Excessive sleepiness and driving

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.

You must tell DVLA if you have:

  • confirmed moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), with excessive sleepiness
  • either narcolepsy or cataplexy, or both
  • any other sleep condition that has caused excessive sleepiness for at least 3 months - including suspected or confirmed mild OSAS

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.

Car or motorcycle licence

Report your condition online

You can also fill in form SL1 and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

Bus, coach or lorry licence

Fill in form SL1V and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

Driving while tired

Read ‘Tiredness can kill’ on the dangers of driving while tired and how sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnoea, excessive sleepiness and other conditions can make you tired.

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