AF for PCV drivers....

[kirstles2318]

Hi everyone,

I myself am not a sufferer but my fiancé is. He has had AF (undiagnosed properly until a few months ago) for 17 years, he is 45. I practically dragged him to the doctors and bullied people until they tested him properly.... leaning on your partners chest for the first time and listening to an attack was somewhat surprising! I couldn't believe he was so nonchalant about it all and not really knowing what it was. He takes 50mg Atenolol at the on-set of an attack, they tried Bisoprolol but his attacks worsened so he went back to Atenolol and all is calm.

Both of us are PCV Bus Licence holders. His licence is due for renewal and he has had his medical and sent off his paperwork. The doctor has ticked all the right boxes to say he is fit to drive, is not incapacitated by his condition and it has been under control for some time. He is also waiting for Ablation treatment. The DVLA, as speedy as always are dragging him through the torment of "deciding" on his licence status, we are currently coming up to the 7th week his licence has been away. They have sent him a letter to confirm his entitlement to drive if his licence is still away after his renewal date.

Is anyone else a PCV licence holder having been through or going through the same thing? He is in bits and I really just want someone to shed a little light or comfort on the situation for him. I personally believe he will get his licence back because his condition is low risk and stabilised, and if they thought he was a danger then they would have revoked it by now?

Any wise words would be gratefully received.

Thank you!

[Hidden]

I found this on the DVLA website for you:

Group 2 entitlement vocational – lorries, buses

NB: A left ventricular ejection fraction of < 0.4 is considered a bar to Group 2 entitlement.

Disqualifies from driving if the arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.

Driving may be permitted when:

the arrhythmia is controlled for at least 3/12

the LV ejection fraction is = to or > 0.4

there is no other disqualifying condition

I have no idea what a left ventricular ejection fraction is, it sounds very mathematical! It sounds as if the doctor's confirmation that it doesn't incapacitate him really should mean they give him his licence back... Fingers crossed!

[Hidden]

Another bit of googling suggests that ejection thing is to do with the amount of blood your heart pumps. It's all Greek to me...

[kirstles2318]

I've googled it all to death too.. I just wondered if there was a person who might have experienced the same, the DVLA guidelines are a bit "broad", it sort of says well we might let you drive, and then again we might not!

That's what I thought about the 3 months under control rule and although it makes him feel sick he's never been incapacitated as it were. The doctor actually told him to sit down until it passes so technically he's in the best place!

Thanks for the replies.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to kirstles2318]

I will be having lunch on Wednesday with one of our members who is a bus driver so will ask him if you don't mind waiting. I know he had to stop for a while but is back at work again now. DVLA guidlines to drivers and information to medical practitioners always seem to contradict each other where AF is concerned so going to DVLA is the best way forward even though it may not feel that way right now. No point in risking prosecution or being told your insurance is not valid.if you didn't.

BobD

[Offcut]

I was told many years ago that I was not allowed to drive PSV, HGV or become a Pilot with my AF? but could drive my car.

[Jackieboy55]

Hi, not sure if psv rules are same as hgv, but I have hgv license and have told dvla, who have written to GP and cardio for more info on my condition (paroxysmal af). That was about 2 months ago and I have just received a response to say that relevant information has been received and that they are now considering response. It seems to take ages, but they haven't said not to drive hgv in the meantime.