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Driving Safer For Longer
The use of Medicines and Drugs while driving
Upon reaching the age of 70, car drivers have to re-apply for a driving licence and complete a medical declaration, countersigned by their GP. There are a number of medical conditions, which have to be declared to the DVLA. Notification will not automatically lead to your licence being revoked. The DVLA medical group will consider each individual case and advise accordingly. Conditions can be applied to your licence if necessary, or you may carry on driving without restriction subject to the usual 3 year review.
Of course it’s not just older drivers that are affected by illness, injury or the effects of prescribed medicines, drivers across all the age groups can be affected.
If you are diagnosed as having an illness or injury, you should ask your Doctor if you should notify the DVLA. You are responsible for notifying the DVLA, failure to do so is a criminal offence and carries a maximum fine of £1000
During old age we become more susceptible to illness and injury, both these conditions may affect our ability to drive. Medicines and prescribed drugs help restore our health but may produce side effects that can also affect our driving skills. Don’t presume that your Doctor or Pharmacist are aware that you are a driver, you should always inform them and ask if the prescribed medication will impair your driving. Always check the label carefully, for example
- Warning. May cause drowsiness. If affected do not operate machinery.
- Never drive if you feel that your medicine has impaired your driving ability. For example if you feel drowsy, confused or unable to concentrate.
Even medicines bought over the counter such as cold & flu remedies, pain killers and cough linctuses can cause adverse effects and drowsiness. If in any doubt contact your doctor or pharmacist.
It is important to remember that medicines do not always impair drivers but they can also help make drivers safer. So it is important to continue to take your prescribed medicine for the period prescribed by your Doctor.
Surgery
People are usually advised not to drive within 48 hours of receiving general anaesthetic. It is also common for people to be told not to drive for longer periods post surgery due to temporary movement restrictions and the need to use medication to assist the healing process that may affect driving.
Drivers are committing an ofence by driving whie impaired from the use of prescribed or over the counter medicines,just as if they would if they were impaired by drink.
General fatigue, incresed tiredness and loss of concenttratin are facts of ageing. Your driving can deteriorate especially on long journeys
- Driving Safer For Longer
- Keeping Fit to Drive
- Eyesight and Hearing
- Road Fit Assessment
- Safe Driving Workshop
- Practical Advice
- When is it Time to Give Up Driving?
- Travel Options