Driving

While every effort is made to ensure the information presented here it is only to be used as a guide. Please consult the DVLA website for a comprehensive guidance regarding driving at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring under “Driver Licensing” and “Medical Rules”.

All information provided is applicable to Group 1 drivers (cars and motorcycles), please consult the DVLA website for Group 2 entitlements.

 

When can I drive after my Angiogram?

The DVLA does not restrict drivers having had an angiogram but does advise that patients suffering from angina occurring at rest, with emotion or behind the wheel only recommence driving when satisfactory symptom control is achieved.

We recommend patients DO NOT drive home on the day of their angiogram and ask them to organise a friend or relative to bring and pick up from the hospital. They are welcome to wait in the cardiac day case unit while you have the angiogram.

You do not need to inform the DVLA you have had an angiogram.

When can I drive after my Angioplasty?

The DVLA restricts driving for 1 week following angioplasty (stents) as long as there are no other co-factors restricting your driving.

You do not need to inform the DVLA you have had stents.

When can I drive after having my Pacemaker?

The DVLA restricts driving for 1 week following a pacemaker insertion as long as there are no other co-factors restricting your driving.
This also applies to “box change” patients who have had another pacemaker following battery run down.

The DVLA must be informed of pacemaker implantation.

When can I drive after having an ICD?

The DVLA restricts driving for 6 months following an ICD implantation.
If a patient has a shock from the device or symptomatic pacing therapy driving is resitricted for a further 6 months.

“Box change” patients who have had another ICD following battery run down are restricted from driving for 1 week.

The DVLA must be informed of your ICD implantation.

When can I drive after having Biventricular Pacemaker?

If the device is a Biventricular pacemaker alone the advice is the same as pacemakers.

If the device is an ICD Biventricular device the advice is the same as ICDs.

Can I drive after my coronary artery bypass (CABG)?

The DVLA restricts driving after a CABG for 1 month as long as there are no other co-factors restricting your driving.

The DVLA do not need to be informed of your CABG.

Can I drive after my Valve surgery?

The DVLA does not restrict drivers suffering from valve disease or patient having had repair or replacement of valves surgically.

The DVLA do not need to be informed of your valve disease or valve surgery.