Notifying DVLA after accident?

[JQ]

My father has had an non motoring related accident that resulted in some significant damage - at the grand old age of 82 he has 12 broken ribs, a punctured lung, shattered pelvis, broken hip, broken shoulder, broken back and a few other bits and bobs. He's had lots of surgery and will remain in hospital for a considerable period of time. He's having daily physio and is learning to walk again.

As a petrolhead, one of his major goals and motivators at the moment is to be able to drive again. A friend has told him that once out of hospital he'll need to inform the DVLA about the accident. Is that really the case, if the hospital say he's ok to drive, does he really need to inform the DVLA?

Would he need to inform his insurer?

I could understand it if he'd lost a limb or the hospital said he shouldn't drive, but everything is still there and he's still sharp as a tack mentally.

[wildoliver]

Absolute rubbish. No reason at all for him to notify anyone once he's fully recovered.

[bigandclever]

https://www.gov.uk/surgery-and-driving

"You must tell DVLA if you’ve had an operation and you’re still unable to drive 3 months later."

FYI It's a circular reference if you go through the A to Z of conditions that need reporting.

Hope he makes a quick recovery.

[JQ]

Cheers. That's really helpful.