DVLA Sleep Apnoea

Changes to the minimum medical standards for those drivers who have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) will come into force in GB on 31 December 2015. This change applies to all EU member states.
The attached provides details of the changes to licensing rules for drivers with these conditions, and where to get further information.

New DVLA minimum requirements for sufferers of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

There has been a European change to the minimum medical standards for those drivers who have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) these changes came into force in GB on 31 December 2015. If you have OSA you do not need to notify the DVLA. However If you have OSAS, you must inform the DVLA at the point of diagnosis or recognition of symptoms. This can be done by letter, phone or email and you must stop driving completely until your condition has been successfully treated. Treatment is widely effective but medical enquiries will be undertaken by the DVLA.

• Cars and motorcycles (Group 1 entitlement) - Driving must stop if there is obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and symptoms including excessive sleepiness severe enough to likely impair safe driving. Driving will be permitted once satisfactory control of the symptoms has been achieved.
• Lorries and buses (Group 2 entitlement) – as above; but drivers must also comply with the treatment specified and confirmed to the DVLA by your consultant/specialist.

The differences between the two conditions are:

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition that affects breathing while you are sleeping, due to partial or total closure of the airway behind the tongue. This condition, Disrupts your normal breathing pattern, Causes your body to briefly wake up to restore normal breathing, which in turn prevents a good nights , is nearly always accompanied by loud snoring.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a more severe form of OSA where there is evidence of both a disruption of normal breathing patterns during sleep, and symptoms such as excessive sleepiness. The pauses in breathing can happen hundreds of times whilst sleeping, which most of the time you won’t be aware of. This means you’re getting less of the restorative kind of sleep required to enable you with the levels of energy and concentration needed to drive safely. If you suspect you may have OSAS please seek medical advice.

Further Information
More detailed information about the medical rules for driving and sleep apnoea and how to notify DVLA can be found at: www.gov.uk/obstructive-sleep-apnoea-and-driving. Further information about sleep apnoea and driving is also available from www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/driving-and-sleep-apnoea.htm. For more information on treatment for OSA and OSAS visit http://www.realsleep.co.uk/rsuk/osauk/treatmentoptions.html