These motorists told to ‘stop driving’ for 30 days due to DVLA law

Motorists suffering from strokes must take a break from the roads (Image: Getty)

Certain motorists may be told to “stop driving” for one month due to a simple DVLA rule many are likely unaware of. 

Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, has outlined certain medical conditions where individuals should not get behind the wheel. 

Some conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea may cause road users to be drowsy in a possible safety risk.

However, motorists may not realise that individuals who have just suffered a stroke should effectively hang up their driving licence and take an extended break from their vehicles. 

Strokes occur when the blood flow to the brain is cut off and can affect speech and movement. 

The DVLA needs to be informed if a motorists condition deteriorates (Image: Getty)

Greg admits it is “possible” that stroke victims may recover enough to get behind the wheel sooner rather than later but some time off after suffering issues was vital.

He said: “After having a stroke it is possible that you may be able to drive again in the future, but initially you must stop driving for one month after having a stroke. 

“If you have returned back to normal health after a month, you can start driving again, however the DVLA needs to be informed if health problems still persist for longer than a month after the stroke.”

According to GOV.UK, road users “must stop driving straight away if you’ve had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)”.

GOV.UK added: “You must stop driving for at least 1 month. You can restart only when your doctor tells you it is safe.

“You do not need to tell DVLA if you had a stroke and have recovered.”

However, individuals must get in touch with the DVLA if they continue to suffer from weakness in the arms and legs after one month. 

Problems with eyesight such as visual field loss or double vision or any balance, memory or understanding issues are also a cause for concern.

Officials stress road users can be fined up to £1,000 if road users do not tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects their driving. 

Experts at the Stroke Association also warn motorists must tell their car insurance provider about a stroke or TIA as soon as possible. 

They admit that failing to tell a provider about the condition could risk invalidating their agreement. 

This means road users are not covered and drivers could lose their licence for travelling without valid insurance in place.