DVLA: cardiovascular disorders

Question 1

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving after a heart transplant?

Answer 1

After a heart transplant, a driver must wait 6 weeks before resuming driving.
There is no need to notify the DVLA after a heart transplant.

Question 2

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving with an aortic aneurysm?

Answer 2

For an aortic aneurysm of 6 cm or more, the DVLA must be notified. Licensing will be permitted with an annual review.
If the aortic diameter is 6.5 cm or more, the patient is disqualified from driving.

Question 3

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving after successful catheter ablation for an arrhythmia?

Answer 3

After successful catheter ablation for an arrhythmia, a driver must take 2 days off from driving

Question 4

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving after the implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?

Answer 4

If the ICD is implanted for sustained ventricular arrhythmia, driving must cease for 6 months.
If implanted prophylactically, driving must cease for 1 month.
Having an ICD results in a permanent ban on driving for Group 2 drivers (e.g., HGV drivers).

Question 5

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving after pacemaker insertion?

Answer 5

A driver must take 1 week off from driving after pacemaker insertion.

Question 6

When must driving cease in patients with angina?

Answer 6

Driving must cease if angina symptoms occur at rest or while at the wheel.

Question 7

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

Answer 7

After ACS, a driver must take 4 weeks off from driving.
If successfully treated by angioplasty, the driver can resume driving after 1 week.

Question 8

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)?

Answer 8

After CABG, a driver must take 4 weeks off from driving.

Question 9

What are the DVLA guidelines for driving after angioplasty?

Answer 9

After elective angioplasty, a driver must take 1 week off from driving.

Question 10

What is the DVLA guideline for driving with hypertension?

Answer 10

Drivers with hypertension can drive unless treatment causes unacceptable side effects.
No need to notify the DVLA for hypertension.

For Group 2 entitlement (e.g., HGV drivers), the driver is disqualified if resting BP is consistently ≥ 180 mmHg systolic or ≥ 100 mmHg diastolic.