I am now nearly 3 weeks post ICD procedure and trying to decide the best option regarding my driving licence. Today I received a letter and medical forms from DVLA after contacting them by phone last week. The letter offers 2 options
1. Surrender your driving licence or 2. Medical investigations
The Indication (reason) noted on my Cardiologist's letter states: Secondary prevention ICD for possible scar related ventricular tachycardia (suffered heart attack 23 years ago and recently ended up in hospital with racing heart beat in excess of 220 bpm)
This I take as meaning no driving for at least 6 months that is also in line with advice from Arrhythmia Nurses. Just to add to the problem I am also long term Type 1 Diabetic meaning my licence is reviewed every 3 years anyway.
I would like to hear from anyone with similar experiences and any difficulties from either option taken. Thank you.
Written by
Saruman
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First, if you're given the option always surrender your licence rather than have it revoked. Not only is it easier to reapply for your licence if it's been surrendered, you can start the reapplication after 4 months instead of waiting the full 6 months. Additionally if you meet the criteria, after the 6 months you can drive under section 88 of the road traffic act while you wait for your new licence, you can't however do this if your licence has been revoked.
I can't help with the rest of your question unfortunately but if you do Facebook there's an incredibly well moderated & very informative ICD support group who may be of help, lots of friendly advice & support from people who have or care for someone with an ICD. Good luck 🤞
Almost a mirror of myself HA 20+yrs ago, admitted with VT 220+, ICD fitted.
My licence return actually took 10 months but that's because the hospital admins were a royal pita, lost my forms twice and argued that it was the nurses at fault so they should sort it.
My advice is the same as Lezzers, surrender your licence and restart the process at 4 months. The additional advice is before you let go of the completed forms speak to them and find out how they process the renewal, the forms implied fill them in and return to the hospital, the hospital kept saying I should return to DVLA who will then contact the hospital.
DVLA were very helpful to me and once they had the forms called me within 2-3 days advising I could start driving again at midnight without the hard copy.
I was lucky in a way as I went for a pre-op and the nurse worked with the secretary of the consultant that oversaw both hospitals. An email was sent whilst sat in the appointment and my hospital called me literally 15mins later, I think it scared someone!
Thanks Etzel that sounds like a good plan to surrender so I can start the process at 4 months and will definitely check in with DVLA, they were very good on the phone last week. Sorry to hear yours took 10 months what a pain.
Hi Saruman, I have an ICD after a cardiac arrest that I needed CPR to survive. My license was taken, ie no choice was given, but I am under the impression that the 6 month ban is for people that have had a medical event that has psychically incapacitated them. If you are receiving the device without one of these events, for preventative reasons the ban is shorter. I also heard lots of horror stories about getting my license back but it took 6 weeks from the 6 month date for me, it didn't drag on at all. I'm sure the other poster wouldn't give you duff info regarding driving but I was told quite clearly by the dvla that if they have your license, do not drive you do not have a license while it is with them.
Many thanks Drawforaliving and yes most information states following incapacitated event but having now read the advice for health care professionals from DVLA a 6 month ban can also apply if a condition such as Arrhythmia or ventricular tachycardia is likely to incapacitate. Also I was admitted/summoned into hospital as soon as they discovered the extremely high heart rate that they expected to cause heart failure at any time soon. Hence the secondary prevention stated by the cardiologist (instead of primary prevention). So looks like at least 6 months for me unfortunately.
I had a collapse which caused my ICD to shock me in December. I surrendered my license. This seems to conferred an advantage in terms of getting my license back. If you are forced to hand it in (I.e. revoked) it’s much more complicated to get it back. I strongly advise looking at DVLA section 88. There is also a an ICD Facebook group (ICD support UK) where these issues are covered in depth.
my husband surrendered his license as he had 2 cardiac arrests post mitral valve surgery then having an ICD fitted as an emergency - for him it was an automatic ban of no driving for 6 months
At 5 months he forwarded his DVLA forms to his Cardiologist and ICD team
They confirmed his heart rate was within DVLA guidelines and they confirmed his ICD had not activated
DVLA returned his license at 7 1/2 months after his ICD being fitted
No conditions added on to his license but if ICD activated it’s an initial 1 month suspension for him
This was in 2020/21
All the literature we read the rules seem different if ICD is fitted as precaution rather than following cardiac arrest
whatever the situation re: DVLC anything which could affect your driving should make you give serious consideration of your fitness to drive
when you are in charge if a vehicle you are responsible for the effect that can have on passengers and other road users as well as surrounding pedestrians - so you should ask yourself "am I a hazard to others?" and if you have any doubts or concerns about you ability to drive safely you should not drive
would you want to be responsible for injuring or killing someone else with your car?
Hi, I'm 14 weeks post icd, I surrendered mine and it's 6 -12 month's on mine. My icd was fitted due to cardiac arrest and subsequent myocarditis. I hope I can re apply now, but I think they have to see if my icd has been activated , but I have learnt a lot from you asking the question. Thank you
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