Certain drivers could be forced to surrender their licences to the DVLA if they fail to meet medical standards to be behind the wheel.
Motorists are required to self-certify whether they are fit to operate a vehicle, with the UK not having any age-related rules on when someone needs to stop driving.
Drivers must inform the DVLA of any medical conditions that could impact their ability to use a vehicle, with common reasons including having diabetes, sleep apnoea and glaucoma.
While these factors will not lead to them losing their licence or being forbidden from having one, the DVLA needs to be informed of the medical conditions, especially if they worsen since they last applied for a licence.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Some drivers may want to surrender their driving licences to the DVLA
GETTY/DVLA
There have been growing calls in recent years for rules to be introduced which would require motorists to prove that they are still capable of driving to a high standard.
Proposals have included a mandatory eyesight test when applying for every licence, a check-up with their GP before they apply or even an age limit on when drivers need to give up their licence.
Some have noted that any changes to the way licences are administered could have an impact on certain drivers because elderly drivers need to renew their licences every three years, rather than every 10 years for younger age groups.
Some motorists may be confident in their decision to give up driving if they feel they could pose a danger to themselves or other motorists by staying behind the wheel.
Drivers can voluntarily surrender their licence if:
- Their doctor tells them to stop driving for three months or more
- Their medical condition affects their ability to drive safely and lasts for three months or more
- They do not meet the required medical standards for safe driving because of their medical condition
The GOV.UK website states that surrendering a licence "makes it easier to reapply for a new one" if someone wants to get behind the wheel again in the future.
When reapplying after surrendering their licence, the DVLA will carry out medical checks to decide if they are safe enough to get back on the road.
The Government also suggests that motorists can have their driving assessed in a confidential and objective test from organisations including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and IAM RoadSmart.
When surrendering their licence for a medical reason if they have a car or motorcycle, they must download the "declaration of voluntary surrender" form.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Car tax changes launching in two weeks will create 'barrier' for millions of drivers - 'Unhelpful'
- Petrol and diesel drivers issued dire warning as UK ranks in Europe's 'top five costliest countries' for fuel
- Car tax rule could see drivers hit with £2,500 DVLA fine for parking vehicles on public roads
Some road safety experts have called for mandatory eye tests to be introduced for motorists when they renew their licences
PAThis form needs to be sent to the DVLA office in Swansea and requires drivers to give their diagnosis and enclose their driving licence.
If the licence is not enclosed, the driver must explain why and give a brief explanation. Potential reasons could include if it is lost or stolen.
Drivers of buses, coaches or lorries must download and send a VOC99/CERT form to the DVLA which gives them options on why they are surrendering their licence.
