Advice > Driving

People who have a ICD implanted must not drive until they have fulfilled the criteria laid down by the DLVA. These are set out below

After you have had your operation you are required by law to notify the DVLNI of your changed medical circumstances and they will write confirming that you may not drive but can apply for reinstatement of your license according to the rules below.
It is wise to discuss driving with your G.P and your Hospital Consultant before you apply as the DVLNI will contact them first before making a decision regarding you license.

Recommendations of the Cardiac Panel of the DVLNI

Normally a patient with an ICD will have their license revoked unless they can comply with the following guidelines:

1. The device must have been implanted for at least six months and shall not have discharged during the previous six months (except during formal clinical testing.)
2. Any previous discharge must not have been accompanied by incapacity.
3. The device must be subject to regular review with interrogation. A period of one month off driving must lapse following any revision of the device (generator or electrode) or alteration of antiarrhythmic drug therapy
4. There must be no other disqualifying condition.
5. The license shall be subject to annual review.

If you feel that you fit these criteria then you can apply for restoration of your license or for your first license if you have not held one before. The DVLNI will undoubtedly contact your consultant before deciding to act so the best approach would be to ask him or her whether he/she would agree that you fulfilled all the guidelines before you ask the DVLNI. You should obtain the appropriate form from the Post Office and send it to the DVLNI together with your permission for them to get details of your problem from your consultant and GP. Including their contact details as well helps speed up the process.

Motor Insurance

Some members who have reclaimed their licenses successfully have found no problem in getting insured whilst others have found it quite difficult.
Most driving members have had loadings placed on their premiums because of their condition. We suggest that if your previous Insurers won’t take you on, or if they demand a very high loading on the premium, you should shop around for a better deal.

Annual review

Members applying for annual renewal of their licenses have had differing experiences. Some have had no trouble, whilst others have been subject to considerable delays in getting renewal. The DVLNI tend to blame the doctors for not replying to their letters quickly enough and the doctors deny this. It would probably be best to apply at least six weeks before your license is due for renewal. Normally you should be sent a form around the six week period before renewal but if you don’t receive one then send in a form at that time.

Note

You must not drive if you doctor has forbidden it - even if you have a valid license or you are waiting for a renewal.

For the latest information about driving and having an ICD either check the DVLA website or contact LiveWires via the contact us page.