ADHD, driving and medication: the UK rules explained

The DVLA expects drivers to notify it of conditions that could affect driving. For ADHD, the DVLA guidance for medical professionals says that notification is required when symptoms affect the ability to drive safely, and describes different considerations for the severity of symptoms. Many people with ADHD have no need to notify. If you are unsure, discuss it with your clinician and check the DVLA guidance for the current position.

Difficulty sustaining attention, getting distracted, impulsive decisions, risk-taking and slow response to hazards can affect driving. Research suggests that people with untreated ADHD have higher rates of crashes and traffic offences on average. Medication may improve driving performance in some people, although the effect varies and depends on timing and dose.

It is an offence in Great Britain to drive with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood, and amphetamine is one of them. There is a medical defence if the drug was taken as prescribed, provided you are not impaired. Not all ADHD medicines contain amphetamine, but lisdexamfetamine and dexamfetamine are amphetamine-type. Whether or not a drug is on the specified list, it is an offence to drive while impaired by any drug.

• Know how your medicine affects you, including when the effect starts and wears off.

• Avoid driving while adjusting to a new medicine or dose until you know how it affects you.

• Take medicines at consistent times and do not take extra doses.

• Do not drive if you feel drowsy, jittery or unable to concentrate.

• Limit distractions: use hands-free systems minimally and set navigation before you start.

• Take breaks on long journeys and avoid driving when very tired.

Keep a copy of the prescription or a letter from your prescriber in the car or on your phone, naming the medicine and dose. This can help if you are stopped by police and tested. Keep medicines in their original packaging.

Learners should tell the examiner of any condition that may affect driving if asked and follow DVLA guidance. Tell your insurer if you have notified the DVLA or if the licensing position changes. Failing to disclose relevant conditions can affect cover.

Many people never raise driving with their prescriber, yet it is a sensible topic for any review. Describe how you feel when the medicine is working and when it wears off, whether your concentration drops on longer journeys and whether you have had near misses or penalty points. Ask whether the timing of your dose could be adjusted to cover the times you usually drive. If you rely on driving for work, ask for a letter that can be shown to an employer or insurer, and keep your own record of when you take each dose.