Health and Driving in 2026. What Every Driver Needs To Know Before Getting Behind The Wheel
- Christopher Cook
- Nov 19, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 7
Most of us see driving as something routine. You get in the car, start the engine and move away without thinking about the dozens of skills working quietly in the background. What many drivers forget is that safe driving depends on your physical health, your mental health and your general wellbeing. A change in any of these can affect your ability to drive safely. In some cases it can also affect your legal right to drive.
This guide is here to support every driver in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. Whether you are learning to drive, have recently passed your test, have been driving for years or are returning after illness, surgery or time away from the road, this blog will help you understand what the law says and what sensible steps you can take to stay safe.
At DTMK Driving School we regularly support people who are recovering from surgery, managing long term conditions, adjusting to new medication or simply unsure whether they feel ready for the road again. A short supervised session in a dual controlled car can make a huge difference to confidence and safety. It gives you a calm space to check how you feel before you return to independent driving.
Let us take this step by step.
Why your health changes the way you drive
Driving requires far more than basic vehicle control. You need clear vision, good judgement, smooth coordination, steady concentration and the ability to react quickly. You also need enough physical strength to brake firmly, steer without difficulty and maintain control during emergency situations. When even one of these areas is affected your driving can be affected too.
Some common examples include:
blurred or reduced vision
difficulty focusing for long periods
feeling light headed or drowsy
delayed reaction time
limited movement due to pain or stiffness
reduced strength after illness or surgery
anxiety or reduced confidence following a medical event
These changes might be temporary or long term. Either way, it is important to notice them early and take action before something goes wrong.
When you must tell the DVLA
You must tell the DVLA if you have a medical condition or a change in your health that could affect your ability to drive safely. The DVLA keeps a full A to Z list of conditions on the GOV.UK website. If your condition is on that list, you must check the rules.
You must tell the DVLA if:
you develop a new condition that affects safe driving
an existing condition becomes worse
you have surgery or treatment that limits your ability to drive for three months or more
your doctor advises you not to drive
you have a medical incident such as a seizure, blackout, loss of consciousness or stroke
you cannot meet the eyesight standard for driving
If you fail to tell the DVLA when required you can be fined up to one thousand pounds. Your insurance is also likely to be invalid if a medical issue contributed to a crash and you failed to declare it. This can leave you personally liable for costs.
The message is simple. If in doubt, check the DVLA list and ask. It is always safer to inform them than to ignore a possible issue.
Medication, alcohol and drugs
Medication is an important topic because many people do not realise that some legally prescribed medicines can affect concentration, alertness and reaction time. These effects can make you unsafe even if you took the medication correctly.
You should avoid driving if a medicine causes:
drowsiness
blurred vision
dizziness
slower reactions
reduced coordination
confusion or poor focus
Always read the leaflet. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you feel unsure. If you are starting a new medicine it is sensible to avoid driving for the first day or two until you know how your body reacts.
The law is also clear on alcohol and illegal drugs. Driving while impaired is a criminal offence. The limits for drug driving are extremely low and can include some prescription medicines if they are taken in the wrong dose or misused. If a doctor has warned you not to drive, you must follow their advice.
Recent surgery, illness and recovery
After surgery or a major illness, your strength, awareness and movement may be reduced even if you feel fine when sitting still. Pain can distract you. Stiffness can slow your reactions. Fatigue can hit suddenly. All these issues can change your ability to drive safely.
You should not drive until you can:
comfortably press the foot brake with full force
turn your body to check blind spots without pain
maintain full control of the steering wheel
move smoothly and react quickly in an emergency
stay alert for the full length of your journey
If your recovery will take three months or more, the DVLA must be informed. Even if it is short term, you must not drive until you are safe.
This is where many drivers choose to book a short supervised session with DTMK Driving School. We can help you practise in a dual controlled car and check how your body responds in real conditions. It is one of the safest ways to return to driving after a break.
Long term health conditions
Some health conditions require DVLA notification, while others only require sensible management. Common conditions that affect fitness to drive include:
diabetes
epilepsy and seizure related conditions
heart conditions
visual conditions
neurological conditions
sleep disorders
dizziness or fainting
mental health conditions that affect awareness or judgement
The DVLA guidance is very clear. If a condition affects your ability to drive safely, you must report it. If your condition is stable and you meet the driving standards, you can usually continue to drive.
Again, the safest action is to check the A to Z list on GOV.UK. It is completely updated and simple to follow.
Returning to driving after illness or time away
Many people feel unsure when returning to driving after an operation, a long stay in hospital or a period of reduced confidence. This is normal. A supervised session in a dual-controlled car can give you a safe environment to check your reactions and comfort before returning to your normal driving routine.
DTMK Driving School offers:
confidence sessions in a dual controlled car
supervised drives to assess readiness
support for drivers recovering from illness
gentle refresher sessions for anyone feeling nervous
structured guidance for returning to the road safely
For some people this is a single forty minute drive. For most it is worth taking an hour or two. The important thing is that you feel supported, confident and safe before you drive on your own.
Insurance, safety and common sense
Even if the DVLA does not require you to report your condition, you may still need to tell your insurance company. If they believe that you knew something could affect your driving and did not inform them, they can refuse to pay out after a collision.
This is a very common issue after:
medication changes
fainting episodes
temporary mobility problems
mental health changes
eyesight changes
Honesty protects you. Insurance companies respond far better to someone who reports early and follows medical advice than someone who keeps quiet.
Practical tips for drivers in Milton Keynes
Book regular eyesight checks.
Review your medication and side effects if you feel different behind the wheel.
Do not drive when tired, unwell or recovering from sedation or anaesthetic.
Ask your doctor directly whether you are safe to drive.
Contact the DVLA if a condition affects you for three months or more.
Speak to DTMK Driving School if you want a supervised session to check your confidence or ability.
Reduce night driving during periods of illness or fatigue.
Keep a simple log of symptoms if something feels unusual.
These steps keep you and those around you safe.
Final thoughts
Driving is a skill that changes as your life changes. Good health, clear judgement and steady concentration make the road safer for everyone. If you are recovering from illness, managing a long term condition or uncertain about whether you feel safe behind the wheel, you are not alone. There is support available from your doctor, from the DVLA guidance pages and from us at DTMK Driving School.
If you would like a supervised session in a dual controlled car to check your confidence or ability after a health change, just send us a message. We are here to help you return to safe and confident driving at your own pace.
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