During COVID many drivers’ licences have expired and the DVLA gave extensions so that they could continue to drive and work. For many drivers though, this extension is coming to an end. 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.
We would like to advise our patients of the following :
It is not within the GPs scope of practice to advise patients whether or not they are fit to drive. The role of the GP is to provide factual information to the DVLA so that their expert medical advisers can decide upon fitness.
There is risk to our GPs if an opinion is given that someone is fit, and then has an accident; or if their opinion is that someone is not fit, which may adversely affect the long term relationship with that patient. For these reasons, our surgery cannot confirm fitness to drive and can only provide a patient’s medical record for the DVLA experts to review. Patients can access their own records via the NHS app or patient access. If you need support in accessing your medical record, please let us know.