DVLA

[NannyChickens]

Do l have to inform DVLA and car insurers that I have AF?

[CDreamer]

Yes to DVLA - when I rang my insurers they didn't want to know saying that as long as DVLA said I was fit to drive - that was all that was relevant. But I made them make a note on my file and email me the addition to say that I had rung them to inform them - just in case!

[CDreamer]

PS - unless you have blackouts or have been told by a Doctor you cannot drive it is just a formality.

[NannyChickens in reply to CDreamer]

Ok thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Technically, AF does not need to be advised UNLESS you are incapacitated by it. Doctors do not have to advise DVLA that you have it as they do with some conditions. Most insurance companies only require you to tell them about any condition which must be advised to DVLA so again technically not required.

That said it is a good idea to notify both even though you may have to jump through various hoops as the last thing you need is a claim rejected on some small technicality. The problem seems to be that advice has changed at least twice since I started my AF journey in 2004.

[NannyChickens in reply to BobD]

Thank you. Best to err on the side of caution I guess

[Ladysmith64]

Hi had P M fitted since renewal of car insurance. Contacted DVLA to confirm if they were interested and they have sent a form to be completed and returned whereupon contact will be made with my G P to establish the extent of my condition. Very important to make contact with licensing authorities. All this took place in September.

[NannyChickens in reply to Ladysmith64]

Thanks. Yes I guess a pacemaker is that much more serious than A Fib which to be honest doesn't debilitate me that much although I am symptomatic but I will contact DVLA and see what response I get.

[rosyG]

yes but they get you to fill on a form and then tell you it's OK to drive

[Pam296]

I rang DVLA for advice and they said that as I'd mentioned it to them, I'd have to complete the for. They wrote to My cardiologist but it was a formality as I'd already checked with him. Direct Line weren't interested if DVLA were content.

[NannyChickens in reply to Pam296]

Thank you Pam. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and follow that process

[Pam296 in reply to NannyChickens]

I always worry when it comes to insurance companies. Any excuse not to pay out! It was a fairly painless procedure. I completed a form online and had a letter about 6 weeks later confirming I could carry on driving.

[NannyChickens in reply to Pam296]

Totally agree

[doodle68]

Hi Nanny C there is information on the DVLA website about notifiable conditions.

gov.uk/arrhythmia-and-driving

gov.uk/health-conditions-an...

I think it has changed recently, it used to mention stopping driving for a number of days when medication is first introduced.

I rang my Insurance company SAGA when I was diagnosed and they weren't interested but I said I wanted it recorded that I had informed them.

I haven't told the DVLA, I don't think under the guidelines I am required to, it doesn't affect my driving not that I drive far these days just a couple of miles away twice a week.

[NannyChickens in reply to doodle68]

Thank you that's really helpful

[Hidden]

You've got some good advise from the last post by doodle 68 which is very clear. What I now say might just be of interest to you. Interestingly when I was in GP surgery and feeling very ill and diagnosed with AF and given a form to admit myself to hospital - my car was in the car park and the doctor said nothing about not driving however I collapsed on way out and was taken to hospital by ambulance. Admitted to hospital and chemically cardioverted and put on loads of drugs I was then told not to drive for 6 months and or until seen consultant. On that occasion 400 miles from home I had to get someone to come to me on the train and drive me home. I did start driving again but once had an episode on the motorway. I knew I couldn't continue my journey because of the distance and the services people did call the ambulance who wanted to take me to local hospital however I knew I would be OK and all I needed to do was get home. Thank goodness for road recovery and especially having relay home. They came and took me home without question although they were happier that I had the form from the ambulance people that I had been unwell. I then had ablation and continued driving however when my AF started up again this time I felt so unwell I gave up driving myself - knowing full well I was using common sense and thinking not only of myself but others. Very disappointing but I have rolled with it so to speak. Main point here is if you have AF which could strike at any point and you are a driver - road assistance is a handy tool. Could save the day. As you are not debilitated by the drugs enjoy your driving.

[NannyChickens in reply to Hidden]

Wow Kate that is some tale of woe but contains very useful advice. I have never had to drive when I have been in AF but I think my concentration at least would be adversely affected if I had to.

[Hidden in reply to NannyChickens]

I tend to call my tales of woe - experiences - there are a few! The main point is I wasn't in AF when I started the journey but I became unwell during the journey. We are all different with AF some don't even know they are in it and others feel quite unwell.

[caos52 in reply to Hidden]

So will the aa/rac take you home with your car if you havent actually broken down and have been attended by paramedics and self certified?

[Hidden in reply to caos52]

Yes they will - they did for me without question but as I said were happier that I had the ambulance form. I was unwell and not fit to drive after starting my journey it was an emergency that is what they cover.

[NannyChickens]

Oh ok I get that

[KazDD]

I've just had my first appointment with the cardiologist and this was one of my questions. He promptly assured me that in my case I do not need to inform the DVLA as I am not incapacitated when in AF, he also double checked on-line. Common sense needs to prevail, if I were driving when an episode of AF started I think for my own peace of mine I would want to terminate my journey.

[NannyChickens in reply to KazDD]

Yes me too. Thanks for this

[Hidden]

It's good that having AF does not require you to advise DVLA however a common sense approach is required by all just as when we get older and are alertness is not the same as when we were younger. I was told not to drive when first diagnosed with AF and put on the drugs. After that I was told I was fine whilst still on all the drugs and for a time I was ok driving however when in AF unlike some I was not fit to drive and also when not in AF but affected by the drugs I was unfit to drive - I had to make the painful decision to put the safety of myself and others first. Common sense approach needed by all whether or not the doctor tells you or not.