There are legal obligations which apply to those who suffer from, or develop, sudden attacks of unprovoked or unprecipitated disabling giddiness and wish to continue driving. You are required by law to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), as well as the company which insures any vehicle you drive of your condition.
Visit the GOV.UK website for information about Dizziness or vertigo and driving (external website).
Do I have to inform the DVLA if I have a vestibular condition?
There are legal obligations which apply to those who suffer from, or develop, sudden attacks of unprovoked or unprecipitated disabling giddiness, such as Ménière’s or labyrinthine disorder and wish to continue driving. If you already hold a driving licence you should complete the DVLA 'Medical Fitness to Drive' form. You will be required to give the DVLA permission for their medical advisor to obtain reports on your condition from your doctor/specialist.
Visit the GOV.UK website to access this information
- Dizziness or vertigo and driving (external link)
- Report medical conditions such as dizziness and vertigo to DVLA if you're a car driver or motorcyclist (external link)
- Report medical conditions such as dizziness and vertigo to DVLA if you're a lorry, bus or coach driver (external link)
Will my driving licence be affected if I have a vestibular condition?
Once the DVLA receives your completed form they will assess your situation. We have been assured that the Department of Transport treats all cases individually. Providing your condition does not give rise to ‘sudden and disabling attacks of vertigo’ and you comply with the law by notifying the DVLA and your insurer, then there may only be limited changes. You may be able to retain your existing licence or it may be replaced with a new one. They may decide to replace your licence with one valid for a restricted period of between one and three years. After this time your medical ability to continue driving will be subject to further review. A restricted period licence entitles you to drive the same vehicles as your previous ’lifetime’ licence. The only difference between the two licences is the renewal date, although drivers with entitlement to drive large goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles are subject to stricter rules. Licences may be revoked or refused by the DVLA if you are not able to meet the medical standards of fitness to drive.
Do I have to tell my insurance company if I have a vestibular condition?
Your insurance company should be made aware of your condition as this may affect your premium. Since December 1996, under the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, insurance companies are no longer allowed to refuse cover or impose exceptional premiums unless they can produce actuarial evidence that the condition in question carries a demonstrably greater risk. If your insurance company wishes to increase your premium because of your vertigo it is worth obtaining alternative quotes. Ensure they are aware of your condition and that the DVLA have agreed you can continue to hold your licence.
What happens if I'm involved in an accident?
If you do not inform the DVLA and your insurance company of your condition and you are subsequently involved in an accident you risk facing two charges;
- You are obliged by law to inform them of your condition. It is an offence not to do so.
- If you have not informed them of your medical condition and you are involved in an accident, there is likely to be a presumption of fault on your part. You will then face the difficulty of proving that you didn’t have a vertigo attack or were not under the influence of drugs prior to the accident.
It is also likely in these circumstances that your insurance company would declare your insurance invalid on the grounds that they were unaware of your illness. Virtually all policies contain a clause requiring you to inform your insurers of any relevant medical conditions or impairments which might affect their risk. You would then be held personally responsible for all claims arising from the accident, including third parties’ as well as your own costs.
Driving, drugs and medication
Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act states it is an offence to drive whilst under the influence of drugs. This may apply to some of the drugs prescribed in the treatment of your vestibular condition. Check with your own doctor whether any medication you are taking falls into the prohibited category.
Find out more about Drugs and driving: the law (external link)
Driving and dizziness - a summary
- You are required by law to inform the DVLA and the company which insures any vehicle you drive of your condition. It is an offence not to do so in either case.
- Medical conditions are considered before the granting of a restricted period licence and all cases will be assessed individually by the DVLA.
- It is an offence to drive whilst under the influence of drugs.
- Visit the GOV.UK website for further information about Medical conditions, disabilities and driving (external link)
Where can I get further information and support for vestibular disorders?
- Please contact us for further information, and/or a copy of our driving and the law resource - email us: info@meandve.org.uk or give us a ring: 01306 876883 to chat with a member of our team
- See your GP for advice if you have any question or concerns about your symptoms. They may refer to a specialist if neccessary.
- Become a member to receive regular information, resources and updates
- Donate to support our work and help us continue supporting people affected by vestibular conditions
- Read case studies with personal stories from supporters about driving and Ménière's :
Please note, Ménière's & Vestibular UK can provide general information, but is unable to provide specific medical advice. You should always check with your medical professional for information and advice relating to your symptoms/condition.