Informing the DVLA about Parkinson's

Having Parkinson's does not mean you can't continue to drive, but you need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your diagnosis.

Failure to inform the DVLA of a Parkinson's diagnosis is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Contact the Drivers' Medical Group at the DVLA giving your driver number or full name and date of birth, and as much detail as possible about how Parkinson's affects you.

You'll find the revelant forms and contact details for the DVLA on the DirectGov website.

Telling the DVLA about Parkinson's diagnosis

Once you have notified the DVLA of your health condition, it will decide whether or not you are fit enough to drive.

You will be asked to complete form PK1 'Medical in Confidence' - available from the DirectGov website - and a shorter medical questionnaire. A copy of this can be found in our Driving and Parkinson's booklet.

The DVLA may be able to make its decision from the information you provide.

However, if you answered yes to any of the questions they will write to your GP or consultant for further information. They may ask you to go for a medical examination.

Once the DVLA has enough information it can decide to issue:

• an unrestricted licence
• a licence restricted to a number of years
• a licence restricted to particular vehicles with adaptations

If the DVLA decides you can't have a licence and you then become well enough to drive again, you can reapply for your licence.

You can continue to drive while waiting for the DVLA to respond. But if you have any doubts about your ability to drive it is advisable to stop driving and discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Challenging the DVLA's decision

If you are not happy with its decision, you can ask the DVLA to reconsider, or appeal against the decision in the magistrates' court.

If you feel that the DVLA has misinterpreted or misunderstood the information provided, write to the DVLA explaining why you feel the decision is wrong.

The DVLA will generally reconsider the decision, but will expect the request to be supported by fresh medical evidence.

Also in this section

• Driving and Parkinson's
• The impact of Parkinson's on driving
• Informing the DVLA about Parkinson's
• Car insurance and Parkinson's
• Car adaptations for disabled drivers
• Useful contacts

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