Around 600,000 drivers are in jeopardy of losing their licence due to a simple DVLA rule, according to an expert.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk has warned that the rule impacts individuals with certain health conditions, such as epilepsy or those who have experienced strokes that could render them unsuitable for driving.
Drivers need to be seizure-free for a year to maintain their licence, and any seizure involving a loss of consciousness while awake in the previous year may result in revocation of driving privileges. This measure aims to protect not only the individual but also other road users, Nottingham Live reports.
Greg commented: “In order to be able to drive you must have been seizure-free for 12 months, if someone is said to have had a seizure whilst awake, their licence will be revoked and after six months they may be able to have it back with a medical advisors go ahead.”
According to statistics from Epilepsy Action cited by the Express, around 630,000 people in the UK live with epilepsy, approximately one in every 100 individuals. Epilepsy can affect people at any stage of life.
GOV. UK further instructs: “You must tell DVLA if you’ve had any epileptic seizures or blackouts. You must stop driving straight away.”
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It also warns that failing to report a condition affecting your ability to drive could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and possible prosecution in the event of an accident.
Sufferers of medical conditions leading to licence revocation should note that this does not necessarily mean a lifetime ban from driving. In a move offering reassurance to drivers affected by seizures triggered by alterations to their anti-epilepsy meds, officials have declared an updated protocol permitting them to reapply for their licence sooner.
In instances where the seizure took place more than six months ago and the driver has resumed their initial medication, they can anticipate a favourable response on their application.
Moreover, people who experience seizures that do not interfere with consciousness may be granted a licence, especially if their first episode was over a year ago and they were completely alert throughout.
As further clarification, GOV. UK imparts advice: “DVLA will let you know whether or not you qualify after you’ve filled in the form. Until you hear from them you must stop driving.”
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