Drivers on these medicines may very well be given a ban from the DVLA

The DVLA might tell drivers with certain medical conditions to “stop driving”, particularly if they’re on specific meds.

Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance gurus Quotezone sounded the alarm that folks popping “strong medications” could be in danger of having their licences yanked. This includes everything from opioid painkillers and tranquillisers to “certain antidepressants”. The worry is these drugs can knock you out with “drowsiness”.

Greg said: “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 has thrown in their two cents: “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 DVLA’s use of “excessive sleepiness” means a level of tiredness that can mess with your driving. When they talk about “drowsiness”, they’re on about this kind of extreme fatigue, reports the Mirror.

If you’re battling with moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS), which includes excessive sleepiness, it’s vital that you stop driving 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.

The DVLA will require medical confirmation that your symptoms are under control. If your driving license has already been revoked, you can then apply for its reinstatement.

In situations where excessive sleepiness is present and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (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 mentioned earlier will apply.

However, 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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