driving (and arrhythmia)
Last edited 06/2019 and last reviewed 04/2021
Arrhythmias include:
- sinoatrial disease
- significant atrioventricular conduction defect
- atrial flutter/fibrillation
- narrow or broad complex tachycardia
Note:
- transient Arrhythmias occurring during acute coronary syndromes do not require assessment under this Section
Regarding group 1 entitlement:
- Must not drive if arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.
- Driving may resume without DVLA notification only after:
- underlying cause has been identified
- arrhythmia is controlled for at least 4 weeks
- Must notify the DVLA if there are distracting or disabling symptoms and/or arrhythmia is not controlled for at least 4 weeks, and an underlying cause has not been identified.
Regarding group 2 entitlement:
- Must notify the DVLA.
- Must not drive if arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.
- Licence will be refused or revoked.
- May be relicensed/licensed (provided there is no other disqualifying condition)
only after:
- underlying cause has been identified
- arrhythmia has been controlled for at least 3 months
- LV ejection fraction is at least 40%.
Up-to-date guidance may be obtained from the publication "At a Glance Guide to the Current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive" and the website www.dvla.gov.uk
Reference: