Drivers on three medications could be warned by DVLA to stop driving

The could instruct drivers with certain medical conditions to "stop driving", especially if they're on specific medications, warns Greg Wilson, founder of insurance specialists Quotezone.co.uk.

Wilson cautioned that individuals taking "strong medications" might be at risk of losing their driving licences. This includes a range of drugs from opioid painkillers and tranquillisers to "certain antidepressants". The concern is that these medications can induce "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."

The added: "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", reports . The term "excessive sleepiness", as used by the DVLA, refers to a level of fatigue that negatively impacts or has the potential to impact driving. When DVLA guidance mentions "drowsiness", it's referring to this excessive sleepiness.

If you're grappling with moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS), which includes excessive sleepiness, it's crucial that you refrain from driving until your Sleep Clinic has confirmed that your OSAS is under control, your sleepiness is no longer excessive, and you are complying with CPAP treatment. It's mandatory to inform the DVLA. The DVLA will need medical confirmation that your symptoms are under control.

If your driving license has already been revoked, you can then apply for its restoration. In cases where excessive sleepiness is present and 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 mentioned earlier will apply. However, if mild OSAS is diagnosed, you only need to notify the DVLA if your excessive sleepiness cannot be controlled within three months.