DVLA Medical Condition Notification Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to formally notify DVLA of a medical condition affecting fitness to drive, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong dvla medical condition notification should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• State the condition diagnosed, the date of diagnosis and the treating doctor's details
• Reference the DVLA's guidance on the specific condition
• Request confirmation of receipt and advice on next steps regarding the licence

Why you must notify the DVLA promptly

Certain medical conditions are legally "notifiable" to the DVLA — including epilepsy, insulin-treated diabetes, sleep apnoea, certain eyesight conditions, strokes, and blackouts. Failing to notify a relevant condition carries a fine of up to £1,000, and can also affect your insurance validity if you're involved in an accident while driving with an undeclared notifiable condition.

What to include before you send it

• Details of the diagnosed condition and when it was diagnosed
• Any relevant medical evidence or a letter from your GP or specialist
• Confirmation of any treatment or medication that may affect your fitness to drive
• A request for the DVLA to confirm what happens next in the assessment process

What happens after you notify them

The DVLA may request further medical information, arrange for you to complete a questionnaire, or in some cases require a driving assessment before confirming you can continue driving. This process exists to keep you and other road users safe, not to automatically remove your licence — many people with notifiable conditions continue driving perfectly legally once properly assessed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will notifying the DVLA automatically mean I lose my licence?
Not necessarily — many conditions simply require monitoring or periodic reassessment rather than automatic revocation, particularly if well-controlled with treatment.

What if I'm not sure whether my condition needs to be notified?
The DVLA publishes detailed guidance on notifiable conditions, and your GP or specialist can also confirm whether your specific diagnosis requires notification.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Drivers Medical Group
DVLA
[Address - check gov.uk for the address for your condition]
[Date]

Dear [Name of Contact, or 'Sir / Madam'],

Subject: Notification of a medical condition that may affect my fitness to drive

I am writing to tell the DVLA about a medical condition that may affect my fitness to drive, as required by section 94 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

My details are:
• Full Name: [Your Name]
• Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
• Driver Number: [Your 16-character Driver Number, if known]

I have been diagnosed with, or have had a change in, the following medical condition:
• Condition: [e.g. Epilepsy / Diabetes treated with insulin / Sleep apnoea / an eyesight condition]
• Date of Diagnosis / Onset: [Date]
• Treatment or medication: [e.g. Insulin since [date] / CPAP machine]

My treating doctor is [Name of GP or Consultant] at [Name of Surgery or Hospital]. I am happy for you to contact my doctors for more information.

Please confirm you have received this and tell me what happens next with my licence.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

[Note for the page: In Northern Ireland, tell the DVA instead of the DVLA.]