Sleep Apnoea and Driving – The Facts

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition which affects approximately 5% of the population, but which often goes undiagnosed. If you have OSA with symptoms, so called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS), and it is not treated, this can be very dangerous to your health. It can significantly reduce your quality of life and, when causing sleepiness or related symptoms, can be a risk factor for road traffic accidents. Sleepiness is implicated as a major contributory factor in up to 20% of motorway traffic accidents, and is associated with an increase in the severity of an accident, as driver reactions are impaired.

This document has been developed following collaboration between the OSA Partnership Group and the DVLA, and the guidance provided has been approved by both the Medical and Policy teams at the DVLA. It provides answers to the most commonly asked questions surrounding driving and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS).