Driving

[Electricblue1]

Hello , does anyone know if you can drive with arrhythmia, how long after an attack can you drive , if you can drive a big van and what about a HGV, I would be most grateful if anyone can help me.

[BobD Volunteer]

DVLA here in UK state that driving may continue so long as the arrhythmia is not distracting or incapacitating. I once spent a day driving from Devon to Wales, changing the engine on a rally car and driving home whilst in AF. Provided you can function properly and are alert there is no problem for private drivers.

If you are HGV or PSV things are quite different and you must not drive until medical permission from DVLA has been given.

[Electricblue1 in reply to BobD]

Hi bobD, thank you , that helps a lot , is it ok for big vans

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Electricblue1]

That depends on how big. I used to be able to drve up to 7 1/2 tons on my normal license but having past 70 and not wishing to have to have a medical I gave up my grandfather rights so I can now only drive small vans ( think up to 3.5tons gross.) athough I can still tow trailers or a caravan.

[Hidden]

Hi Electricblue1,

My suggestion is to get onto DVLA website and get into the Medical Services section. Then you'll find an index of just about every known condition that DVLA need to be aware of and deal with. You should look in the index for atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter or heart arrythmia. There are guidelines which ( the last time I looked) would answer your questions.

Have you notified DVLA of your condition and have they revoked your drivers licence ? Technically, if they haven't revoked your licence you are clear to drive but this is something you need to run past your GP and he/she will decide whether you are fit to drive. Remember at some point in all this mumbo jumbo stuff you will have given DVLA permission to discuss your condition with your GP. Severe penalties exist if you step out of line.

I have a PCV licence and have already jumped through these hoops so can imagine your concern. Mind you that said I was diagnosed some 11 years ago and things might have changed. DVLA website is the place to start with. Then next have a talk to your GP.

You can also ring medical services ( more dramas in the phone line queue I'm afraid). I would also be very surprised if your GP didn't have on his/her book shelf Medical Guidelines for GP's, (or some such title) another DVLA publication.

Good luck,

John

[Hidden]

Lots of good advice, the only thing I would add is regarding insurance. I was diagnosed back in 2014 and back then the issues regarding driving were not particularly clear (not so sure they are now). I was under 70 so “Grandfather rights” applied and I actually received written confirmation from the DVLA to say I was OK to drive. Not boasting here (honest) but we have two cars and a motorhome so I contacted our insurers and made them aware with a copy of the DVLA letter. All were fine and it made no difference to the premiums so it’s worth thinking about to avoid any wriggle room if you ever need to make a claim.

[Ecki in reply to Hidden]

We too have a motorhome. When I last renewed the insurance I mentioned my AF but they said they didn't need to know if it wasnt DVLA notifiable, which I don't think it is (if I've interpreted their info correctly), as long as its not affecting your ability to drive.

[Hidden in reply to Ecki]

I believe you are right Ecki but 6 years ago there was some ambiguity and double negatives. Having received the letter from DVLA, I haven’t bothered to check more recently....hope you get to use the motorhome now the weather has improved 🤞👍

[Ecki in reply to Hidden]

We've had it SORNed for tha last year, just retaxed it this week. Planning a trip for the week after next (once the schools are back), hopefully, virus allowing.

[Ronnieboy]

I used to drive a HGV over to Italy and up to aberdeen and I've had AF for 12 years officially and probobly 25 years in reality,ok we're all different, but as a rule your ok,just take it easy.

[Electricblue1 in reply to Ronnieboy]

Do you have to tell DVLA or can you wait out the time you are not allowed to drive after an attack.

[Ronnieboy in reply to Electricblue1]

Well yes I told the Swansea people ,they were in touch with my doctor and I carried on working regardless ,to be fair the AF doesn't really bother me to much ,I just take blood thinners and that's it.

[Electricblue1 in reply to Ronnieboy]

Yeah I was told by the hospital that every time there was an episode of AFIB you had to tell DVLA but wasn’t sure.