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Time to read:
9 minutes
Posted on:
July 7th, 2025
Last reviewed:
August 20th, 2025
Getting in touch with the DVLA about a dementia diagnosis might feel daunting, but it's actually much more straightforward than many families expect. The DVLA staff understand that this can be a worrying time, and they're there to help guide you through the process rather than make it more difficult.
Whether you're reporting a new diagnosis, asking questions about an ongoing case, or need clarification about what happens next, knowing the best ways to contact the DVLA can save you time and reduce stress. Let's walk through all your options and help you choose the right approach for your situation.
For most families, the first contact with the DVLA will be through the official CG1 form (Confidential Medical Information form). This is specifically designed for reporting medical conditions that might affect driving, including dementia.
Online submission is often the quickest and most convenient option. You can find the form on the official DVLA website. The online version guides you through each section and allows you to submit it immediately once completed.
Downloading and posting works well if you prefer to complete forms by hand or want to keep a physical copy for your records. The same web page provides a PDF version that you can print, complete, and post back to the DVLA using the address provided on the form.
Email submission is also possible. You can complete the form electronically and email it to the address specified on the form. This gives you the convenience of digital submission while keeping an electronic record of what you've sent.
Remember to keep a copy of whatever you submit - it's helpful to have this for your records and in case there are any questions later.
Sometimes you'll have questions that can't be answered by forms alone, or you'll need clarification about your specific situation. The DVLA has several phone lines designed to help with different types of enquiries.
Medical Enquiries Line: 0300 790 6806 This is your go-to number for anything related to medical conditions and driving. The advisors on this line understand dementia and other medical conditions that affect driving. They can help with:
Questions about whether you need to report a specific condition
Clarification about forms you've submitted
Updates on the progress of your case
Guidance about what to expect next in the assessment process
General DVLA contact: 0300 790 6801 This main contact number can help with general driving licence queries, though for medical-specific questions, you'll usually be transferred to the medical enquiries team anyway.
When calling, have ready:
The full name and date of birth of the person with dementia
Their driving licence number if available
Any reference numbers from previous DVLA correspondence
Details of the diagnosis and when it was made
The phone lines are typically busiest on Monday mornings and quieter mid-week afternoons. If you're put on hold, it's usually worth waiting as the advisors are knowledgeable and helpful once you get through.
Postal correspondence remains an important way to contact the DVLA, especially for official submissions and when you need a clear paper trail.
For medical enquiries, write to: DVLA Swansea SA99 1TU
Always include the person's full name, date of birth, and driving licence number on any correspondence. Keep copies of letters you send and make note of when you posted them.
Email options are somewhat limited. The DVLA doesn't have a general email address for medical enquiries, but they do offer:
alternative.format@dvla.gov.uk for requesting forms in different formats (large print, braille, or other accessible formats)
Specific email addresses that may be provided on forms or in correspondence for particular cases
If standard forms are difficult to use due to visual impairments or other accessibility needs, the DVLA is very helpful about providing alternatives.
Email alternative.format@dvla.gov.uk and let them know:
What format you need (large print, braille, audio, etc.)
Any assistive technology you use
Which specific form you need
They typically respond quickly and can provide forms in various formats to ensure everyone can complete the reporting process successfully.
Response times vary depending on how you make contact:
Phone calls are answered immediately (though you may wait in a queue)
Online form submissions are usually acknowledged within a few days
Postal submissions typically receive acknowledgment within 1-2 weeks
Email queries to the alternative formats address are usually answered within a few days
The tone of interaction is generally helpful and understanding. DVLA staff who deal with medical enquiries are trained to understand that this can be a difficult time for families. They're usually patient with questions and happy to explain processes clearly.
What they can and can't tell you:
They can explain the general process and what happens next
They can confirm whether they've received your submission
They can clarify what information they still need
They cannot give you medical advice or predict specific outcomes
They cannot speed up the assessment process beyond standard timescales
Once you've submitted a CG1 form, you'll receive an acknowledgment from the DVLA. This letter is important - it confirms they've received your notification and explains what happens next.
If you don't receive acknowledgement within two weeks of submitting a form, it's worth calling the medical enquiries line to check it was received. Sometimes post goes astray, or online submissions can have technical issues.
For updates on progress, you can call the medical enquiries line, though remember that medical assessments take time. The DVLA will contact you when they need additional information or when they've made a decision.
Keep a simple record of all your contacts with the DVLA - dates, reference numbers, and what was discussed. This makes follow-up calls much easier and helps ensure nothing gets missed.
Our DementiaNet planning tools can help you keep track of important dates, reference numbers, and correspondence, making the whole process more manageable.
"Do I need to report mild cognitive impairment?" The medical enquiries line can help clarify whether your loved one's specific diagnosis needs to be reported.
"Can I report on behalf of someone else?" Yes and the advisors can explain exactly how to do this and what consent is needed.
"What if my loved one refuses to report their diagnosis?" This is a sensitive situation that the medical enquiries team deals with regularly. They can explain your options.
"How long will the assessment take?" While they can't predict exact timescales, they can explain the typical process and factors that might affect timing.
If you're finding the process overwhelming or confusing, remember that help is available:
Citizens Advice can provide free, independent guidance about your rights and responsibilities when dealing with the DVLA.
Your local Alzheimer's Society may have volunteers who've helped other families through this process.
The DementiaNet Facebook community may include families who've been through DVLA assessments and can offer practical tips and emotional support.
Age UK has helpful resources about driving and medical conditions, including guidance on dealing with the DVLA.
Be prepared before you call or submit forms. Having all the relevant information to hand makes everything quicker and reduces the chance of needing to make multiple contacts.
Be patient with the process. While it can feel urgent to you, the DVLA handles thousands of medical cases and needs time to assess each one properly.
Stay organised by keeping all DVLA correspondence together and noting down important dates and reference numbers.
Ask questions if you're unsure about anything. The DVLA staff would rather you asked for clarification than made assumptions that could cause delays.
It's worth remembering that the DVLA's medical team deals with dementia cases regularly. They understand the condition, they know how difficult this process can be for families and they're generally helpful and supportive in their interactions.
The assessment process exists to keep everyone safe on the roads while allowing people to continue driving for as long as it's safe to do so. By working with the DVLA openly and honestly, you're contributing to that goal.
Contacting the DVLA about dementia doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right information and approach, it's simply another step in managing life with dementia - and one that can provide clarity and peace of mind for the whole family.
For more guidance on managing the practical aspects of dementia, including transport and mobility planning, visit DementiaNet, where you'll find comprehensive resources and a supportive community ready to help.
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