Driving and A Fib??

[Kazzie49]

Hi does anyone know if you have notified the DVLA previously that they had atrial fibrillation and was cleared to drive ( it had been put back into normal rhythm by a cardioversion at the time of the medical) and the atrial fibrillation returns do you need to inform the DVLA again??? Asking for my husband whose heart rate has gone irratic again yesterday so off to docs tomorrow!!! Thank you. Sorry should say he is an HGV class 2 driver.

[Hidden]

Because of the HGV issue, this is not an easy one to answer.

As I understand it, once you have notified the DVLC there is no need to advise them again unless your condition deterioates and you experience bouts of dizziness and have blackouts. Bearing in mind that there is no actual cure for AF, provided it remains controlled, then driving a car should be OK but the onus on the driver to be absolutely sure they are safe to do so. I have no knowledge of the situation regarding HGV and PSV licences other than the DVLA requirements are more stringent especially after the age of 70. Hopefully others on the forum will know more.

[Hidden]

Me again! I checked your previous posts and 3 years ago you mentioned your husband had undergone his third cardioversion. If the cardioversion has lasted all that time then he may be considered as a good candidate for an ablation. It’s a big step to take and I hope you do not mind me mentioning it but it could be well worthwhile seeking a referral to see an Electrophysiologist.

[Kazzie49 in reply to Hidden]

Hi thank you for replying. Yes they have told him that if it were to happen again he would have an ablation next time. As far as the driving I think that because the DVLA had already been notified of the condition when he got his license all be it the heart wad ok at that point they don't have to be told again as he doesn't suffer any incapacity from it like blackouts or faintness etc he just feels more tired at the end of the day.. It states that notification is for new conditions or if the condition gets worse so would the irregularity coming back be considered getting worse?? I don't think he needs to tell them but hes not too sure? Thank you for your thoughts x

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Kazzie49]

I think it best to call them and discuss. Apart from anything else the £1000 fine makes a call worth while. Also insurance is compromised if they do want to know again. It should depend on what the medical report stated at the time he was re-issued with his license.

[Kazzie49 in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD yes we were going to call just for some info tomorrow just to be on the safe side. Not much clarification on their website really.

[Kazzie49]

Well that's my thinking John and as it causes him no physical problems such as fainting or blackouts or driving problems( or any other problems come to that other than being more tired by the end of the day) as far as I am concerned they are already notified ....

[Hidden]

Hi, I think you may need to. Based on the assumption that when you were cleared to drive originally you would get a letter from DVLA saying you are OK to drive .... the letter goes something like this .....

"From the lnformation we have received you satisfy the medlcal standards for safe driving and I am pleased to tell you that a car/motorcycle and lorry/bus driving licence(s) has been issued to you. Please let us know if it does not arrive in the next 14 days.

If your medical condition gets worse or your doctor tells you not to drive, please let us know.

"

Do you have a copy of any such letter ?

Its the last sentence that could cause you grief if you do not notify them of any variation to your condition. I hold a PCV licence by the way.

I would either ring them and seek advice or before you do so, go onto DVLA website, then go to Medical Services Group and search through the list of medical conditions. You will then find information on actions to be taken. If you do ring them don't admit to having problems ... just ask the hypothetical question .......... what if my condition returns, what should I do. Make it vague, put it on them to tell you.

While DVLA isn't the most efficient authority I have found their Medical Services team really very helpful, both with AF and more recently cataract surgery. And with cataract surgery they actually gave me advice that got me back to work 3 to 4 weeks earlier than I'd been advised by my optician, and legally so too.

You don't say your husbands age, that will have a bearing on what DVLA expect from him. Of course, when you go to your doctor if he says you can't drive then that's it. It all depends on what your letter says .... remember to that DVLA may well check with your doctor. Have you signed a document from them dealing with data protection ? It will say something like you authorise them to carry out any checks that they wish.

Hope this helps, good luck.

John

[Kazzie49 in reply to Hidden]

Hi yes we spoke to DVLA anonymously and they said if it returned you would need to tell them but you can carry on driving but you would need to fill in the h1 form. They will then write to the gp and get a report on your driving fitness and at that point they will make their decision. My husband's gp is happy for him to drive as he doesn't have any symptoms with his af and will put that on the report when it comes so we will wait and see .

[Hidden]

Hi Kazzie,

Well, that's more upbeat and I'm glad that things are working out. Morale wise, not forgetting finances, it's better for hubby to keep on working. Being put off the road is no good, all it does is cause brooding, worry and stress all good playmates of AF and almost a guarantee of AF staying in place.

So wishing hubby all the best.

John