Older drivers are under threat of being slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine and invalidating their car insurance this winter, according to experts.

Officials at the National Accident Helpline warned it was vital elderly road users disclose information about a medical condition to the DVLA before it is too late. 

Those that do not report a condition, even if it does not affect their ability to drive, could be breaking the law and issued severe punishments. 

Craig Delahaye, Associate Director of Legal Operations stressed it was vital motorists were aware of just how many medical conditions needed to be reported.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he said: “It is a Government requirement to notify the DVLA of your medical condition and it’s important that drivers read the list of applicable conditions on the GOV.UK website.

“If drivers neglect to inform the DVLA, they risk facing a fine of £1,000.  It could also potentially invalidate their insurance as insurers could regard failure to disclose a medical condition as non-disclosure and refuse to pay out on a claim, if an accident occurs.”

GOV.UK lists hundreds of conditions including serious concerns like heart disease and vision concerns.

However, some conditions which would not ordinarily affect motorists’ ability to drive are also listed meaning many motorists could get caught out. 

These include issues such as autism, ADHD, diabetes and depression. Conditions which are more likely to affect older road users such as Parkinson’s disease and cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer’s are also listed. 

Last year, the DVLA released stunning data which showed 70-79-year-old drivers were more likely to be affected by medical conditions than any other demographic. 

At the time, officials were investigating a whopping 16,000 single medical issues across this age group. 

Meanwhile, over 10,000 drivers between 70 and 79 were showing signs of having multiple medical conditions at the same time. 

Motorists between the ages of 60-69 made up the second largest s maple followed by those from 50 to 59. 

The data revealed that the vast majority of medical concerns were neurological issues, making up 33.12 percent of all driving licence investigations.

Telling the DVLA about a medical condition does not automatically mean road users will lose their licence. In some conditions, motorists may be able to get a short licence valid for up to five years. 

Alternatively, the DVLA may allow drivers to use their vehicle as long as it is adapted with special controls.

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Post source: Express