DVLA could revoke your driving licence if you take any of these three common medications

The DVLA has the authority to instruct drivers with certain health conditions or those on specific medications to "stop driving". Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, a car insurance comparison site, emphasised that motorists could be advised to "avoid driving" if they are taking certain medicines.

He warned that those on "strong medications", including opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and "certain antidepressants", might risk having their licences revoked due to potential side effects such as drowsiness. He stated: "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 echoed this sentiment, adding: "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."

It's important to note that within DVLA guidance, terms like "excessive sleepiness" and "drowsiness" refer to a level of sleepiness that could negatively impact one's ability to drive safely.

If you're battling moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) - characterised by excessive sleepiness - you are prohibited from driving until your Sleep Clinic confirms that your OSAS is under control, your sleepiness is no longer excessive, and you are adhering to CPAP treatment. You must also inform the DVLA, reports the Daily Record.

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 If your driving license has already been revoked, you can then apply for it to be reinstated.

If you have excessive sleepiness where 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 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.