What's Changing
DVLA's online medical service now covers a wider range of conditions for car and motorcycle licence holders. DVLA says reporting online can save up to 10 days for a decision compared with a paper application.
You can check how around 1,600 medical conditions may affect your driving on GOV.UK, then tell DVLA online where you need to. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can track your application online.
In many cases, DVLA can take the first step within 24 hours, such as referring your application to a healthcare professional. Drivers with more than one medical condition can also renew their licence online for the first time, and medical licence holders can renew their licence photo at the same time.
This is a change to how you tell DVLA. You must still tell DVLA if you develop a notifiable condition, or one you already have gets worse.
When It Starts And Who It Affects
DVLA announced the wider online service on 17 August 2026, so it isn't brand new. More than 60,000 drivers have already used it, and DVLA says it's seeing exceptionally high demand for medical applications.
It applies to car and motorcycle licence holders. It doesn't cover:
- bus, coach and lorry licence holders, who still have to send a form or questionnaire to DVLA
- drivers in Northern Ireland, who must contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) instead
If you hold a lorry or bus licence, here's what DVLA medical licence delays mean for HGV drivers.
You must tell DVLA if you develop a notifiable condition, or one you already have gets worse. Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely, such as epilepsy, strokes, glaucoma, sleep apnoea, some heart conditions and diabetes treated with insulin.
What It Means For Your Car Insurance
The new service makes the DVLA step quicker. It doesn't answer what your insurer needs to know.
DVLA's announcement doesn't say what the change means for insurance. So if you have a medical condition, or DVLA makes a decision about your licence, ask your insurer whether they need to know. Telling DVLA is its own step.
DVLA is the one that decides whether you can keep your licence. If a condition or disability affects how you drive, see our page on car insurance for disabled drivers.
What To Do Now
GOV.UK says not telling DVLA about a condition that might affect your driving can mean a fine of up to £1,000. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.
If you've had an operation, here's when you need to tell DVLA after surgery.
You can compare car insurance quotes when you're ready.
Telling DVLA About A Medical Condition
For car and motorcycle licence holders.
Check If Your Condition Is Notifiable
GOV.UK shows how around 1,600 medical conditions may affect your driving. Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely.
Tell DVLA Online If You Need To
The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can track your application online.
Surrender Your Licence If Told To
You must surrender your licence to DVLA if your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more.
Wait For Dvla's Decision
DVLA decides whether you can keep your licence. In many cases it takes the first step within 24 hours.
Ask Your Insurer
DVLA's announcement doesn't cover insurance, so check with your insurer whether they need to know.
From DVLA's 17 August 2026 announcement and GOV.UK's driving with medical conditions guidance, checked 30 October 2026. Bus, coach and lorry licence holders use forms. Northern Ireland drivers contact the DVA.
FAQs
Can I Tell DVLA About A Medical Condition Online?
Yes, if you hold a car or motorcycle licence. DVLA's online service covers a wider range of conditions, runs 24/7 and lets you track your application. Bus, coach and lorry licence holders still send a form, and Northern Ireland drivers contact the DVA.
Should I Tell My Insurer As Well As DVLA?
It depends on your insurer. DVLA's announcement doesn't cover insurance, so ask them whether they need to know about your condition or any DVLA decision.
What Happens If I Don't Tell DVLA About A Medical Condition?
You could be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell DVLA about a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.
