A Guide to Informing the Licensing Authorities about Disabilities & Medical Conditions

Informing the Licensing Authorities about Disabilities & Medical Conditions

As the jurisdiction of the NABD covers mainland UK, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary repetition, this article will primarily focus on the situation relevant to mainland UK,  however, contact details and links to the medical declaration forms that are specific to each of the other territories are provided via a link at the end of this document.

You are legally obliged to notify the relevant licensing authority if you have a disability or medical condition that affects your ability to ride a motorcycle or operate its controls safely.  This requirement also applies to certain long-term medications.

For further information and a list of notifiable disabilities, illnesses and/or health conditions see: http://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

For a list of notifiable medications, see: http://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law

NB. Failure to notify the DVLA can result in a fine up to £1,000, prosecution in the event of an accident, and invalidation of insurance.

Don’t Panic:

It is quite natural for people worry about their licence being revoked if they declare a notifiable disability or medical condition to the DVLA, but most physical disabilities (e.g. amputations, brachial plexus injuries, paralysis from spinal cord injuries, arthritic or musculoskeletal problems) do not typically result in license revocation these days, thanks in part to the work of the NABD over the past 30+years.

A requirement to re-take a motorcycle is also extremely uncommon.

When the DVLA require additional confirmation of an individual’s fitness to ride they may require a motorcycle or trike assessment.  The NABD Chairman has carried out a number of these assessments for the DVLA over the years but rarely more than one or two in any single year, which illustrates just how infrequently they are required.

The most common outcome of declaring a physical disability is simply the relevant code (or codes) being added to a motorcycle licence denoting the required control adaptations.

Making a Declaration:

To declare a notifiable disability or medical condition to the DVLA, complete this form and send it off with your licence.  Always make a copy of both sides of your licence (clear photographs or scans) before sending it off.
http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/395956/G1.pdf

There is no requirement to stop riding while waiting for a response, unless specifically told not to by your doctor or specialist.

NABD Support:

If you need help or advice to complete the medical notification form, contact the NABD (quoting your membership number, or you can join at the time) and we will be happy to help.

If a member of the NABD disagrees with a DVLA determination over their fitness to ride a motorcycle or trike, the NABD may be able to make representations to the DVLA on their behalf, but we will only if we are convinced they have a valid case, because we are not in the business of putting people’s lives at risk by supporting a refusal to face reality.

*  For details and declaration forms for medical notifications in Northern Ireland, The Republic of Ireland, The Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, see: https://nabd.org.uk/driving-licence-medical-notification-uk/.  

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman