Driving (and arrhythmia)

Arrhythmias include:

• sinoatrial disease
• significant atrioventricular conduction defect
• atrial flutter/fibrillation
• narrow or broad complex tachycardia

Note:

• transient Arrhythmias occurring during acute coronary syndromes do not require assessment under this Section
  
  

Regarding group 1 entitlement:

• Must not drive if arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.
• Driving may resume without DVLA notification only after:
  • underlying cause has been identified
  • arrhythmia is controlled for at least 4 weeks
• Must notify the DVLA if there are distracting or disabling symptoms and/or arrhythmia is not controlled for at least 4 weeks, and an underlying cause has not been identified.

Regarding group 2 entitlement:

• Must notify the DVLA.
• Must not drive if arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.
• Licence will be refused or revoked.
• May be relicensed/licensed (provided there is no other disqualifying condition) only after:
  • underlying cause has been identified
  • arrhythmia has been controlled for at least 3 months
  • LV ejection fraction is at least 40%.

Up-to-date guidance may be obtained from the publication "At a Glance Guide to the Current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive" and the website www.dvla.gov.uk

Reference

1. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Assessing fitness to drive: a guide for medical professionals. Published March 2016, last updated August 2024