Driving and a f

[trixie100]

Did anyone need to stop driving because of a f ?

[Ochg]

Hello Trixie,I had to stop driving when I was under investigation for AF. I had experienced an episode of fainting so obviously not safe to drive at that time. This lasted for a couple of months while under going investigations etc. Now able to drive following second ablation. I have notified the DVLA re atrial fibrillation diagnosis, awaiting there response. Please feel free to PM me if you would like.

Keep well and safe,

Shirley

[CDreamer]

Although you need to report to the DVLA that you have an arrythmia, or you did last time I looked but they are always changing it, you only need to stop driving if a doctor tells you that you must not drive or if you answer yes to the question - have you ever fainted with AF.

It may also depend upon what type of license you hold. DVLA are incredibly slow at answering at the moment. I submitted my renewal - I’m on a 3 year medical license for other conditions - 29th Dec. Because my medical conditions are a little complicated I couldn’t use the online form, which you can if it’s just AF you are declaring. 20 page form to fill out, license expired at the end of January and still not heard a thing from them! Reminds me to chase on Monday.

[Jumper]

Hi Trixie

Here is a link to DVLA that covers your question gov.uk/arrhythmia-and-driving

[bantam12]

I didn't have to stop driving, they weren't really interested in my AF or Pacemaker and neither were my insurance company.

[john-boy-92]

As others have said, it depends if the AF is controlled and you aren't becoming faint. Your GP can write in support. If you have AF, make sure that you are anticoagulated. I wasn't, had a stroke with the common effect that I lost part of my peripheral vision (horizontal visual field must be at least 120 degrees) and, my 50 year clean Group 1 licence was revoked.

Response from the DVLA will be delayed as only 2,000 of the 6,000 employees are in the Swansea office and, they have voted to go on strike. There is a DVLA email address.

[Snowgirl65]

When I was having frequent a-fib episodes during my working days (I'm now retired), I'd still drive to work. I'd also go grocery shopping when having episodes. It all depends on which type of a-fib symptoms you have. In other words, I wouldn't drive if I felt faint (a friend of mine has that type). My episodes never produced that symptom, but only being slightly out of breath, and of course the sensation that a fish is flopping inside my chest.

[Goldfish7]

I contacted the DVLA and was told no. My Dr advised me not to drive for 24hrs after a rapid paroxysmal Atrial fibrillation attack. As I could barely get out of bed that soon after an attack it made no difference to me.