Sleep apnoea and driving: DVLA rules and staying safe

Untreated sleep apnoea fragments sleep and causes daytime sleepiness, which raises the risk of road traffic collisions substantially. Falling asleep at the wheel can be fatal. The DVLA therefore requires notification when sleep apnoea causes excessive sleepiness, and medical advisers assess fitness to drive. The rules are described in the DVLA guide for medical professionals.

• Stop driving if you feel excessively sleepy at any time.

• Tell the DVLA if you are diagnosed with sleep apnoea and have excessive sleepiness.

• Follow medical advice about when it is safe to resume driving.

• Use your treatment as prescribed and attend follow-up.

• Tell your insurer, since failing to disclose a notifiable condition can invalidate insurance.

For car and motorcycle drivers, the DVLA may allow driving to resume once symptoms are controlled, usually with confirmation from a specialist and review at intervals. The DVLA may issue a licence for a limited period, depending on circumstances. Good control means treatment is used regularly and daytime sleepiness has resolved. If symptoms return, stop driving again and seek medical review.

Lorry and bus drivers have higher standards because of the risks they carry. Licence holders with sleep apnoea must have their condition well controlled with treatment and demonstrate compliance, often with machine usage data, and are reviewed regularly. Employers and occupational health services may be involved. Drivers should speak to their specialist and DVLA guidance promptly after diagnosis.

• Yawning repeatedly and heavy eyelids.

• Drifting between lanes or missing exits.

• Difficulty remembering the last few miles.

• Jerking awake or microsleeps.

• If these occur, find a safe place to stop, drink a caffeinated drink and take a short nap of around fifteen minutes before continuing, or do not continue.

Plan journeys to avoid your sleepiest times, take breaks every couple of hours and avoid driving after alcohol or sedating medicines. Use your CPAP or other treatment every night, including when travelling. If you are unsure whether you need to notify, ask your sleep specialist and check the DVLA guidance, or contact the DVLA directly.

Notifying the DVLA is separate from telling your motor insurer, and both matter. Insurers can ask whether you have a condition that must be reported to the DVLA, and an undisclosed condition may affect a claim. If driving is part of your job, speak to your employer or occupational health service early, because the rules can affect duties and they may be able to offer alternative tasks while you are being treated. Keep copies of letters from your specialist and any DVLA correspondence in case you need to show them.