Drivers diagnosed with dementia are legally required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to avoid fines of up to £1,000, the Older Drivers Forum has cautioned.
The Forum emphasised that receiving a dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean a person must stop driving. “One in every three people with dementia still drives,” they noted, highlighting that the key consideration is whether the individual can continue to drive safely from both a legal and practical standpoint.
The Alzheimer’s Society echoed these concerns, warning that some individuals with dementia may continue to drive without informing licensing authorities, either due to denial of the diagnosis or underestimating how the condition affects their driving ability. They pointed out that failure to notify the DVLA or Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) not only risks a fine and possible arrest but can also invalidate the driver’s insurance, raising the danger of uninsured driving.
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Dementia UK further explained the process following a diagnosis. Those diagnosed must inform the DVLA (in England, Scotland and Wales) or the DVA (in Northern Ireland). This notification does not automatically mean driving privileges will be revoked immediately, but it does trigger an assessment process.
The decision to stop driving depends on the individual’s symptoms and medical advice. In certain instances, doctors may advise an immediate halt to driving if safety is compromised. If uncertainty remains, further testing may be required, during which time the person must refrain from driving.
Regardless of how long the agency takes to rule on an individual’s fitness to drive, adhering to medical guidance remains crucial for the safety of the driver and others on the road.