Sleep Apnea and Driving: Your Great Britain DVLA Checklist

If you have confirmed moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) with excessive sleepiness, do not drive. In Great Britain, you must notify DVLA. Contact your doctor about the driving restrictions and treatment plan.¹²³

Record three answers

• Notification: Use GOV.UK’s² reporting route for your licence type. Car or motorcycle and bus, coach or lorry licences have different reporting arrangements.¹

• Clinical advice: Ask your doctor to explain how your symptoms and necessary treatment affect driving. GOV.UK² says not to drive until excessive sleepiness has resolved or symptoms are controlled and necessary treatment is strictly followed.¹

• Next review: Ask: “How will we assess symptom control, and what must happen before I can drive again?”

Having a CPAP machine does not answer that question by itself. Get your individual driving advice clarified rather than treating possession of equipment as clearance.¹³

Use the correct licensing authority

Northern Ireland uses DVA, not DVLA. Check its requirements with the relevant authority and your clinician.²

Did I Do That in My Sleep? includes a Visit Brief. Use it to keep the questions and advice together. See the book.