What to expect after telling the DVLA about a dementia diagnosis

You've taken the important step of informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your loved one's dementia diagnosis and now you're probably wondering: what happens next? It's completely natural to feel anxious about the unknown, especially when driving represents such an important part of independence and daily life.

The good news is that the DVLA's assessment process is designed to be thorough, fair, and focused on individual circumstances rather than blanket decisions. Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the journey ahead. Let's walk through each stage of the process so you know exactly what's coming.

The DVLA's assessment timeline

After submitting your CG1 form, the DVLA typically acknowledges receipt within a few days to a week. However, the full assessment process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly medical information can be gathered.

During this time, your loved one can usually continue driving unless their doctor has specifically advised them to stop immediately. The DVLA will send a letter explaining this and outlining the next steps. Keep this letter safe, as it serves as official documentation that the condition has been reported and assessment is underway.

It's worth noting that the DVLA processes thousands of medical cases each year, so while they aim to be as quick as possible, patience is often required. According to Citizens Advice guidance, the DVLA tries to make decisions within six weeks, but complex cases may take longer.

Medical information requests

One of the first steps the DVLA takes is gathering detailed medical information about your loved one's condition. They'll contact the GP, consultant or specialist who made the dementia diagnosis to request a comprehensive medical report.

This report goes far beyond the basic information on the CG1 form. Medical professionals provide details about:

• The specific type of dementia diagnosed

• Current symptoms and their severity

• Medications being taken and their effects

• The likely progression of the condition

• Any other medical conditions that might affect driving

• The doctor's professional opinion on driving safety

Your loved one's healthcare team is used to these requests and understands their importance. They'll complete the medical report based on their clinical knowledge and recent assessments. You don't need to do anything during this stage except ensure your loved one attends any routine medical appointments as scheduled.

Understanding driving assessments

In many cases, the DVLA will arrange for a specialist driving assessment. This isn't something to fear - it's actually a very positive development because it means they're taking an individual approach rather than making assumptions based solely on the diagnosis.

What is a driving assessment? Unlike a standard driving test, these assessments are carried out by occupational therapists who specialise in medical conditions and driving. They understand how different conditions affect people and what adaptations might help maintain safe driving.

The assessment process typically involves two parts:

1. Off-road assessment: This takes place in a controlled environment and looks at reaction times, visual processing, decision-making abilities and how well someone can operate vehicle controls.

2. On-road assessment: A practical driving evaluation in real traffic conditions, focusing on how the person handles complex situations, follows road signs and makes safe decisions.

The assessment usually takes 2-3 hours in total and is designed to be as stress-free as possible. The occupational therapist will explain everything clearly and make sure your loved one feels comfortable throughout.

Preparing for the assessment: While you can't "study" for this type of evaluation, there are things that can help:

• Ensure your loved one is well-rested on the day

• Take any regular medications as normal

• Bring glasses or hearing aids if used

• Consider having a family member present for support

Possible assessment outcomes

After reviewing all the medical information and any assessment results, the DVLA will make one of several decisions:

Full licence retained: Sometimes, particularly in early-stage dementia, the DVLA determines that driving can continue as normal. This might happen when the condition is very mild and not currently affecting the skills needed for safe driving.

Short-term licence issued: This is actually the most common outcome for people with dementia. The DVLA issues a licence valid for 1-3 years, after which the situation is reassessed. This approach recognizes that dementia progresses differently in different people, and regular monitoring ensures ongoing safety.

According to Age UK information on driving and dementia, short-term licenses are often renewed several times as long as driving remains safe.

Licence with conditions: Sometimes the DVLA might allow continued driving but with specific conditions, such as:

• Restricting driving to daylight hours only

• Limiting driving to familiar local areas

• Requiring regular eyesight tests

• Mandating the use of specific vehicle adaptations

Licence revocation: If the assessment shows that driving is no longer safe, the DVLA will ask for the licence to be surrendered. While this is difficult news, it's important to remember that this decision is made by medical professionals prioritising everyone's safety.

Regular review processes

If your loved one receives a short-term licence, regular reviews become part of life with dementia. These typically happen annually but can be more frequent if the condition is progressing quickly.

The review process is usually simpler than the initial assessment. The DVLA will request updated medical information from healthcare providers and assess whether any changes in condition affect driving safety. Sometimes a new driving assessment might be required, but often the medical review is sufficient.

Staying organised for reviews: Keep a simple file with copies of all DVLA correspondence, medical appointments, and any changes in medication or symptoms. This makes it easier to provide accurate information when reviews come up.

Our DementiaNet planning tools can help you keep track of important dates and appointments, including DVLA reviews, medical appointments, and other care-related tasks.

Understanding your rights

It's important to know that you have rights throughout this process:

Right to appeal: If you disagree with the DVLA's decision, you can appeal to a magistrates' court within six months. However, appeals are most successful when supported by new medical evidence or if there were procedural errors in the assessment.

Right to representation: Your loved one can have family members or advocates present during assessments and can request that correspondence be copied to family members (with appropriate consent).

Right to second opinions: While you can't demand a second assessment, if there are significant changes in medical condition or treatment, you can request that the case be reconsidered.

Right to information: The DVLA should explain their decisions clearly. If something isn't clear, don't hesitate to call their medical enquiries line on 0300 790 6806.

Maintaining perspective and moving forward

Going through the DVLA assessment process can feel overwhelming, but remember that it's designed to keep everyone safe while respecting individual circumstances as much as possible. Many people with dementia continue driving safely for several years after diagnosis, supported by regular monitoring and assessment.

The key is to view this as part of adapting to life with dementia rather than a barrier to independence. Even if driving does need to stop eventually, there are many ways to maintain mobility and independence. DementiaNet's Facebook community may include families who've navigated these transitions successfully and can offer practical advice and emotional support.

Getting support through the process

You don't have to manage this alone. The DementiaNet community connects you with other families who understand exactly what you're going through. Many have been through the DVLA process and can offer practical tips and reassurance.

For specific questions about your case, the DVLA medical enquiries team is there to help. They understand that this can be a stressful time and are usually patient and helpful in explaining next steps.

Remember, taking things one step at a time and focusing on safety helps make this process more manageable. The DVLA assessment isn't about taking away independence - it's about ensuring that independence can continue safely for as long as possible.

For more resources on managing the practical aspects of dementia, including transport and mobility options, visit DementiaNet, where you'll find tools, information, and a supportive community ready to help you through every stage of the journey.