Driving and AF

[Beanz1970]

Reading through posts there seems to be mention of having to inform the DVLA of fact you have atrial fibrillation and some people have been stopped from driving! No doctor, cardiologist or anyone has ever suggested this to me, do I need to? Checking the DVLA site says heart palpitations should be reported. I don't want to lose use of car (although I assume that would be in more severe cases than me?) but then I don't want to be fined or not covered on my insurance either.

[Langara]

I was advised to contact the D.V.L.A., and when I did so I was told that any physical condition which may affect your ability to drive must be reported. Their web site lists all the conditions which have to be reported and that includes Heart Arrhythmia.

[MammaCass]

Hi, I was advised by the cardiologist not to drive, but he said he could not stop me driving as that was down to the DVLA and that I needed to contact them, however, as I pass out without warning during an attack I felt that stopping driving myself was the only sensible thing I could do.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Beanz

Yes it is reportable, both to the DVLA and your insurance company, but to be honest they will almost certainly write back and tell you it's OK to drive unless you are getting attacks which make you dizzy or fainting etc.

If you look on the DVLA website at the guidance for doctors

gov.uk/current-medical-guid...

It says "has caused or is likely to cause incapacity to drive".

So do tell them (It's a £1000 fine potentially for not telling them) wait for them to give you the all clear and then tell your insurance company in writing (It's a material fact and could render you un-insured if you fail to tell them)

This is almost certainly just a paperwork exercise however so don't worry

Be well

Ian

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Beancounter]

This is very true. Mind you there are confusing messages in that advice to medical practitioners says that it does not need to be advised yet advice to drivers says it does. Basically this means that doctors do not have to advise DVLA but of course you do. Driving may continue unless the condition is likely to cause incapacity is the sort of comment. There is a form which has to be completed after which everything is normal but as Ian states it is a material fact and could leave you without insurance should you not tell DVLA and your insurance co.

As usual doctors often tend to be ignorant and leave us out on a limb unless we do our homework..

BobD

[Abbo31]

I don't believe you poll is well balanced some questions can only be answered by yes/no replies not giving individuals the right to provide a balanced answer.It is a poll designed to provide only one answer.

[Thomas45]

I downloaded the form, and then answered question 1 truthfully:

1. Do you have any heart or heart related condition that your

Doctor/Consultant has advised you to notify DVLA about? YES/NO

No doctor or consultant has ever advised me to notify DVLA about any of my 'medical conditions'. I therefore answered NO and then couldn't list the condition, as it only allows you to list the condition if you answer YES. Really confusing.

I ialways inform my Insurance company of all my medical conditions.

[Dadog in reply to Thomas45]

Spot on, Thomas45. These questions have to be answered literally. I came across these problems with my glaucoma and there was a similar question about advisable eye problems generally. It wasn't until I had to renew my licence at over 70, that the form specifically asked about glaucoma and I had to declare it. I passed the DVLA test but it was a nerve racking situation. As with eyes, if one is worried that one's driving is compromised, don't risk your or anyone else's safety.