Because people who have OSA are sometimes very sleepy in the day, their ability to drive safely can be affected. People with OSA have higher road traffic accident rates and it is estimated that inadequate sleep is responsible for 20% of fatigue-related road traffic accidents*
If you drive, and you have been diagnosed with OSA, you need to inform the DVLA.
They will then assess you to see if you are able to drive safely. Once established on treatment, you will be able to drive. However, you may have to stop driving until it has been established that your symptoms have been controlled.
If you drive for a living, most hospitals will fast track you for your investigations and treatment.
Please see the attached leaflet from the DVLA for more information.
* “Driving and Sleep Apnoea – the facts”, Sleep Apnoea Trust Association (2009)
Helpline
For advice about driving, call the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20 (Mon to Fri 10 am to 6 pm), calls charged at your local rate.
