Neurological conditions and driving. Can I Hold a Bus/lorry Licence If I Have Had a Stroke?
This is relevant if you had had a stroke. Or if you have had one or more Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA). Also known as mini-strokes, because these both result in disruption to the blood flow to the brain. In the case of a TIA the effects resolve within 24 hours. Whereas with a stroke the effects last longer and may be permanent.
What is a stroke? Click here for info on this condition
What is a TIA? Click here for info on this condition
If you have had a Neurological issue like a stroke or TIA, you can not hold a bus/lorry entitlement for at least on year. And you must inform DVLA. You will not be able to recover your licence without further evaluation. Most likely by a specialist. This may involve scans or exercise tolerance tests to enable the DVLA to reach a decision.
If you have had a stroke or TIA you must inform DVLA using Form STR1 which can be found here
Following an isolated stroke or TIA, if there is imaging evidence of less than 50% carotid artery stenosis and there is no previous history of cardiovascular disease, a licence may be issued without the need for functional cardiac assessment. Patients with recurrent TIAs or strokes will be required to undergo functional cardiac testing.
I Have Been Diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease – Do I Have To Give My Licence Up?
Not necessarily but you must inform the DVLA using Form PK1 which can be found here
What really matters is that you are able to safely control the vehicle. And that any impairments do not adversely affect this. If the condition is not causing a disability which affects driving then the DVLA will consider issuing a bus/lorry licence. You may need to provide a report from your specialist. The licence may well be subject to annual review to check if anything has changed with your ability to drive.
I Have Had A Head Injury – Can I Drive?
Ultimately it depends on how serious the head injury was and how this has affected you. The main concern here is whether or not there is an increased risk of having a seizure later on.
If you have had a serious neurological injury – For example:
- being knocked unconscious for more than a minute
- having amnesia as a result
- having to be admitted to hospital for treatment or observation
- then you must not drive and you must inform the DVLA using Form B1V which can be found here
You can apply to regain your licence in as few as three months after the event provided
- You have fully recovered;
- You have not had any subsequent seizures;
- Your brain scan is clear of any lasting damage.
The DVLA will most likely require information from the specialist treating you. The point on which the DVLA will need information is whether your annual risk of having a seizure is 2% or lower. If it is then you stand a good chance of being relicensed. Be aware that in more serious and severe cases of head injury it may take 2-3 years for your risk of seizure to fall as low at 2%.
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