DVLA Medical Appeals
Many of us assume that our right to drive is a given, but a driving licence is simply a permission to drive – and the DVLA can revoke or refuse that permission when there are grounds to do so.
If you’ve had your driving licence revoked, or if your driving licence application has been refused, we can help you.
When does the DVLA make medical decisions?
The DVLA assesses fitness to drive using legal and medical standards, information declared by the driver or applicant, third-party notifications (including clinicians, police, and concerned members of the public), and medical enquiries to healthcare professionals.
Common triggers include:
- A new diagnosis or deterioration of a medical condition
- Concerns raised by clinicians or other third parties
- Responses to DVLA medical questionnaires
The law
The legal framework sets out the duties of licence holders and applicants, as well as the DVLA’s powers.
Duty to notify the DVLA
Licence holders must tell the DVLA about any medical condition or disability that could affect their ability to drive safely. Failing to notify the DVLA – without a reasonable excuse – is a criminal offence.
DVLA’s powers
The DVLA can refuse a licence application or revoke an existing licence if the individual does not meet the required legal or medical standards. The DVLA may also issue a short-term licence to keep a person’s fitness to drive under regular review.
Legal standards and exceptions
Some disabilities are “prescribed” in law with specific criteria. If you meet the legal conditions for your disability, the DVLA should not refuse or revoke your licence. We can advise you on whether an exception applies.
Right to appeal
If the DVLA revokes or refuses your licence, you have the right to appeal to your local Magistrates’ Court.
The legal duty of the licence holder or applicant
When applying for a licence, you must declare whether you have - or have ever had - any relevant or prospective disability that could affect your ability to drive safely.
This duty continues throughout the life of your licence. If you develop a new relevant condition, or if an existing condition worsens, you must notify the DVLA.
There are limited exceptions. For example, if a new condition is expected to last less than three months, you may not need to notify the DVLA - but the rules are not always straightforward.
Some conditions that appear short-term may still require notification and a period off the road.
We can advise you precisely on your obligations and risks.
Conditions we regularly advise on
We support clients across both Group 1 (car/motorcycle) and Group 2 (bus/lorry) standards.
Examples include:
- Neurological disorders: Epilepsy, isolated seizures, loss of consciousness, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumours, traumatic brain injury, PoTS, visual inattention
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Diabetes
- Psychiatric disorders: anxiety and depression, psychotic disorder, mania, cognitive impairment, dementia
- Drug or alcohol misuse or dependence
- Visual disorders: visual field defects, uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy
- Mental health & dependency: severe mental disorder, persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol
Where conditions aren’t "prescribed" in law, the DVLA relies on its medical guidance. Understanding and evidencing how your specific circumstances meet the legal standards and would not render you a danger on the road is often decisive.
Meet an expert
Our team includes Philip Somarakis, the leading lawyer for driving licence medical appeals. Philip’s experience and knowhow will be used to make sure you’ve got the best chance of getting a licence or getting your licence back.
We’re here to help
Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
0370 1500 100
Why choose us for DVLA medical appeals
We specialise in supporting individuals through the complex process of challenging DVLA decisions to revoke a driving licence or toor refuse a driving licence application on medical grounds.
Losing your licence can have devastating consequences for your work, independence and family life. We act quickly to review the DVLA’s decision, gather the right medical evidence, and, where appropriate, submit an appeal to the Magistrates’ Court. Our aim is always to resolve cases without a contested hearing wherever possible.
We stay fully up to date with the legal framework and the DVLA’s medical standards. This means the advice we give you on whether a decision can be challenged is accurate, realistic and fully informed.
Time is critical when appealing DVLA decisions. Contact our team as soon as possible to protect your position.
What you can expect from us
Clear advice on your legal position and prospects of success
A tailored evidence plan (medical questionnaires, GP or specialist opinions, further testing)
Proactive liaison with DVLA to address gaps or inaccuracies
- Time-critical support to meet the six-month appeal deadline
“We investigate each case thoroughly and advise whether a DVLA decision can be challenged. Often, additional medical evidence or clarification unlocks a positive outcome.” - Loren Hills, Associate Chartered Legal Executive
Our process
What happens when you instruct us- 01Rapid case assessment
We obtain and review the DVLA file, confirm why your licence has been refused or revoked, explain the legal and medical standards that apply, and advise you on your options.
- 02Evidence strategy
We identify any missing or disputed information and, if needed, arrange targeted medical evidence (GP reports, consultant assessments, visual fields, diagnostic testing).
- 03DVLA engagement
We prepare focused submissions to correct inaccurate or incomplete information and provide a clear argument for why you meet the required standards.
- 04Appeal preparation
If an appeal is in your best interests, we prepare the application to the Magistrates’ Court, manage deadlines, and represent you throughout.
- 05Resolution
Many cases conclude without a contested hearing. If a hearing is required, we present robust medical and legal arguments on your behalf.
Making an enquiry
We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we're able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.
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