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An estimated 3.4 million English and Welsh UK licence holders have not disclosed notifiable medical records to the DVLA, new research has suggested.
Despite this estimate, the research, compiled by insurance company Direct Line, found that only 64 people in England and Wales were convicted for offences relating to non-disclosure of medical issues.
Medical conditions that need to be declared include visual impairments, diabetes, heart conditions and epilepsy.
Penalties for not mentioning conditions include fines of up to £1,000 and the risk of prosecution.
According to a survey by the insurer, just over half (51%) of those who did not declare their condition to the DVLA assumed it did not affect their ability to drive, 14% did not realise they had to inform the Government body, 5% did not see the point in doing so, a further 5% said they were concerned their licence would be taken away, and 4% claimed they had never thought of declaring conditions.
The remaining 21% is made up ofwere people with citing other reasons, although a more detailed breakdown of their reasons is not available.
"With some medical conditions having more of an impact on driving ability than being over the drink-drive limit, it's frightening that almost one in ten 10 motorists drives with a notifiable medical condition they have not reported to the DVLA," said Gus Park, director of motor at Direct Line..
"It's clear that there's no deterrent for those flouting the law in this way, as shown by the small amount of people convicted.,"said Gus Park, director of motor at Direct Line. "With the majority presuming their condition will not affect their driving ability, we urge motorists not to be complacent when it comes to declaring medical conditions," Park continued..
"Not declaring a medical condition is illegal, puts you and other road users at risk, and can potentially lead to fatal consequences."
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