DVLA

[sarum1967]

Just renewed my car insurance but I have heart valve disease - due a replacement aortic valve and heart bypass soon. Should I inform DVLA? Am I correct that I'm not allowed to drive for 3 months after the op?

Any advice greatly appreciated - I see the surgeon on 18th August.

Cheers

Phil

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Phil, I dont believe it's a requirement, have you checked the DVLA website? After my bypass I was advised no driving for six weeks

[sarum1967 in reply to skid112]

Mis read the DVLA website - think it's only a requirement for HGV / PSV Drivers?

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to sarum1967]

Yes that's how I read it too

[Marc68 in reply to sarum1967]

That's also how I read it. You do need to tell your insurance company though, and make sure they put a note on your file. My premiums weren't affected.

[Sina-6491]

Well at my rehab they said you did have to inform DVLA.

So maybe they just thought it was advisable for any further issues. You know, like it being documented to protect you if there was any future legal issues. They could say, why didn't you inform us.

And like skid112 said. The restricted time of driving, depends on the indervigual progress

[BHFnurse_June BHF Nurse]

Hi Phil

This is something that you’ll need to check with your GP, as they know you and your condition the best.

Have a look on the DVLA website too: gov.uk/driving-medical-cond.... You can check here as to whether you need to tell the DVLA about your condition, or you can contact them if you're not sure what to do.

However just for your information DVLA state the following for car/motorcycle drivers: You must not drive if you have angina symptoms, but can resume driving when your symptoms are satisfactorily controlled. You don’t need to inform them.

In terms of the valve disease, this depends on if you have symptoms and which type of valve disease you have. For some types you can continue to drive and need not notify the DVLA (as long as there is no other disqualifying condition) but other types of valve disease, for example symptomatic aortic stenosis you should not drive and do need to notify the DVLA.

Regarding surgery, DVLA state that you must not drive for at least 4 weeks but need not notify them. Driving may resume after 4 weeks (provided there is no other disqualifying condition). However people are often advised by their surgeons to wait longer (often 6 weeks) to allow for extra healing of the breast bone.

It’s worth mentioning that all of the above guidelines are different if you’re a lorry or bus driver

Very best wishes for your up and coming surgery

June

[Fredders]

Hi Phil, I had my first AVR in 2011 and wasn't allowed to drive until I had my check up with my surgeon, which was after 6 weeks. He then told me I could drive as soon as I felt well enough to have full control of the car, it was helped by the fact that I had an automatic so no constantly changing gears. It very much depends on your surgeon and then on your recovery. I only drove short distances to start with though.

[leslieharland]

I had an AVR two years ago, I did not think I needed to tell the DVLA as not being allowed to drive was only temporary

I was told I could drive again when I saw the surgeon's team six weeks after surgery

I told my insurance company

I cannot remember their exact reply, it was something like

No problem, hope you make a speedy recovery