• At the time of diagnosis, all people with Parkinson's disease who drive should be advised to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and their car insurer of their condition.
• Sudden onset of sleep without awareness or warning signs has been reported rarely during treatment with levodopa or dopamine agonists (including apomorphine).
• People taking these drugs should be informed of this and advised not to drive, and also to consider any other occupational hazards if sudden onset of sleep occurs.
• However, in relation to people with Parkinson's disease, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that:
• For Group 1 entitlement (to drive cars and motorcycles), 'Providing medical assessment confirms that driving performance is not impaired, can be licensed. A 1-, 2-, or 3-year licence may be required. Should the driver require a restriction to certain controls, the law requires this to be specified on the licence'.
• For Group 2 entitlement (to drive large lorries and buses), 'Licence refused or revoked if condition is progressive or disabling. If driving would not be impaired and condition stable, can be considered for licensing subject to satisfactory reports and annual review (individual basis)'.
• The latest information from the DVLA regarding medical fitness to drive can be obtained at www.dvla.gov.uk/medical/ataglance.

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