Reporting someone who is unfit to drive

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Explore More. Member dilemma I am treating a patient for alcohol and drug abuse. He has attended the surgery on a number of occasions under the influence of alcohol.

The surgery is in a fairly rural location and the patient has almost certainly driven himself to the surgery when over the legal limit for safe driving.

I am concerned for the safety of the patient and others on the road, but I also do not want to betray the trust I have built up with the patient.

Do I have an obligation to report the patient? This means they will need to know if a driving licence holder has a condition that affects their safety as a driver. However, the guidance goes on to state the following: If you become aware that a patient is continuing to drive when they may not be fit to do so, you should make every reasonable effort to persuade them to stop.

If the patient withholds their consent, then you would need to decide whether or not your duty of confidentiality is outweighed by a public interest justification for disclosure. If the patient objects to the disclosure, you should consider any reasons they give for objecting. If you decide not to inform the DVLA then you must be able to justify the non-disclosure if called upon to do so. You should fully document your reasons as to why you are satisfied that the patient understands their obligations, and make a comprehensive note of your discussions.

Irrespective of the outcome of the discussion, it is imperative to make comprehensive notes in the medical records to ensure you can justify the decisions made at a later date if required. Confidentiality As you are aware, you do have a duty of confidentiality towards your patients. However, there are instances where your duty of confidentiality can be overridden in the public interest. You can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on to report the person driving without a valid licence.

The number can also be used to report people driving without insurance or people who regularly indulge in drink or drug driving.

You can also contact the police on their non-emergency number or Crimestoppers on Report a vehicle with no MOT. Contact your local police to report a car, van, motorcycle or other vehicle that does not have an MOT.

You can only report a vehicle with no MOT to the police if it's being used on a road. The DVLA also clamps vehicles on the street without a valid licence, and will impound them in some cases. Declaring your vehicle off road with a SORN means you'll not be able to drive or park it on a public road. Your vehicle will need to be kept in a garage or on private land, like your driveway. Avoid looking directly at them, and making eye contact.

Ignore any rude gestures they may make, and do not return them. Dial 77 from your cell phone, or if you feel in danger — dial Examples include:. Clinicians may also report when they have concerns about a patient that do not meet the requirements outlined in section of the act. Please note: Do not report transient conditions. These include the aftereffects of surgery, fractures, concussions and eye surgery. RoadSafetyBC understands reporting may challenge clinician-patient relationships.

Let your patient know RoadSafetyBC makes the licensing decision and they can contact us with questions. If you as a medical practitioner have any questions about this process please call RoadSafetyBC's registered nurse case manager at Comments will be sent to 'servicebc gov.

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Section Navigation. High-risk driving behaviours.