DVLA Tachycardia

[Leahetea]

Hi,

I have a diagnosis of paroxysmal symptomatic sinus tachycardia and have been on a new medication a few weeks which is much better for me. I checked out my car insurance policy which needs I only inform them if I have to inform DVLA. Tachycardia on DVLA you sometimes have to notify and one of those reasons is if the underlying condition is not known and treated. Mine is unknown the cardiologist says I’ve probably always had it but as it’s hard work on the heart I’m now getting symptoms (although I’m in mid 40’s) anyway I’m being treated but don’t think I’ll ever establish a ‘true underlying cause’ but unsure if that means I must declare it. I’ve always felt fine to drive, symptoms have been manageable or not occurred when I’ve needed to drive etc. I wondered if anyone had any advice on notifying the DVLA on a similar issue or how to establish the need to inform them? Thank you.

[Ianc2]

You will need to be guided by your cardiologist. If he/she is anything like mine he will be able to inform and advise you regarding your need to inform the DVLA. Bear in mind that if he believes this to be the case he will also have a responsibility to tell you not to drive.

[Janma123]

To be on the safe side you could phone them and explain your symptoms etc. It is always better to voluntarily surrender your licence if necessary as it is easier to get it back again. After any specified period, as long as your GP is happy for you to drive, you reapply for your licence, send in the required health information and once you know that your application form is with them (send it recorded delivery) you can start driving again while they carry out their investigations.

If you don’t surrender your licence when you have a condition that states you should, the DVLA can revoke your licence and then you can’t drive until they say you can, and it can take ages! The phone number for the Drivers Medical Unit is somewhere on the website but I have it written down somewhere (I have needed it a few times!) and will put it on here for you.

Best wishes.

[Janma123]

Their phone number is 0300 790 6806. I have always found them very helpful.

[Leahetea]

Hi,

Thank you for your replies and number, very kind. I rang them and they we’re unsure if I needed to or not so said to fill out their form and to continue just to follow medical advice. He also said they’d probably end up issuing a letter that shows I’ve informed them but I’m ok to continue with my license. I also told my car insurance company and they just wanted to know if I’d informed DVLA of a medical condition and everything stayed the same, (although my renewal may change I’m guessing).

It’s surprised me that angina you don’t need to inform, HA you don’t need too after 4 weeks rest but I have too when neither my GP or Cardiologist don’t seem overly concerned about me??

Just hope it all ok, I need to drive for my profession so I’m a little unsettled now.

Thanks again all.