Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's ability to check the competence of drivers following convictions and, in the case of older drivers, renewing their licences, (2) the rigour with which medical practitioners and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency judge medical evidence in such cases, and (3) whether the driver is effectively kept informed during these processes.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s role in the driving endorsement process, is to record information provided by the court service in Great Britain. The courts are responsible for the conviction and sentencing of individuals who commit road traffic offences. The DVLA receives notifications of driving endorsements, including penalty points and disqualifications from the courts which are then recorded on the individual’s driving licence record. The DVLA is not responsible for checking driving competence following a conviction.

Everyone renewing their driving licence at the age of 70 and above must declare any relevant medical conditions and whether they can meet the eyesight requirements for driving. It is an offence to make a false declaration. If a driver of any age notifies the DVLA of a medical condition, an investigation will be carried out. This investigation can involve requesting information from the individual’s healthcare professionals or the driving licence holder/applicant may be asked to attend a medical examination or a driving assessment.

The DVLA assesses the information obtained during a medical investigation against the medical standards of fitness to drive and only those who can meet the standards will be issued with a driving licence. Drivers who meet the standards but have medical conditions that are progressive and are likely to deteriorate will be issued with a driving licence of shorter duration so that their continuing ability to drive safely can be assessed more regularly.

The DVLA provides customers with confirmation of when the investigation has started, when further information is being requested from healthcare professionals or if drivers are required to attend an examination or driving assessment. The DVLA may also contact customers if there is a delay, when more information is needed or when a licensing decision has been made.