Driving

The good news is that most people with a heart condition will be able to go back to driving.

However, this will depend on what sort of heart condition you have, whether you have any symptoms, the type of treatment you may have had and how well you have recovered.

Can I still drive?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides the national medical guidelines on being fit to drive, as well as how soon you can return to driving following a heart procedure, heart surgery or a heart problem.

The information is intended to assist doctors in advising patients. So if you are concerned about your fitness to drive, and want to know when you can start driving again, you should speak to your GP or call the DVLA on 0300 790 6806.  

In the interests of road safety, you shouldn't drive if you suffer from a medical condition that might suddenly cause you to lose control while you are driving, or if you cannot safely control your vehicle for any reason.

If you ever experience episodes of dizziness, fainting or black outs, you should stop driving and seek advice from your doctor immediately.

Do I need to let the DVLA know about my heart condition?

To find out if you need to tell the DVLA about your medical condition or about a change in your health, visit Directgov. If you do have to tell them, you will need to fill in a medical questionnaire which you can download from the website.

If you don't have access to the internet, call the DVLA on 0300 790 6806 for car drivers and motorcyclists, or 0300 790 6807 for heavy goods vehicle and bus drivers, or write to them at DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU.

Is my licence to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV) still valid?

You will need to let the DVLA know about your heart condition if you hold a licence to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) or a passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV) as there are special regulations.

Depending on your heart condition, the DVLA may ask your local hospital to carry out various tests. The results of these tests will help the DVLA decide whether you can keep your licence. Visit Directgov or call the DVLA on 0300 790 6807, or write to them at DVLA, Swansea SA99 1TU.

Do I need to let my car insurance company know?

Yes. Whatever type of licence you hold you should always let your car insurance company know about your heart condition and any changes in your medical condition, including any treatment that you have had. If you don’t, your car insurance may not be valid.