Drivers are being warned of fines and other punishments if they do not adhere to licence rules when it is time for them to renew and they want to stay on roads.
Motorists are required to renew their driving licence every 10 years until they turn 70, at which point it must be renewed every three years.
Data from the DVLA shows that almost 600,000 motorists have had their driving licences revoked for medical reasons over the last decade.
This included more than 500,000 car and motorcycle owners and 95,000 lorry or bus drivers.
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Experts are warning drivers of licence rules which could see them fined
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Research from a Freedom of Information request found that the DVLA made around 900,000 medical licencing decisions last year.
Motorists are required to inform the DVLA if they develop a “notifiable” medical condition or disability, or if the condition has worsened since they got their licence.
Notable medical conditions include diabetes or taking insulin, syncope (fainting), heart conditions, sleep apnoea, epilepsy, strokes and glaucoma.
If someone does not do this, they could be hit with a hefty £1,000 fine if the condition impacts their ability to drive safely.
In the event that their medical condition or disability leads to an accident, and the DVLA has not been informed, they could be prosecuted.
Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 considers whether drivers are legally allowed to be on the road when waiting for their renewed driving licence to be sent to them.
If a driver fails to ensure they meet all conditions when waiting for their new licence to arrive, they could be banned from roads while waiting if they have medical conditions which impact their ability to drive.
A spokesperson for Number 1 Plates has warned Britons of the risks they face if they continue to drive with a medical condition when waiting for their licence.
They said: “Unlike a traditional speeding ticket, where drivers are explicitly informed of their offence, the consequences of this little-known rule often come as a shock when they are pulled over or involved in an accident.
“Sensible steps to help avoid getting caught out include checking your driving licence expiry date, confirming your eligibility under Section 88, promptly disclosing any medical conditions and keeping a copy of your renewal application – this will prove your compliance if questioned.
“While the law may not always be widely publicised, ignorance is no defence in the eyes of the courts.”
While there is no maximum age when someone has to stop driving, some may choose to voluntarily surrender their licence if they believe they are no longer safe behind the wheel.
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Millions of drivers face being slapped with fines for not renewing their licence
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Drivers can surrender their licence if their doctor tells them to stop driving for three or more months, if their medical condition lasts for three or more months, or if they no longer meet medical standards for safe driving.
Drivers are able to reapply for their licence if they can meet the required standards of driving, which can be done on the DVLA website.
