Do I Need to Tell the DVLA About Recurrent Fainting? 

Fainting, medically known as syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain. While many faints are benign, recurrent episodes pose a significant risk to road safety. In the United Kingdom, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) enforces strict medical standards for ‘Transient Loss of Consciousness’ (TLoC) to ensure that drivers do not pose a danger to themselves or others. The rules regarding when you must notify the DVLA and how long you must stop driving were significantly updated in September 2025. 

In this article, we will explain the current legal requirements for reporting fainting episodes to the DVLA. You will learn about the difference between ‘provoked’ and ‘unexplained’ faints, the varying standards for car and commercial drivers, and the specific timelines for returning to the road. We will also provide clarity on the documentation required to maintain your fitness to drive. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The definition of ‘Transient Loss of Consciousness’ (TLoC) in the 2025 DVLA standards. 

• Legal obligations for notifying the DVLA about single versus multiple faints. 

• How ‘reliable prodrome’ and ‘provocation’ influence driving restrictions. 

• The difference in reporting rules for Group 1 (cars) and Group 2 (HGVs). 

• Specific cessation periods for unexplained fainting episodes. 

• The process of using Form FEP1 or FEP1V for medical declarations. 

• When a fainting episode requires an immediate cessation of driving. 
   

DVLA Reporting Requirements for Recurrent Fainting 

You must notify the DVLA if you have experienced recurrent fainting (two or more episodes within a 24-month period) unless the cause is clearly identified as ‘reflex syncope’ with a reliable warning (prodrome). Under the September 2025 guidance, if faints are unexplained or occur without a consistent warning, you are legally required to stop driving and report the condition. Failure to inform the DVLA of a notifiable medical condition can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and may invalidate your motor insurance policy. 

The requirement to report depends heavily on whether the faints have a ‘reliable prodrome’. A prodrome refers to warning symptoms, such as feeling hot, sweaty, or nauseous, that last long enough for you to safely stop a vehicle. If your faints occur without these warnings, or if they have occurred while sitting or lying down, the DVLA considers them higher risk. For car and motorcycle drivers (Group 1), a single unexplained faint typically requires a 6-month driving ban, while multiple episodes may require a longer period of stability before a licence is reinstated. 

What are the driving cessation periods for fainting? 

The length of time you must stop driving after a faint is determined by the diagnosis and the risk of recurrence. For a single episode of unexplained syncope, Group 1 drivers must generally stop driving for 6 months. If a cause is identified and successfully treated, this period may be reduced to 4 weeks. However, for Group 2 drivers (bus and lorry), the standards are far stricter; multiple unexplained faints may lead to a 5-year cessation period under the 2025 rules, reduced from the previous 10-year requirement to reflect better clinical monitoring. 

• Reflex Syncope (Vasovagal): If there is a clear provocation (like pain or a medical procedure) and a reliable warning, Group 1 drivers may not need to notify the DVLA or stop driving. 

• Unexplained Syncope: If doctors cannot find a cause, a 6-month ban is standard for Group 1. If it happens again within 24 months, the ban is usually extended to 12 months. 

• Cardiac Syncope: If the faint is caused by a heart rhythm issue or structural heart disease, you must stop driving until the condition is treated and the DVLA is satisfied with your recovery. 

• Episodes While Driving: Any faint that occurs while you are behind the wheel is considered high-risk and always requires DVLA notification and a significant period of driving cessation. 

What causes fainting episodes that affect driving? 

Fainting occurs when the blood pressure drops suddenly, leading to ‘cerebral hypoperfusion’ (reduced blood flow to the brain). The causes can range from simple triggers to serious underlying conditions. 

• Vasovagal Syncope: This is the most common ‘simple faint’, often triggered by stress, pain, or prolonged standing. 

• Situational Syncope: Fainting triggered by specific actions such as coughing, sneezing, or swallowing. 

• Orthostatic Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure caused by standing up too quickly, which is common in older adults or those on certain medications. 

• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms that can cause the heart to temporarily stop pumping enough blood to the brain. 

What triggers a ‘notifiable’ event to the DVLA? 

A fainting episode becomes ‘notifiable’ (meaning you must legally report it) when it falls outside the category of a ‘simple, provoked faint’. 

• Multiple Episodes: Having two or more faints within a 2-year window. 

• Lack of Warning: Passing out without any preceding symptoms like dizziness or nausea. 

• Loss of Awareness: If the episode involved a period of confusion or amnesia afterward. 

• Occurrence While Sitting: Faints that happen while you are already seated are viewed as more likely to be cardiac or unexplained in nature. 

• Injury: If the faint was severe enough to cause physical injury, indicating a sudden loss of muscle control. 

Group 1 (Car) vs. Group 2 (HGV) Standards 

The DVLA applies different levels of risk based on the type of vehicle you are licensed to drive. 

Feature	Group 1 (Car/Motorcycle)	Group 2 (Bus/Lorry)
Single Unexplained Faint	6 months off driving.	5 years off driving (if no cause found).
Reflex Syncope (Provoked)	No restriction (if reliable warning).	Must not drive (usually 3 months off).
Multiple Episodes	12 months off (if unexplained).	5 years off (under 2025 rules).
Reporting Form	FEP1	FEP1V
Cardiac Cause	4 weeks after treatment.	Stricter specialist review required.

Conclusion 

Recurrent fainting is a notifiable condition that requires careful adherence to DVLA regulations to ensure public safety. Whether you must stop driving depends on the frequency of the episodes, the presence of a reliable warning, and the underlying cause. Under the September 2025 updates, the focus has shifted toward clinical risk rather than simple positional distinctions. It is essential to consult with a medical professional to establish a clear diagnosis and follow the cessation periods relevant to your licence type. 

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, such as chest pain, a sudden intense headache, or if a person does not regain consciousness within one minute, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T Block) 

This article was written by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in cardiology, internal medicine, and emergency care. Dr. Fernandez has significant expertise in assessing medical fitness to drive and the clinical management of syncope and blackouts. Our goal is to provide accurate, up-to-date information following the September 2025 DVLA standards to help drivers remain compliant and safe on the road.