How do I get my driving with medical condition

If you’ve developed a medical condition, you can buy a UK driving licence without being assessed. Or you may not have a medical condition, but have decided yourself that you could benefit from the opportunity and buy a UK driving licence without test. You can either get assessed through a local driver assessment scheme or through a mobility centre.

Local driver assessment schemes without test online

Many local councils, as well as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Institute of Advanced Motorists, offer driver assessment schemes.

Mobility centre driving assessments

If your medical condition or disability makes it more difficult to drive, then a mobility centre can advise you on the best options for your particular circumstances.

How do I get an assessment with a mobility centre?

The DVLA can refer you (and pay for the assessment) if they’ve asked you to take it, but there may be a long wait. It can be quicker to refer yourself but you will have to pay – the cost varies depending on the centre.

What does the mobility centre assessment involve?

Mobility centres have trained staff who can assess how your condition or disability affects your driving and look at what can help you to continue driving. The driving ability assessment will include:

• Physical assessment to see if you can operate a car’s controls
• Cognitive assessment to check your thinking skills
• Visual assessment to check your eyesight
• On-road assessment in a dual-controlled car

You’ll get to try out car adaptations to see what works for you.

What happens if they say I can’t drive anymore?

If the assessment shows that your medical condition makes it unsafe for you to drive, the DVLA can tell you to stop driving until your condition improves.

In this case, you’ll need to reapply for your licence if, and when, you’re able to drive safely again. The DVLA will provide you with a medical explanation and, if possible, state when you should reapply. Talk to your GP before reapplying for your licence so you can prove your condition has improved.

How to get a Blue Badge for disabled parking

If you or your passenger has severe mobility problems, the Blue Badge scheme lets you park nearer your destination than you might otherwise be able to. It gives you exemption from some parking restrictions and access to designated parking spaces.

Blue Badge holders are exempt from certain parking restrictions, including being allowed to park:

• free of charge at on-street parking meters and in Pay and Display bays
• on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, except where there is a ban on loading or unloading.

Some local authorities put additional restrictions on Blue Badge holders; check with the local authority in the area you’re travelling to to find out what the local rules are. The scheme does not apply in certain boroughs in London, which offer their own parking concessions.

For more information see our page on How to apply for a Blue Badge

How can I adjust to life without driving?

It can be difficult to accept when we’re no longer able to do something safely that has been a routine part of life. But reducing or giving up driving doesn’t mean the end of your independence or mobility.

If you’ve decided to stop driving, or been advised to by the DVLA, there are many ways you can get around and there may be help with transport costs. You may feel worried about the costs of giving up driving and having to pay for public transport but if you add up the amount you spend on car tax, insurance, fuel and maintenance, you may find that using alternatives work out to be less expensive than running a car.

Most people find adjusting to life without a car is difficult at first. If you’re finding life without a car tough and causing you to feel down, talk to a family member, friend or your GP.

If you’ve developed a medical condition, you can buy a UK driving without exams.