Medical conditions are one of the most common reasons drivers rely on Section 88 while waiting for a decision from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you have informed the DVLA about a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive, the agency may need additional time to review medical evidence before deciding whether you can keep or renew your driving licence.
In many cases, the DVLA will contact your GP, consultant or another healthcare professional to obtain further information. During this assessment period, you may still be legally entitled to drive under Section 88, provided you meet all of the legal requirements. Most importantly, your doctor must not have advised you to stop driving, and your medical condition must not make driving unsafe.
It is important to remember that every medical case is assessed individually. Having a medical condition does not automatically mean you will lose your licence. The DVLA considers factors such as the severity of the condition, how well it is managed, your treatment plan and the advice provided by medical professionals before reaching a decision.
Common Medical Conditions Reviewed by the DVLA
The DVLA reviews a wide range of medical conditions that may affect safe driving. These include diabetes requiring insulin treatment, epilepsy, heart conditions, strokes, sleep apnoea, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, visual impairments and certain mental health conditions.
Some conditions require only a routine medical review, while others may involve specialist reports or periodic licence renewals. Throughout this process, eligible drivers may continue driving under Section 88 if all legal conditions remain satisfied.
Drivers should always notify the DVLA when required by law. Failing to report a notifiable medical condition can lead to fines, prosecution and invalid motor insurance.
Does Section 88 Cover Vocational Drivers?
Vocational drivers who hold lorry (LGV) or bus (PCV) licences may also benefit from Section 88 in certain situations. However, vocational licensing standards are generally stricter because these drivers operate larger vehicles or carry passengers.
Employers often require additional evidence confirming that an employee remains legally entitled to drive before allowing them to continue working. Some companies may temporarily suspend driving duties until the DVLA reaches a final decision, even where Section 88 legally applies.
Professional drivers should therefore maintain regular communication with both their employer and the DVLA throughout the application process.
Can You Drive for Work Under Section 88?
Many people rely on driving for their employment. Delivery drivers, engineers, sales representatives and care workers often ask whether Section 88 allows them to continue working while waiting for a DVLA decision.
In many circumstances, the answer is yes, provided every legal requirement has been met. However, employers have their own health and safety responsibilities. They may ask to see evidence that you have submitted your application and may carry out regular driving licence checks while your application remains outstanding.
Some employers also require confirmation from occupational health advisers before permitting employees to continue driving company vehicles.
Insurance and Section 88
One of the biggest concerns for motorists is whether their insurance remains valid while relying on Section 88.
Where Section 88 legally applies, drivers generally remain entitled to drive, which means many insurance policies continue to provide cover. However, insurance providers expect policyholders to disclose any information that could affect their policy, including significant medical conditions or changes to their licence status.
Because every insurer has different policy terms, it is sensible to contact your insurer and explain your circumstances. Keeping a written record of any conversations can also be helpful should questions arise later.
Failure to disclose relevant information could result in an insurer refusing a claim, even if you believed you were legally entitled to drive under Section 88.
What Happens if the DVLA Requests More Information?
It is common for the DVLA to request additional information after receiving an application. They may ask for further medical reports, clarification of personal details or additional documentation supporting your application.
Receiving such a request does not automatically end your Section 88 entitlement. If you continue to satisfy all legal conditions, you may still be able to drive while the DVLA completes its assessment.
However, delaying your response can significantly increase processing times. Providing requested information promptly helps the DVLA make a decision more quickly and reduces unnecessary delays.
When Does Section 88 End?
Section 88 does not continue indefinitely. It remains in effect only while the qualifying conditions continue to exist.
Once the DVLA makes a decision on your application, the temporary entitlement comes to an end. If your application is approved, your normal driving licence entitlement continues under your new or renewed licence.
If your application is refused or your licence is revoked, you must stop driving immediately. Continuing to drive after receiving a refusal could result in prosecution for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Similarly, if your doctor advises you that you are no longer medically fit to drive, your entitlement under Section 88 normally ends immediately, regardless of whether the DVLA has made a decision.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that submitting an application automatically allows continued driving. Section 88 only applies when every legal requirement has been met.
Another frequent misunderstanding is believing that Section 88 provides a temporary driving licence. In reality, it is simply a legal entitlement that exists only while specific conditions are satisfied.
Some motorists continue driving after receiving a refusal letter from the DVLA, unaware that their entitlement has ended. Others fail to tell their insurer about changes to their medical condition or licence status, potentially affecting their insurance cover.
Drivers should also avoid ignoring correspondence from the DVLA. Requests for additional information should always be answered as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
Practical Tips While Waiting for a DVLA Decision
While your application is being processed, it is sensible to keep copies of all documents you have submitted to the DVLA, including application forms, medical reports and any correspondence you receive.
You should regularly check for updates, respond promptly to requests for information and ensure that your contact details remain up to date.
If your health changes while waiting for a decision, or if your doctor advises you to stop driving, you should immediately review whether you still meet the legal requirements of Section 88.
When uncertainty exists, it is always safer to seek clarification before continuing to drive.
