This section explains the rules on driving for people who have episodes of dizziness, giddiness or vertigo.
The medical standards of fitness to drive are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea. By law you must inform the DVLA if you have had, or currently suffer from, a medical condition or disability that may affect your driving. This includes attacks of dizziness or giddiness which are sudden and disabling. If you are involved in an accident and it is found that your health condition was a contributing factor, you may be prosecuted and your insurance may not be valid.
The DVLA will contact your specialist and will take each decision on an individual basis depending on what your doctor says about your level of fitness and risk of further symptoms. If for medical reasons you are not fit to drive, the DVLA will withdraw your driving licence from you. They will issue you with a new one once you are declared fit to drive again. You do not have to re-take your driving test. In most cases of episodes of dizziness, a car licence can be reissued after three months without the attacks.
Informing the DVLA is the responsibility of the driver. Failure to notify the DVLA is a criminal offence and may result in a
fine of up to £1000.
For further information contact:
Post: DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU
Telephone: 030 0790 6801 (Monday to Friday 8.00am–7.00pm and Saturday 8.00am–2.00pm)
Fax: 030 0123 0784
Telephone for deaf/hearing impaired users: 030 0123 1278
Email: via website
Website: http://