Livewires Northern Ireland Patient Support Group

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Advice for driving

Driving

Livewires Group - Driving leaflet (.pdf)

You will not be able to drive immediately. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) must be told about your condition. They will then withdraw your driving licence. You may get it back after 6 months free of shocks depending on certain conditions(see the DVLA guidelines).

DVLA At-a glance gives the current regulations.

The current regulations(Sept 2004) have a 1 week driving ban after box change - provided settings are unchanged.

After implant an individual cannot drive for 6 months they then have to reapply for their licence (not just start driving)

If they meet certain criteria they may be relicenced. If they have appropriate therapy, the 6 month ban restarts.

A one month ban applies after a prophylactic implant.

If the individual was a Group 2 (old PSV/HGV) licence holder they will not be relicenced for this group.

Remember we are all individuals and this is for guidance only.

(Thanks to Dr Wilson)

DVLNI - Medical rules

Your Heart - Driving

GPnotbook - implantable cardiac defibrillator and driving

British Heart Foundation - General questions including Driving and the heart and Insurance for heart patients