Table 1

Excessive sleepiness, including obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Group 1: car and motorcycleGroup 2: bus and lorry
Excessive sleepiness
including due to mild obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
AHI <15 (mild) on the or equivalent sleep study measure
Must not drive but may not need to notify the DVLA
Driving may resume only after satisfactory symptom control
Must not drive and must notify the DVLA
Driving may be licensed again once control of symptoms is satisfactory
The DVLA will require a specialist's confirmation of ongoing adherence to treatment
Licensing is subject to review, usually annually
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, moderate and severe apnoeas with sleepiness
AHI 15-29 (moderate) or ≥30 (severe) or equivalent sleep study measure
Must not drive and must notify the DVLA
This requirement also applies for a suspected diagnosis yet to be confirmed
Subsequent licensing will require
control of condition
sleepiness improved
treatment adherence
The DVLA will need medical confirmation of the above, and the driver must confirm review to be undertaken every annually at the minimum
Must not drive and must notify the DVLA
This requirement also applies for a suspected diagnosis yet to be confirmed
Subsequent licensing will require
control of condition
sleepiness improved
treatment adherence
The DVLA will need medical confirmation of the above, and the driver must confirm review to be undertaken every 3 years at the minimum
Obstructive sleep apnoea, moderate and severe apnoeas without sleepiness
AHI 15-29 (moderate) or ≥30 (severe) or equivalent sleep study measure
Must not drive but need not notify the DVLA
Driving may resume once associated symptoms such as poor concentration have been brought under control
Must not drive but need not notify the DVLA
Driving may resume once associated symptoms such as poor concentration have been brought under control
  • Reproduced and modified from [9] with permission from the publisher.