DVLA – PATIENT REQUESTING GP APPROVAL FOR FITNESS TO DRIVE

Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988

During COVID many drivers’ licences have expired. The DVLA initially gave extensions so that drivers could continue to drive and work. For many drivers however, this extension is coming to an end.

Some Drivers are now being told by the DVLA to ask their GP if they are “fit to drive” so that they can continue to drive under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA 1988). The DVLA has produced a leaflet which explains RTA 1988.

It is not the place of the GP to provide an opinion as to an individual’s fitness to drive per se, but they may offer to provide DVLA with factual information about the patient’s health, with their consent.

In normal circumstances a practice may provide a factual report for the DVLA so that their expert medical advisers will decide upon fitness. If a GP chooses to produce a bespoke report prepared for the patient to be sent to the DVLA on their behalf, a reasonable fee may be charged as this is not NHS work.

Please check practice websites/noticeboards as to what their policy is.