One million older motorists risk prosecution by failing to disclose serious medical conditions

• 28 per cent of older drivers have a medical condition such as diabetes or epilepsy that must be disclosed to the DVLA
• But 49 per cent of these drivers admit they have not done so
• The majority (57 per cent) fail to notify the DVLA because they believe their condition will not affect their driving ability
• Older drivers aren’t alone - almost a tenth of all UK motorists with medical conditions that should be disclosed, fail to do so
• Direct Line urges all motorists to disclose medical conditions to their insurer and the DVLA to remain within the law
   

More than one million1 motorists over the age of 65 are risking a £1,000 fine, prosecution and the safety of other road users by failing to disclose serious medical conditions.
 
New research2 from Direct Line Car Insurance reveals almost three in ten (28 per cent) older motorists have medical conditions such as visual impairments, diabetes, heart conditions or epilepsy that must be disclosed to the DVLA. Despite this, almost half (49 per cent) have failed to tell the DVLA about their condition.
 
Of those over 65 that have failed to disclose their conditions, most (57 per cent) say this is because they don’t feel their condition affects their driving. One in eight (12 per cent) say they weren’t aware of this obligation and 27 per cent cite ‘other’ reasons.  
 
While the insurer’s study raises concerns about the number of older motorists that could be driving without a valid licence, over 65s are by no means alone. Across the UK as a whole, a quarter (24 per cent) of drivers have so called ‘notifiable conditions’ but one in 10 (nine per cent) have not disclosed this to the DVLA. 
 
Gus Park, director of motor at Direct Line commented: “Regardless of age, drivers that have a notifiable or worsening medical condition or disability must disclose this to the DVLA and also to their insurer to stay within the law. Even those who feel their physical status won’t affect their driving must still disclose their condition, as failing to do so means they risk a hefty fine and even prosecution if they have an accident.  
 
“The issue of failing to disclose medical conditions is particularly prevalent amongst older motorists but the rules are the same regardless of age, experience or the severity of a medical issue. We’re urging anyone that thinks they may have a condition or a disability they need to disclose to contact the DVLA and their insurer as they risk invalidating their licence and insurance if they don’t.”  
 
Direct Line’s study looked at the prevalence of some of the most common medical conditions that should be disclosed and found that physical disabilities – affecting a tenth (11 per cent) of older drivers - are only disclosed half (48 per cent) of the time.

Table one: Common medical conditions that should be reported to the DVLA