Close-up of a RESMED CPAP device and a clinician's hands turning the device on.

BTS publishes updated position statement on driving and obstructive sleep apnoea

Thursday, March 19, 2026

The British Thoracic Society (BTS) has updated its position statement on driving and obstructive sleep apnoea, in line with updates made by the DVLA to patient reporting of sleep conditions. 

The DVLA has streamlined reporting by condensing multiple sleep disorder forms into a single form. The new form uses a "filter" question to ask about excessive sleepiness to prevent drivers without excessive sleepiness from unnecessarily losing their licenses.

Read the updated position statement | BTS website

Read advice for medical professionals assessing fitness to drive | GOV.UK

Download form SL1 (for car and motorcycle drivers) | GOV.UK

Download form SL1V (for bus, coach and lorry drivers) | GOV.UK

Download patient leaflet "Tiredness can kill" | GOV.UK