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Reporting to DVLA
I have just seen the page about this: https://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/dvla-rules-for-driving-with-sleep-apno...
It says that those who do not have daytime sleepiness (like me) do not have to notify DVLA, but there is an exception to this. I recently turned 70 and had to renew my licence, and shall have to do so every three years from now on. I was contacted three months in advance but they said an online application would take only 10 days so I left it until less than a month before my birthday. I had to declare all my medical conditions and they did require me to provide a doctor's report to certify that I didn't have daytime sleepiness. It delayed the issue of my new licence and I didn't get the new one until a couple of weeks after the old one expired (they did allow me to continue driving).
This is just a reminder that if you are renewing your driving licence on grounds of age, you will have to make a medical declaration, and if you mention OSA they will require a medical report. They should remind you three months ahead and it's a good idea to do it early, to give time to provide the necessary information.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on
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Thanks for bringing this up Antony as it's going to cause confusion like it did with you. The most important word when completing the form is 'Syndrome,' ie Sleep Apnoea 'Syndrome.' The DVLA call it Sleep Apnoea 'Syndrome' = syndrome meaning with excessive daytime sleepiness. If you omit the word 'syndrome' and you have just Sleep Apnoea (with no excessive daytime sleepiness) then you wouldn't need to tick that box.
It's similar to the one at the top about Diabetes where they state "no need to notify us if you have diabetes controlled by tablets or other injections......................................" It's a pity DVLA don't explain it for sleep apnoea, but I guess they think they have by putting 'syndrome' meaning with symptoms of excessive sleepiness.
This is why on the page on our website you've quoted we've copied word-for-word from the DVLA's website what they say about whether Sleep Apnoea 'Syndrome' needs reporting or not https://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/dvla-rules-for-driving-with-sleep-apno... - see screenshot below:-
Here's a sentence the sleep consultant who does our own sleep studies at the charity puts on the patient reports when diagnosing someone with obstructive sleep apnoea without excessive daytime sleepiness, according to their Epworth Sleepiness Score:-
Hope this lengthy reply helps with yet more confusion with the DVLA, explaining how they only want drivers to report to them if they have Sleep Apnoea 'Syndrome.'
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Permalink Reply by Antony Warren on
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Thanks Kath, I'll hope that they don't pick up on it if I don't tick that box in three years time! I'll apply in good time just in case.
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DVLA just create problems by not being clear about things. At least you won't need to tick the box next time as it says 'a condition you haven't reported before.' Glad this came up though as we get lots of DVLA queries at the charity.
Antony Warren said:Thanks Kath, I'll hope that they don't pick up on it if I don't tick that box in three years time! I'll apply in good time just in case.
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