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Drivers with certain medical conditions have been warned they could face potential penalties of up to £1,000 if they fail to notify the DVLA. New data shows surging public interest in sleep-related problems, with online searches for "ways to help sleeping" jumping 101 per cent. Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, shared: "Sleep-related medical conditions can have serious implications for road safety, so it's vital that drivers follow DVLA guidance. "If you're diagnosed with a condition that causes excessive sleepiness, you must inform the DVLA before getting behind the wheel." Excessive sleepiness means that you have had difficulty concentrating and have found yourself falling asleep - for example while at work, watching television or when driving. READ MORE Thousands of Blue Badge holders issued update over free bus travel You must tell DVLA if you have confirmed moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), with excessive sleepiness. You must also tell the DVLA if you have either narcolepsy or cataplexy, or both, or any other sleep condition that has caused excessive sleepiness for at least 3 months - including suspected or confirmed mild OSAS. The DVLA said: "We will then send you a questionnaire so you can give us details about your medical condition. "The questionnaire also enables you to provide your consent for our DVLA doctors to request medical information from your doctors. "It may take some time to complete our enquiries. We advise you speak to your doctor or specialist about driving while we are completing our enquiries. "A decision will be made about your driving licence as quickly as possible." You must not drive until you’re free from excessive sleepiness or until your symptoms are under control and you’re strictly following any necessary treatment. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not 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 if you’re not sure if your excessive sleepiness will affect your driving. Mr Wilson explained: "Your policy could be invalidated or a claim refused if you're involved in an accident linked to the condition."
