Stroke/TIA on ____________________   Consultant: _______________________

You have had a stroke or TIA. This can affect your ability to drive.

You must not drive for at least one month from the date of your stroke/TIA.

If, after a month you feel all symptoms from your stroke/TIA have resolved, we recommend you discuss returning to driving with your GP before doing so, especially if you have any concerns.

You must inform the DVLA (and not drive until approved by DVLA) if:
  • You have a visual field loss, visual inattention/neglect, or double vision
  • You have had Sudden-onset disabling dizziness (Caused by stroke)
  • You had brain surgery as part of your treatment
  • You had a seizure
  • You are a lorry/bus driver (LGV/PCV - Group 2 licence)
  • Your doctor is concerned about your ability to drive safely.
  • If, one month after the stroke, you are still experiencing weakness of arms or legs (that affects physical operation of the standard controls of a manual transmission vehicle), or you have problems with co-ordination, with memory or with understanding.

It is your responsibility to inform DVLA about any medical condition that may affect your driving. Failure to inform the DVLA may result in a fine and/or prosecution if you are involved in an accident.

We advise you let your driving insurance company know of your new stroke diagnosis. If you choose to ignore medical advice to stop driving, this may affect your insurance cover.

The final decision in relation to driver licensing is made by the DVLA.

How do I inform the DVLA?

Contact the DVLA by phone, letter or email. Briefly explain what has happened to you. You should include your driving licence number. You do not need to send your licence off as well.

 Further information:

By phone: DVLA Medical Enquiries, Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm and Sat 8am to 2pm             

Telephone: 0300 790 6806

What happens next?
  • The DVLA will normally send you a medical questionnaire (B1 form) asking you to give details of your injury and how it affects you. To save time you can get this from www.gov.uk/government/publications/b1-online-confidential-medical-information . They will ask for your permission to contact your GP and \ or your consultant.
  • If you refuse to give permission, they can legally and automatically take away your licence.
  • The DVLA will use the information you provide and, if needed, will contact your GP or consultant asking for more details.
  • Trained staff and medical advisors who make the licensing decisions consider all the information. They work to guidelines issued by the Secretary of State’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel.
  • The DVLA aim to respond within 6 weeks and will let you know their decision.
What can the DVLA decide?

They can conclude one of the following:

  • You may be allowed to keep your licence or get a new one.
  • Your licence may be withdrawn or your application turned down. If so, the reason for this will be explained to you. You will be told when you can re-apply for a licence e.g. 6 months or 1 year later.
  • You may be given a time-limited licence which is valid for up to 5 years. After this your fitness to keep driving will be re-assessed.
  • You may be asked to take a driving assessment at a mobility centre, or to have an eye test or driving test before a final decision is made.
  • Your licence may require you to have special controls fitted to the vehicle that you drive. This will help you to overcome any physical disability.
Can I appeal against any decision?

The DVLA will explain why they made the decision and when you can reapply for your licence, if this is suitable. They will also send you a notice. This will explain your right to appeal to a magistrates’ court.

I have received a copy of this form:

Signature:

Print: 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302