A step-by-step guide to reporting dementia to the DVLA

When someone you care about receives a dementia diagnosis, there are many things to think about and arrange. One of the most important - but often overlooked - tasks is informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about the diagnosis. While this might feel daunting, it's actually a straightforward process that helps keep everyone safe on the roads.

The good news is that reporting a dementia diagnosis to the DVLA doesn't automatically mean driving has to stop immediately. Instead, it starts a careful assessment process to determine what's safest for your loved one and other road users. Let's walk through exactly what you need to do, step by step.

When should you report to the DVLA?

The law is clear: you must inform the DVLA about any medical condition that could affect driving ability. With dementia, this means reporting the diagnosis as soon as it's confirmed by a medical professional. According to GOV.UK guidance, this is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation.

However, the timing of when to actually stop driving is different from when to report. Your loved one's GP or specialist will be the best person to advise whether it's immediately unsafe to drive or whether driving can continue for now while the DVLA assessment takes place.

Some families worry that reporting will immediately take away their loved one's independence, but this isn't usually the case. The DVLA assessment process is designed to be thorough and fair, taking into account the individual's current abilities and the stage of their condition.

Understanding the CG1 form

The key to reporting dementia to the DVLA is completing the CG1 form - officially called the "Confidential Medical Information" form. Don't let the official name put you off; it's designed to be completed by patients and their families, not just medical professionals.

You can find the CG1 form on the official DVLA website. The form is available in several formats:

• Online form that can be completed and submitted electronically

• PDF version that can be printed, completed by hand, and posted

• Large print versions for those who need them

• Alternative formats available on request

If you need the form in a different format, perhaps due to visual difficulties or other accessibility needs, you can email the DVLA at alternative.format@dvla.gov.uk. Just let them know what format would work best and mention any assistive technology your loved one uses.

What information you'll need

Before starting the CG1 form, gather the following information to make the process smoother:

• Your loved one's full name and address

• Driving licence number

• Date of birth

• Details of the dementia diagnosis, including the date it was confirmed

• Name and contact details of the diagnosing doctor or consultant

• Any medications being taken

• Information about current driving habits and any concerns

The form asks straightforward questions about the medical condition and how it might affect driving. You don't need to be a medical expert - just provide the information you have and let the DVLA's medical team make the professional assessment.

How to submit the form

Once you've completed the CG1 form, you have several options for submitting it:

Online submission: If you've used the online form, you can submit it directly through the DVLA website. This is often the quickest method and you'll receive confirmation that it's been received.

Email: You can email the completed form to the DVLA. The email address is provided on the form itself.

Post: Traditional postal submission is still available. The postal address is clearly marked on the form, and you might want to use recorded delivery for peace of mind.

Keep a copy of the completed form for your records, regardless of which submission method you choose. This can be helpful if there are any queries later or if you need to reference what information you provided.

What happens after you submit

Once the DVLA receives your CG1 form, they'll acknowledge receipt and begin their assessment process. This typically involves several steps:

Medical information request: The DVLA may contact your loved one's GP or specialist directly to request additional medical information. This helps them understand the current stage of the condition and how it might progress.

Driving assessment: In some cases, the DVLA will arrange for a specialist driving assessment. This isn't the same as a standard driving test - it's carried out by occupational therapists who specialise in assessing medical conditions and driving ability. The assessment looks at practical driving skills, reaction times, and decision-making abilities.

Decision and licensing: Based on all the information gathered, the DVLA will make one of several decisions:

• Allow continued driving with a full licence

• Issue a short-term licence (usually for 1-3 years) with regular reviews

• Recommend licence surrender if driving is no longer safe

If a short-term licence is issued, don't worry - this is quite common with progressive conditions like dementia. It simply means the DVLA will reassess the situation regularly to ensure ongoing safety.

Supporting your loved one through the process

Having to report a medical condition to the DVLA can feel overwhelming for someone with dementia. Here are some ways to provide support:

Be involved in the process: Offer to help complete the form or accompany your loved one to any assessments. Many people find this less stressful with family support.

Focus on safety: Frame the discussion around keeping everyone safe rather than taking away independence. Most people with dementia want to do the right thing for themselves and others.

Explore alternatives early: While going through the DVLA process, start looking into transport alternatives and community support options. This makes any transition easier if it becomes necessary.

Stay positive: Remember that many people with early-stage dementia continue driving safely for some time. The DVLA process is about making informed decisions, not automatically stopping all driving.

Getting additional support

The process of dealing with driving and dementia can bring up lots of emotions and practical concerns. You don't have to navigate this alone. DementiaNet's Facebook community can help connect you with other families who've been through similar experiences, and our planning tools can help you organise all the different aspects of care and support.

For specific questions about the DVLA process, you can contact them directly on 0300 790 6806. They have advisors who understand medical conditions and can guide you through any part of the process you're unsure about.

Moving forward with confidence

Reporting a dementia diagnosis to the DVLA is an important step in ensuring everyone's safety on the roads. While it might feel like a big administrative hurdle, remember that it's also an opportunity to get professional assessment and support for this aspect of living with dementia.

The key is to approach it as one part of adapting to life with dementia, rather than a crisis to be feared. By taking action early and getting the right support, you're helping your loved one maintain their independence safely for as long as possible.

For more guidance on managing the practical aspects of dementia care, including transport and mobility, visit DementiaNet, where you'll find resources, tools, and a supportive community ready to help.