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Disclosure of a driver's medical information in the public interest — MRCEM SBA MCQ

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HardProfessional practice and researchDisclosure of a driver's medical information in the public interestMRCEM SBA

A 44-year-old car driver with established epilepsy is ready for discharge from an emergency department in England after an unprovoked generalised tonic–clonic seizure. He is fully alert, understands the advice that he must stop driving and notify the DVLA, and has alternative transport home. He says he will drive to work tomorrow and refuses to contact the DVLA because he fears losing his job. Repeated attempts to persuade him not to drive have failed. You judge that his stated intention exposes other road users to a risk of serious harm. He objects to you sharing information about him, but is available to discuss the proposed disclosure. What is the most appropriate action regarding disclosure?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Discuss his objection, notify the DVLA medical adviser promptly and confirm the disclosure to him in writing.

A driver with epilepsy who has a further seizure must stop driving and notify the DVLA. This patient understands that advice but explicitly intends to drive despite repeated attempts to dissuade him. Given the assessed risk of serious harm to others, disclosure of relevant information to a DVLA medical adviser is justified without his consent. Before disclosure, the doctor should try to tell him of the intention to disclose and consider his reason for objecting; afterwards, the doctor should inform him in writing and document the action. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/neurological-disorders-assessing-fitness-to-drive?utm_source=openai)) A is too slow: GP follow-up does not address his stated plan to drive tomorrow. B mistakes capacity to object for a veto over disclosure in the public interest. C directs confidential information to his employer rather than the DVLA medical adviser responsible for assessing fitness to drive. D identifies the right recipient and urgency, but omits the available opportunity to discuss the intended disclosure and his objection first. Alternative transport addresses his journey home, not the continuing risk he has described. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-information-assessing-fitness-to-drive))

Reference: Neurological disorders: assessing fitness to drive (7 November 2025) — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/neurological-disorders-assessing-fitness-to-drive General information: assessing fitness to drive (26 September 2025) — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-information-assessing-fitness-to-drive Medical condition notification: assessing fitness to drive (1 May 2024) — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/medical-notification-fitness-to-drive