Mental Health, Driving and DVLA Guidance

Current official information and practical support for transport workers

Source-linked guidance, not a fitness assessment

Important: check the rule for your condition and licence

DVLA makes licensing decisions. Its current guidance says Group 2 bus and lorry medical standards are substantially higher in most cases, but the action required depends on the condition, symptoms, treatment and licence group.

Use the current condition-specific guidance and seek advice from your GP or treating professional. DriverWell does not decide whether you are fit to drive or whether a notification is required in your circumstances.

Check the current DVLA position

The psychiatric guidance distinguishes mild to moderate illness from severe illness and considers matters such as:

  • Significant memory or concentration problems
  • Agitation or behavioural disturbance
  • Suicidal thoughts or an acute episode
  • Medication effects that may impair alertness or concentration
Group 2 bus and lorry licences

Current guidance may involve:

  • Higher medical standards than Group 1 in most cases
  • Different stability periods for some severe conditions
  • A specialist report where DVLA requires one
  • A licensing decision made by DVLA, not DriverWell

Mental health, driving and current guidance

Anxiety Disorders
Current DVLA information and practical support for anxiety and driving
Depression
Current DVLA information and support for depression and driving
PTSD & Trauma
Current DVLA information and support for trauma and driving
Stress Management
Practical support for work-related stress across transport roles

A safer way to check what applies

1

Open the current official guidance

Check the condition-specific DVLA page for your licence group and circumstances

2

Seek individual clinical advice

Ask your GP or treating professional how your condition or treatment may affect safe driving

3

Notify DVLA if the official rule requires it

Use the appropriate GOV.UK route and provide complete and accurate information

4

Follow advice while enquiries continue

Follow the instructions from DVLA and your healthcare professional about whether it is safe to drive

5

Keep the guidance under review

Rules and individual circumstances can change, so return to the official source rather than relying on a saved summary

DriverWell does not provide a fitness verdict
A browser questionnaire cannot replace DVLA's decision or an individual clinical assessment

Use DriverWell for general information and practical wellbeing support. For a licensing question, check the current official guidance and speak with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your circumstances.

DVLA Resources & Support

Official DVLA Guidance

Access the current official DVLA guidance for both Group 1 and Group 2 licensing.

View DVLA Guidance
Need Help?

Speak with your GP or treating professional for individual clinical advice. Use GOV.UK for DVLA medical enquiries and official forms.

DVLA medical enquiries

In Crisis?

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for immediate support.

Samaritans: 116 123Mind Support