Drivers across the UK are being warned that taking common prescription medications could lead to the DVLA revoking their driving licences.
According to Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, officials may direct motorists to "avoid driving" if they use one of three types of medicine.
Medications that impact driving ability
Mr Wilson highlighted that individuals on "strong medications" are particularly at risk. The three categories of concern are opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants.
He explained: "If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving. Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability."
The primary concern is that these substances can cause significant drowsiness, a state incompatible with safe vehicle operation. Many such medications also carry warnings advising users not to operate heavy machinery, which includes cars.
Understanding the risks of opioids
Opioid painkillers, a key group in the warning, present a dual threat. While effective for pain relief, their properties can make them dangerous.
At lower doses, opioids often induce sleepiness. However, higher doses can slow breathing and heart rate to a potentially fatal degree.
Furthermore, the pleasurable sensation or 'high' from opioids can lead to a desire for more frequent and higher dosing, paving the way for addiction where users lose control over their consumption.
Opioids can be derived from the poppy plant, like morphine, or synthetically produced in laboratories, like fentanyl. Other common examples include codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxycodone (OxyContin).
Protecting your licence and your health
Motorists are urged to manage their risk by following medical advice meticulously.
You should always take your medicine exactly as prescribed and ensure your doctor is fully aware of all other medications and supplements you are taking.
It is crucial to have an open discussion with your GP about the pros and cons of using opioids for pain relief. If you believe you are at a higher risk of addiction, ask about alternative pain control methods or different types of pain medicine.
The overarching message from this 29 November 2025 warning is clear: the responsibility lies with the driver to ensure their medication does not impair their ability to drive safely, with serious consequences for those who ignore the guidance.
