DVLA reveals why motorists should ‘keep away from driving’ if on these three drugs

Drivers with certain medical conditions might be instructed by the DVLA to “stop driving”.

DVLA officials may advise drivers to “avoid driving” if they are taking specific medications, as revealed by Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance gurus Quotezone.co.uk.

Mr Wilson alerted that individuals on “strong medications” could face having their licences revoked – this includes a range of drugs from opioid painkillers to tranquillisers, as well as “certain antidepressants”. It’s been flagged that some meds might induce “drowsiness”.

Greg remarked: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving. Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.”

The NHS commented: “Some antidepressants can cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision, particularly when you first start taking them. If you do experience these problems, you should not drive or use tools and machinery.”

The term “excessive sleepiness” is specifically used for “excessive sleepiness having, or likely to have, an adverse effect on driving”, as classified by the DVLA. When DVLA documents mention “drowsiness”, it’s referring to extreme levels of tiredness, reports Birmingham Live.

If you’re suffering from moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS), which includes excessive sleepiness, you must not drive until your Sleep Clinic has confirmed that your OSAS is under control, your sleepiness is no longer excessive, and you are complying with CPAP treatment. You must inform the DVLA, who will require medical confirmation that your symptoms are under control.

If your driving license has already been revoked, you can then apply for it to be restored. If you’re experiencing excessive sleepiness where OSAS is suspected, you must not drive until OSAS has been diagnosed and your Sleep Clinic has confirmed that your excessive sleepiness is being satisfactorily controlled by treatment.

If moderate or severe OSAS is diagnosed, the notification requirements in the previous paragraph will apply. If mild OSAS is diagnosed, you only need to notify the DVLA if your excessive sleepiness cannot be controlled within three months.

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