David gave us the following information regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea:

All drivers are required by law to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) when they develop a medical condition, including sleep disorders, which may affect their ability to drive safely. DVLA instigates a medical investigation, following which a decision is taken as to whether or not the driver should retain his or her licence.

DVLA includes information on sleep disorders on the medical form required with an application for a licence to drive lorries and buses, and sends an information letter to all drivers with sleep disorders. DVLA leaflet INF159 - 'Tiredness Can Kill' is also available from clinics that treat sleeping disorders, including sleep apnoea.

The General Medical Council (GMC) provides doctors with clear guidance on dealing with patients who have a medical condition affecting their fitness to drive.  In a situation where a doctor has told a patient to notify DVLA of a medical condition but knows that the patient is either incapable of acting on this advice or has chosen to ignore it, the GMC guidelines strongly urge doctors to notify DVLA themselves. In all other cases, doctors are advised that the legal responsibility to notify DVLA is on the driver

The DVLA's 'At a Glance Guide to Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive' is available to medical practitioners to assist them in advising their patients, and includes a section on sleep disorders and makes specific mention of sleep apnoea syndrome. Via this guide and through their day-to-day contacts with the medical profession, DVLA medical advisors have been able to disseminate information regarding sleep disorders and driving, to health professionals across the UK.