Cancer, driving and car insurance

If you have cancer you do not need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licence Agency (DVLA) unless it affects your ability to drive. If your cancer could affect your ability to drive you must tell them. You can be fined if you don't.

Telling the DVLA about a cancer diagnosis

The DVLA have information about health conditions and driving on their website.

You need to tell the DVLA about your cancer if:  

• you develop problems with your brain or nervous system
• your doctor says you might not be fit to drive
• you're restricted to certain types of vehicles or vehicles that have been adapted for you
• your medication causes side effects which could affect your driving

You can be fined up to £1000 if you don't tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your health. And you could be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident.

Driving and brain tumours

You must tell the DVLA if you have a brain tumour as it can affect your ability to drive. 

You might not be allowed to drive for some time if you have a brain tumour. This depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is in the brain and whether you have any side effects from it such as seizures (fits). It also depends on the treatment you have and the type of vehicle you drive. 

Can I drive after my cancer treatment?

With many cancer treatments it is fine to drive afterwards. But some medicines can make you feel sick or tired, so you might not want to drive home. Certain medicines can make you drowsy, so you shouldn't drive after having them. 

Check with your healthcare team, as they know which drugs you are having.

Short term driving licence

For illnesses that get gradually worse, or those that come and go, the DVLA can issue a short term or restricted licence. This will be valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years. You can renew it after getting a medical report.

This licence is still a full driving licence. So your insurance company won't be able to use it as an excuse for putting your premiums up, increasing your excess or refusing you cover.

Insurance company restrictions

Insurers can take account of DVLA restrictions on the type of vehicle you’re licensed to drive. They can insure you to drive only in circumstances for which you have a valid driving licence.

Insurers can also temporarily put the price up or increase your policy excess while you're getting used to a new disability or condition. They can only do this if there’s evidence that you are an increased risk during this period.

When to tell your insurance company

Most insurance companies like to know if your medical condition has changed since you took out the policy. If you do not tell them, you might not be able to make a claim on your car insurance later. If your doctor advises you not to drive, you must let the car insurance company know. 

Your driving insurance premium may be raised and car insurance will be refused if you’ve been advised against driving. Your insurer can't discriminate against you unfairly and must be able to prove that you pose an increased risk if your premium is increased. 

Contact the DVLA about your health

DVLA Medical Enquiries

Phone: 0300 790 6806 
Opening hours Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Sat 8 am to 2pm