73. Driving and the DVLA
An ADHD diagnosis does not stop you driving. There are rules to follow, especially about medication. This page explains them.
Group 1 (car, motorbike): Only if it affects your driving
+For a car or motorbike licence, you must tell the DVLA if your ADHD, or your medication, affects your ability to drive safely. This includes side effects such as drowsiness or blurred vision. If your driving is not affected, you do not need to tell them. If you are not sure, ask your prescriber.
Group 2 (lorry, bus, coach): Stricter rules
+For a lorry or bus licence, the medical standards are stricter. Check gov.uk/adhd-and-driving for the Group 2 rules and tell the DVLA if they apply to you. You can be fined up to £1,000 for not telling the DVLA about a condition that affects your driving, and you could be prosecuted if you have an accident because of it.
Stimulants and driving: The medical defence
+It is legal to drive on prescribed ADHD medication, as long as it does not affect your driving. In England and Wales, amphetamine is one of the drugs covered by drug-driving law, which matters if you take dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. The law has a medical defence if you take your medicine as prescribed and your driving is not impaired. Keep your prescription slip or pharmacy label with you in case police ask.
First two weeks of meds: Be cautious
+When you start or change a dose, you may feel drowsy or jittery, or your vision may blur for a while. Avoid long drives in the first two weeks of a new dose.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Rights depend on your circumstances. Check current guidance on GOV.UK or with ACAS. Last checked September 2026.