Informing the DVLA about Sleep Aponea?

Hey everyone,

Has anyone on here informed the DVLA a long time (years) after they were diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea and, what was the outcome if they did, ie; were they fined for leaving it so long or were the DVLA ok about it?

Any information on this would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers,

Tigger

They might know now.
Does it matter as long as you are being effectively treated?
How will they find out unless you use insurance your employer paid for?
I shouldn't say this, but how far do you trust your employer?
Why did you not tell them sooner?

Hi,

Hopefully the DVLA haven't seen this post (unless they have spies trawling this forum and others, in which case then maybe I should start flapping ). It's not an issue that really concerns my job at the moment but I would like to upgrade my driving license soon which requires a medical and I'd rather be honest about my condition. The only problem is, I'd really rather not get slapped with a £1000 fine for being honest. I should have informed them when I was first diagnosed. My doctor and the sleep clinic that diagnosed me had both told me I was fine to drive as long as I used cpap but I was fearful that the DVLA might disagree and that my driving license might be suspended temporarily or even permanently. All I really wanted to know was, had anyone else had good intentions in being honest only to find themselves being shafted with a hefty fine?

Hi

I informed the DVLA about two years after being diagnosed in 2011. I was CPAP compliant from day 1 but was concerned that the DVLA would revoke my licence until they had medical proof. Eventually I just sent the forms in and received back confirmation that DVLA is aware of my condition but there are no restrictions on my driving (full UK licence to drive cars). No mention of any fine or reprimand!

The key thing is you should inform your car insurance company about your condition otherwise they could use it as an excuse not to pay out in the event of any accident.

I never bothered. I was only diagnosed with mild / moderate and I never find myself drowsy or anything.

The DVLA website says:

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and driving

You must tell DVLA if you have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome or obstructive sleep apnoea (also known as sleep apnoea) with symptoms that affect your ability to drive safely.

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

Ask your doctor or consultant if you’re not sure how your condition affects your ability to drive safely.

As I never suffered from drowsiness and my apneoa was only diagnosed due to my wife seeing me sleep as opposed to the usual symptoms I never bothered.

Thank's for both of your responses. I posted this question on another Sleep Apnoea forum and got an almost immediate reply along the lines of:

"Well I told them straight away and not informing them its just irresponsible". It would seem that self righteous keyboard warriors exist even in Sleep Apnoea forums these days. I certainly feel a lot better having heard that one of you guys didnt say anything for two years and there was still no fine.

Thanks again,

Tigger.