Does anybody know if you have to inform dvla if you have cll

[Jlee123]

Only been asked the question

[Newdawn Administrator]

This issue has been raised previously Jlee and it’s not required but there may be certain provisos if you drive a certain category of vehicle like a bus, lorry, public service vehicle etc and/or you have any of the accompanying impairments listed on the official Gov website. If your doctor advises you not to drive then they need to be notified by law. However, the rules changed last year making it incumbent on GP’s to notify the DVLA if they have concerns about a patient’s fitness to drive.

gov.uk/cancer-and-driving

‘You don’t need to tell DVLA if you have cancer, unless:

you develop problems with your brain or nervous system

your doctor says you might not be fit to drive

you’re restricted to certain types of vehicles or vehicles that have been adapted for you

your medication causes side effects which could affect your driving’.

Have a read through the site. If there’s any doubt that a physical or mental capacity exists which impacts on fitness or capacity to drive, it’s a legal requirement for the driver themselves to inform DVLA.

CLL in itself would not appear to be a notifable condition unless the other elements are present. I’ve not known of a CLL’er who has routinely advised them but we are all different and may have additional disabilities.

Just to clarify, CLL’ers are not forbidden from driving public service vehicles but it would be highly advisable to make sure the condition is declared because insurance companies may use the fact against the CLL’er in the event of an accident particularly if the DVLA haven’t been informed.

Newdawn

[JigFettler Volunteer in reply to Newdawn]

Excellent reply! Good point raised.

Notwithstanding any medical impediment, every driver has a legal duty of care not to drive if unfit. Alcohol and fatigue, just 2 examples.

Be careful though when discussing CLL with yr insurance company. They won't know what it is. It could become a complicated conversation. It cld Jack your premiums up. Ultimately likely to get you to defer to your GP. Speaking to your GP cld be a sensible 1st stop. Ask your GP if she/he recommends speaking to your Insurance Co.

Driving essentially requires coordinating, limb and neck movement, alertness and eye sight.

Certain drugs will make you drowsy. Antiemetics for e.g. check the blurb.

I am a GP. Do I speak to my GP? I haven't yet. Nor my insurance company.

So far on my FCR cycle 2 week one, I have had 12 different drugs. Only the antihistamine with Ritux made me v slightly sleepy.

Lastly, Co-morbidity. Other conditions and drugs for other ailments can interact adversely, and accentuate soporific effects including alcohol.

Your friendly GP will be able to help.

Best wishes to all. Stay safe on the roads.