DVLA notification of Arrhythmias clar... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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DVLA notification of Arrhythmias clarified

Thomas45 profile image
3 Replies

I'm 70 later this month and filled out a form on-line to renew my driving licence. The form had a question asking about named medical conditions. Arrhythmias were not one of them. I didn't have any of the stated conditions. While searching the DVLA website as to what I should do with my old paper licence (pre-plastic card licence) I came across the revised section on medical conditions. Arrhythmia is listed, but when you go to further details it states:

"Arrhythmia and driving

You must tell DVLA if you have arrhythmia and it affects your driving.

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

Car or motorcycle licence

You need to tell DVLA about your arrhythmia if one of the following apply:

you have distracting or disabling symptoms

your arrhythmia has caused or might cause incapacity

Check with your doctor if you don’t know if your arrhythmia affects your driving.

You must tell DVLA if your arrhythmia affects your driving. Fill in form H1 - ‘Confidential medical information’ and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

Bus, coach or lorry licence

You must tell DVLA. Fill in form VOCH1 - ‘Confidential medical information’ and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

Last updated: 12 March 2015.."

(Reproduced without permission. © DVLA. Source: gov.uk/arrhythmia-and-driving )

So that's much clearer. I don't have to notify them

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Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45
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3 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

That is interesting Thomas and much more sense than the old version. I have tried in vane to find the old "Advice to Drivers" which we have been quoting so this new guidance puts things where we have wanted for some time.

Good job

Bob

Finvola profile image
Finvola

Thomas, the one phrase in the bumf that concerned me was

'your arrhythmia has caused or might cause incapacity'

which is why I have notified DVL of my PAF. I decided to let them and my doctors sort it out as it all seems contradictory to me.

In the event of an accident, it might be difficult to defend against the claim that the pre-existing condition (arrhythmia) contributed to or even caused the accident - especially if it is paroxysmal.

dgex2010 profile image
dgex2010

Hi there, I see your point completely, however, I decided to complete the H1 anyway and sent it with an accompanying letter stating that my condition in no way affects my ability to drive. It took about four weeks and received their reply confirming that ok to drive. I then contacted my insurance company and updated their records accordingly. I guess I erred on the side of caution with this, didn`t want any stone left unturned! Not sure this helps you but hope it does. Dorothy.

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