I have received a letter from the DVLA to renew my driving licence as I am 70 in a few months. It is not clear whether I need to inform the DVLA about the my rheumatoid arthritis or the medications I take which are Abatacept, Methrotrexate & Sulfasalazine. None of these effect my driving & I have been on these medications for some years.
I have no adaptations to my car.
I would be very grateful to hear other’s experiences when renewing their driving license. Thank you
There are notifiable conditions that you must inform the DVLA about, though RA isn't one of them you should tell them if it affects your ability to drive in any way. Same applies to medication.
You can check what it says about certain conditions here: gov.uk/health-conditions-an... though RA isn't on here as its own entry, arthritis is.
it’s not onligatory if it doesn’t affect your ability to drive.
thank you so much for your help
I had to swap to the card driving license when we returned to the UK & I didn’t declare my RD because it's not a listed notifiable condition. As for meds, that's a more grey area. I think it's if your can prove a med doesn't affect your ability, or that you're not taking more than your dose should be, I think. They'll be more to it I’m sure but that's off the top of my head.
thank you so much for your reply. I have checked with my rheumatoid department this afternoon & they have given me the same advice. None of the medications I take would affect driving
I’ve just renewed mine & there was nothing I had to declare.Just read the questions carefully & it becomes clear,
When I reached 70 it was just a case of renewing licence. RA isn't reportable unless your driving ability has been affected. Thereafter you have to renew it more frequently.
just go ahead and renew your licence as long as there in no problems taking your medications that reflects on your driving.
thank you for your helpful reply
I had RA before I could drive and told DVLA on my provisional application. All they did was to add 'needs suitably adjusted mirrors' to my licence. I've never been able to look over my shoulder before moving off etc. Each time I had surgery (THR's and neck fusion) I told DVLA so as to cover myself if the unfortunate was to happen.
If you are unsure, maybe speak to your doctor.
I got my license no problem, RA doesn't come up in the requirements , make sure you have had an eye test for your own peace of mind, I think certain drugs such as morphine could be a problem but I'm no expert.
thank you for your help
My rheumatologist said can I do an emergency stop, and look over my shoulder. Both of which I can do. If I feel off or fatigued I wouldn't drive anyway.
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