Driving with AF

[dgex2010]

Good morning to all of you! Please could someone tell me which form to access from the DVLA to notify them of my AF. Many thanks in advance!

[Rellim296]

There is a form but the questions don't really help. I just wrote a letter saying that I had been diagnosed with AF but it did not appear to affect my ability to drive and so I was informing DVLA for their information only, They wrote back saying that was fine. Same thing with my insurance company. No problem, no increase.

[dgex2010 in reply to Rellim296]

Thanks for that.

[BobD Volunteer]

Form H1 but since the first question is NO then the rest is futile.

Bob

[dgex2010 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob.

[Hidden]

I had form H1, the first answer is NO, so I didn't fill the rest in and sent it off, being a logical sort of chap! They sent it back and said even though I had answered NO to the first question, I had to fill in the rest.

My EP said I am fine to drive and also that I don't need to inform DVLA, but they disagreed even though their advice to professionals, which you can also find on the web, says he was right !!!!!!

Weird or what .

Koll

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Koll we do this every few months and the problem is that the advice to Medical practitioners says that AF is not notifiable by the doctor, That means that unlike some conditions the_DOCTOR does not have to advise DVLA Under advise to drivers it states that the DRIVER has to inform DVLA. with a £1000 penalty if they do not do this. This confuses both doctors and patients hence we keep banging on about it here. There seems to be no logic other than maybe DVLA think that unlike say stroke the risks are low. What it says is that provided that the condition does not cause incapacity then driving may continue. Some conditions are an instant loss of license.

At HRC last year Matt Fey was telling all that you did not need to advise until Flapjack and I butted in and put him right. He asked then that DVLA be contacted to put this right but I was advised not to do this. by others in the organisation for fear of opening a bigger can of worms.

Bob

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

I take your word for it Bob, and certainly don't want to start this one all over again. But on the patient advice, the opening statement/heading says "You must tell DVLA if you have arrhythmia and it affects your driving.". Answer is that it does not affect my driving, so I do not have to tell them.

It then goes on to say "Check with your doctor if you don’t know if your arrhythmia affects your driving.". Well I have and he was explicit in that I am fine to drive and don't need to advise anyone.

To be honest, the whole thing is written by a bunch of amateurs, not a lawyer in sight, or if there was one, they should be sacked.

Koll

PS. That's my last word on the matter

[dgex2010]

Thanks for that Koll. Guess I`ll have to complete the form then ..... love our systems don`t you?! - so long as we don`t lose our sense of humour, we`ll be ok! :0)

[PeterWh]

The driver is ALWAYS legally responsible for informing DVLA about a condition or treatment (see guidelines). However for certain conditions the consultant or doctor is responsible for notifying AS WELL and the processes and protocols have been agreed between the GMC and DVLA. If there was a delay in notification or the notification from the GP or Consultant OR their notification was lost then the driver is liable, not only in respect of the fine but also your insurance could be invalidated and you would be liable for all your costs and the other driver's or property if you hits something.

Initially I contacted my insurance company they said that they were not interested (and no premium change) PROVIDING I had notified the DVLA and PROVIDING the DVLA had not imposed any restrictions on me and that I MUST keep the return notification letter from the DVLA. This notification is key since then there is NO doubt that at that time you were OK to drive and someone could not slant a response or if it happened that your consultant or doctor retired or was incapacitated or dies (and this could be months or years after) then you are covered.

One of the key words in the DVLA information is MIGHT cause. How do you know what might happen in the future? It only takes 0.5 seconds (or less) of distraction or pain to cause an accident.

I filled out Form H1 by writing "Neither advised me to notify DVLA" and besides the "If yes condition" fill-in aspect I wrote "I have persistent atrial fibrillation (AF)". I then went on and filled in the answers to (2) and (3). That way the onus is on the DVLA and the medics and not you. You need to send by Royal Mail Signed For (£1.72) which used to be called Recorded Delivery or you can use a courier equivalent. No need to send guaranteed next day.

If you have a catheter ablation then, according to the DVLA currently, the MINIMUM time that you must not drive for (or sign legal documents) is 48 hours after the end of the procedure and coming round (realistically back up on the ward). However the consultant may advise a longer duration. MY consultant EP said I was not to drive for 7 days. I did not ask the question he just stated that.

This is the link to the previous discussion healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Everyone has to make their own choice. Mine was to notify them.

[dgex2010]

Thanks very much for such a comprehensive response to my question. I will contact the DVLA - I would rather err on the side of caution! Dorothy

[PeterWh in reply to dgex2010]

I agree and think that you are very wise to do so.

[swifty24]

I filled out the form as best I could and also attached a note explaining my symptoms. I received a letter back within the month to say ok to carry on driving but to inform them of any changes

[dgex2010 in reply to swifty24]

Thanks, have now completed form H1 and sent it to the DVLA for consideration.