. These include epilepsy, severe mental disorder, liability to sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting, and inability to meet the eyesight requirements. Beyond those specified conditions, the DVLA also has a broader discretion to treat any other disability or condition as relevant if it is likely to make driving a source of danger to the public.

The DVLA publishes detailed medical standards in a document called "Assessing fitness to drive: a guide for medical professionals," which covers a very wide range of conditions from diabetes and cardiovascular disease through to neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, drug and alcohol dependency, and visual impairments.

How the process typically works:

1. Either you notify the DVLA of a condition, or your doctor notifies them (doctors can breach patient confidentiality to do this where there is a clear risk to public safety and the patient has not self-reported).

2. The DVLA may request further medical information from you, your GP, or a specialist. They may also arrange for you to be examined by a doctor they appoint or to undergo specific tests.

3. Based on the medical evidence, the DVLA will decide whether to allow you to continue driving, impose conditions or restrictions on your licence, issue a shorter-duration licence subject to medical review, or revoke your licence.

4. If they decide to revoke, they must notify you in writing giving reasons.

Your rights if the DVLA revokes your licence:

You have a right of appeal to the magistrates' court (or in some cases the Crown Court). The appeal must generally be brought within six months of the decision. The court can consider the medical evidence afresh and is not limited to a review of the DVLA's reasoning. You can present your own medical evidence in support of your case.

While an appeal is pending, the revocation still takes effect. You must not drive unless and until the court overturns the decision or the DVLA reinstates your licence.

Practical considerations:

If you are facing a medical investigation by the DVLA, it is worth being cooperative and providing medical evidence promptly, as delays can work against you. If you disagree with the DVLA's assessment, obtaining a clear and detailed report from your own consultant or specialist that directly addresses the DVLA's medical standards for your condition can be very helpful, both in correspondence with the DVLA and on any appeal.

Driving while your licence is revoked is a serious criminal offence under section 87 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and it will also invalidate your motor insurance, which brings further criminal and civil consequences.

If you can share more about the specific condition or circumstances involved, I can give you more targeted guidance on the applicable medical standards and the strength of any challenge.