DVLC and PAF

[Sixtychick]

i just read on internet, that you should tell the DVLA if you have Atrial Fibrillation, does anyone know if paroxsysmal Afib has to be reported.? It doesn’t occur very often and does not affect my driving in any way.

[Hidden]

Hi,

If you mean DVLA .... yes. However, I do suggest you get onto the DVLA website, look under medical services and search through the myriad of conditions that are listed. It will give details of AF in all its glories/shapes/ sizes and you can see yourself what is involved. All depends on many factors. Then there are your insurers too who need to be considered.

John

[Sixtychick in reply to Hidden]

the website really doesn’t cover paroxysmal AFib, I assume, I’m ok.I’m sure the EP or Consultant would tell you if you can’t drive.

[Kennyb1968]

Been there - you only have to advise the DVLA if your AFib is likely to affect your ability to drive.

[Sixtychick in reply to Kennyb1968]

thanks, I thought that was so, just wanted to be sure.

[jd_fatboy in reply to Kennyb1968]

I have the c1 category on my licence to drive upto 7.5 tonne. dvla been notified due to ablation 4 weeks ago. Dvla doctor now writing to my consultant. Any idea how long it took to get notification as safe to drive. If I dont get my licence okayed im kinda shafted.

[bassets in reply to jd_fatboy]

I informed the DVLA, filled the form, and they wrote to my doctor etc. I still have the same licence so here's hoping you will be ok .

[jeanjeannie50]

I rang them and was sent a form to fill in, which I did. You're usually ok to drive if you don't pass out with AF. I'd still want to fill that form in though.

Jean

[Sixtychick in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks, I might do that.

[Maggimunro in reply to jeanjeannie50]

i agree. If for no other reason that it might affect any insurance claim you might make if you haven’t declared it.

I just rang them they opened a case file, I filled in a form and I’ve been driving ever since.

[meadfoot]

Yes report it to DVLA and your insurers or you may well not be covered in the event of an accidnet. Insurers love to wriggle out of pay outs. Better safe than sorry.

[BobD Volunteer]

DVLA states that if your AF causes incapacity or distraction then you must not drive. Otherwise there is no need to report. AF is AF by the way and matters not one jot if it is permanent or paroxysmal. Most insurance companies demand you declare any medical condition which is reportable to DVLA. Always best to err on the side of caution.

[glosfrog]

Hi. I've had PAF since 2015 and I dont think you have to report it but I did and now have a letter saying I am ok to drive. You have to mention it on your car insurance form and the next question it usually throws up is have you reported it to the DVLA !!! Presume you have tried looking on DVLA website for guidance.

[oommenr]

YeYes

[ILF1]

I understood there was no need to report to DVLA if it doesn’t affect your ability to drive. When I called to inform my insurers they said they had made a note but weren’t too concerned and said no need to inform DVLA if I am fit to drive. From that I haven’t informed DVLA.

[Jajarunner]

I told them and got a letter back to confirm I was good to drive. Better safe than sorry

[ObiDyer]

Can invalid your insurance... quotezone.co.uk/ lists various conditions including "3. Heart conditions: Any heart conditions must be reported to the DVLA. For example, arrhythmia must be reported as it can affect the ability to safely stop a car, and can be distracting"

[Macmedal]

As usual with the internet you will get lots of different well meaning answers. I discussed this at length with my GP when first diagnosed with PAF. We both came to the conclusion that as it only occurs rarely and it does not affect my ability to drive it didn’t have to be reported. I also mention it to my insurers as they were disinterested as they are only interested in things you must report to DVLA. However you have decide what is best for you and your condition. Also this also only applies to car licence, PSV and HGV altogether different.

[Tapanac]

I asked my EP, cardiologist and GP whether I ought to report my Afib to DVLA and the response was not unless you faint, blackout with it. I still often wonder though, but get a bit worried to rock the boat as where we live and as my husband has mild dementia we would be lost without a car. In the end better safe than sorry

[Sixtychick in reply to Tapanac]

Cars are a god send. Best thing I ever did was pass my driving test.!! My husband is going to inform the car insurance people, just to be on the safe side. I don’t have problems with it, as I don’t get it too often. (Touch wood). I will fill in form for DVLA as well, to cover me, as you say, better safe than sorry.

[Mugsy15]

comes up time after time on here, this one.

Each time 'better safe than sorry' gets said repeatedly, but it's not an issue and in my opinion is best forgotten about.

[Sixtychick]

Thanks all for your replies.I have got in touch with my insurance company and they took note of it, but said it didn’t affect my policy in any way, so I didn’t think it necessary to inform the DVLA.