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Alcohol - problem drinking - Management
What advice should I give a person with an alcohol problem about driving?

  • Persistent alcohol misuse or alcohol dependence will result in revocation of the person's driving licence. It is the driver's responsibility to contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about the problem, and it is against the law not to do so.
  • At follow up, determine whether the person has informed the DVLA. Explain that you will have to inform the DVLA if the person refuses to do so, to protect the person and others at risk from this behaviour.
  • If it is necessary to inform the DVLA, because the person refuses to do so:
    • Consider first contacting your Defence Union for advice, and informing the person in writing of your intended actions, providing another opportunity for them to inform the DVLA personally.
    • When contacting the DVLA, give details of the person, explaining the circumstances and providing contact details for further correspondence. Inform the person that this action has been taken, that they must not continue driving, and that they will be contacted by the DVLA personally.
  • For more information, see the DVLA Guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive.

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