I had a brief discussion on a forum a while back about driving, and whether I am currently allowed to drive.

I decided to do some research, and the following, although not conclusive and does need further research, it does go a long way to help explain the rules.

The main piece of advice that I would give is to ring the DVLA directly and ask them. They may ask you to fill in a questionnaire, but this is definitely better than hoping that you will be OK.

The website for the DVLA is: http://www.dft.gov.uk

The address or link for the medical rules is: http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical.aspx

The advice is given by way of you downloading a PDF document. Just click on the link and allow to download.

PDF Document

If you do not have a PDF reader or it needs updating, wither follow the instructions on your screen or follow this link to Adobe.

In any event please advise the DVLA if you have any concerns. Failure to report any health issue that will affect your ability to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle (or indeed other classifications of other vehicles) will leave you wide open and liable for prosecution. These rules are obviously in place to safety safety to yourself and other people.

The following is a summary of what I have found to be relevant to myself:

These refer to Group 1 entitlement ODL Car and Motocycle.

Presence of an Arachnoid Cyst - There is currently no restriction as at the time of publishing this blog.

Driver having undergone a Craniotomy (part of decompression surgery) - Resume driving upon recovery.

Hydrocephalus - If uncomplicated, till 70 years old licence retained.

VP Shunt inserted - 6 months off, then can be re licensed when there is no debarring residual imparement to affect safe driving.

ICP Monitor - The prospective risk from the underlying condition must be considered.

Now, these entries do look spurious to say the least, therefore I would advise upon contacting the DVLA directly.

The phone number for Health related issues is 03007 906806. However, the message that you get at the end of it currently is that they are experiencing a high volume of calls and ask you to try later. They also refer you back to the website.

There is also a rather spurious disclaimer regarding eligibility to hold a licence and reporting of a health issue on the automated message, but yet again it points towards contacting them for clarification.

Personally, I would rather contact them rather than driving knowingly that I may have a condition that would affect my ability to drive safely.

Physically I do feel that I can drive, albeit short distances, as it does take it out of me physically these days. It again appears to be one of those personal choices that we need to make based on logical judgement.

I hope that this helps.