Experts have warned that motorists could be caught out when renewing their medical driving licence after the DVLA announced new changes to the service.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) confirmed earlier this month that it had made changes to its notification system for reporting medical conditions.
Motorists are now able to use the GOV.UK website to check how 1,600 medical conditions could impact their ability behind the wheel, and how to report these to the DVLA.
So far, more than 60,000 people have already used the enhanced online medical service, which the DVLA estimates is around 10 days quicker when waiting for a decision.
In some instances, the DVLA is able to take the first action on a medical licence application within 24 hours, which can include referring the case to a healthcare professional.
Millions of drivers are now able to use the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the DVLA seeing almost 50 per cent growth in digital uptake over the last year.
Commenting on the new changes, Matt Crole-Rees, car insurance expert at Confused.com, described it as “welcome news” for people who have previously had to wait a long time for a medical decision.
He said: “The service is available around the clock and lets you track your application as it progresses, so there’s far more visibility than the old paper route.
Motorists have been warned that they could risk a £1,000 fine when informing the DVLA about a medical condition
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“Drivers with more than one condition can now also sort everything in one go, even renewing their licence and updating their photo at the same time, which takes a lot of the hassle out of the process.”
However, he warned that motorists still needed to take into account the reporting of medical conditions to the DVLA, which could lead to further issues.
Drivers must tell the DVLA if they have a condition or disability that has got worse since they obtained their licence, or if they have developed a “notifiable” medical condition or disability.
This includes any ailment that can impact the ability to drive safely, such as fainting, heart conditions, epilepsy, glaucoma and even diabetes.
Drivers may need to inform the DVLA if they have diabetes | PA
Drivers can be slapped with a fine of up to £1,000 if they fail to tell the DVLA about a condition that could impact their ability behind the wheel.
In the event of an accident where someone is injured or property is damaged, and the driver has failed to report a condition, they could be prosecuted.
Mr Crole-Rees said the recent DVLA update was only “half the story”, reiterating the issues that could arise if someone fails to tell the DVLA about their condition.
He added: “You’re also legally responsible for declaring it to your car insurer. If you’re not upfront with them about your medical history, it could invalidate your policy, or in some cases even put you on the Insurance Fraud Register.
Elderly drivers will soon be able to submit medical licence applications online once they reach 70
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GETTY“If you’re worried about the cost, having a medical condition doesn’t always mean more expensive premiums, and depending on your circumstances, it might not affect your policy at all.”
The DVLA announced that it plans to further improve other online services for motorists with medical conditions.
This will include people renewing their licence at age 70, first-time provisional licence applicants, and customers whose licence was previously surrendered or revoked.
Roads Minister Justin Madders said the new DVLA update would “save people time and money so they can keep their licences up to date”.