DVLA could tell drivers on three types of medication to 'avoid driving'

The DVLA may tell drivers who have certain medical conditions to "stop driving". DVLA officials may tell drivers to “avoid driving” if they take any of these medicines, according to Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance experts Quotezone.co.uk.

Mr Wilson warned individuals on "strong medications” could be at risk as motorists could have their driving licences taken away - from opioid painkillers to tranquillisers, and "certain antidepressants” too. There are concerns that some medications cause “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.”

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The NHS commented: "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.”

Whenever the term “excessive sleepiness” is used it means “excessive sleepiness having, or likely to have, an adverse effect on driving”, as defined by the DVLA. Where DVLA guidance refers to “drowsiness” it should be interpreted as excessive sleepiness.

If you suffer moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) i.e. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea with the symptom of excessive sleepiness, then you must not drive until your Sleep Clinic has confirmed to you that your OSAS is under control, your sleepiness is no longer excessive, and you are complying with CPAP treatment.

You must notify the DVLA. The DVLA will require medical confirmation that your symptoms are under control. If your driving license has already been revoked, you then can apply for it to be restored.

If 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.