![]() ![]() The OSA Partnership noted that while changes have been made to most DVLA documents and forms, there may still be some with the old guidelines, particularly on the GOV.UK website and recommend that, if in doubt, refer to your sleep specialist for advice. when there is sleepiness that adversely affects driving. The DVLA is only concerned about symptoms, i.e. In this case, the DVLA should not revoke their licence. The treatment for OSA is very effective so, providing it is used correctly, we often find that by the time the DVLA send through the paperwork to be completed, the driver has already been treated, and the symptoms have resolved. In this case, we strongly suggest this is done in writing rather than by email or phone. Once a diagnosis of OSA is confirmed, the driver must stop driving and must notify the DVLA. ![]() If a driver has sleepiness that does have an adverse effect on driving, and it is suspected that they might have OSA, they should stop driving but do not have to notify the DVLA until the diagnosis has been confirmed.If a driver is diagnosed with OSA, but does not have excessive sleepiness having, or likely to have, an adverse effect on driving, they may continue to drive as normal and do not need to notify the DVLA.In response, the DVLA has updated guidance provided for medical professionals when assessing whether a patient should drive, and whether they should contact the DVLA. In January 2016 a new EU Directive changed the DVLA requirements for reporting OSA and this caused confusion for healthcare professionals and patients. “We understand that there is a natural caution if you think you might lose your job as a result, and therefore the OSA Partnership Group has been working with healthcare professionals to encourage fast tracked treatment for vocational drivers, and also with the DVLA to try to simplify the process of reporting DVLA.” Professor John Stradling, a member of the OSA Partnership Group, said: “While awareness of OSA, and the very effective treatment available for the condition, has grown in recent years, there is an understandable reluctance from those who rely on their driving licence to come forward for treatment. For those who drive for their living, feeling tired when you wake up means that you may well fall asleep at the wheel, which is dangerous for themselves and other road users. As a result, they are likely to wake up still feeling sleepy, not understanding why. In the case of severe OSA, people with the condition can wake up hundreds of times a night without realising. OSA is believed to be around 1.4 million people in the UK. Changes in guidance from the DVLA means that truck drivers who suspect they have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) should not fear seeking help for the condition for fear of losing their license, a support group has said.
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