Driving with an ICD
People
who have a defibrillator implanted must not drive until they have fulfilled the
criteria laid down by the Medical Group at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Agency (DVLA). These are set out below.
After
you have had your operation you are required by law to notify the DVLA of your
condition and they will write asking for you to return your licence to
them. They will tell you that you can
apply for re-instatement of your licence according to the rules below.
It
is wise to discuss driving with your G.P. and your Hospital Consultant before
you apply because they will be asked about you before the DVLA decides whether
or not to give your licence back. If
your cardiologist states that you are not fit to drive then the driving ban
will remain until he alters his opinion.
Recommendations of the Cardiac Panel at
the DVLA
Driving
may occur when the following criteria can be met:-
1
The first device
has been implanted for at least six months.
2 The device has not
administered therapy (shock and / or symptomatic anti-tachycardial pacing)
within the last six months (except during formal clinical testing).
3 Since the
implantation of the defibrillator, neither the heart rhythm nor treatment by
the defibrillator has caused incapacity.
If incapacity has occurred, licensing will be debarred for a minimum 2
year period from the date of the event unless the underlying cause has been
identified and controlled.
Restoration of the licence thereafter is at the discretion of the DVLA.
4 A period of one
month off driving must occur following any revision of the device (generator
and / or electrodes) or alteration of anti-arrhythmic drug treatment.
5
The device is
subject to regular review with interrogation.
6
There must be no
other disqualifying condition.
The licence may be subject to annual review.
Prophylactic ICD Implant
In
this situation, the device has been implanted in an individual considered to be
at increased risk of significant arrhythmia as a result of relevant family
history or other condition, but prior to implantation a significant arrhythmia
has not occurred.
CAVEAT
– If a symptomatic arrhythmia has occurred 5 years or more prior to the ICD
implantation without recurrence, then the ICD is regarded as a prophylactic
implant.
Following
implantation, driving must cease for one month and may re-commence thereafter
subject to satisfactory out-patient review.
DVLA need not be notified.
If the ICD then fires, the usual ICD
rules apply and you must tell the DVLA.
This
is a legal requirement – see Web site:
Licence Renewal
All
licences issued to ICD users are now of unrestricted duration and do not need
annual renewal except when the normal requirements of the law regarding age
apply.
If
you are awaiting renewal under the previous regulations, your new licence will
be of unrestricted duration provided you remain under regular review and sign
an agreement to do so (see below). If
renewal is delayed the DVLA have assured members that they can continue driving
beyond a year if their application is still being processed (Section 88 of the
Road Traffic Act).
It
is best to apply at least six weeks before your licence is due for
renewal. Normally you should be sent a
form for this about that time, but if you don’t receive one, send in a form D1
at that time.
N.B.
YOU MUST NOT DRIVE IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS FORBIDDEN IT – even
if you have a valid licence or are awaiting annual renewal.
Re-Applying for your licence
If
you feel you fit these criteria then you can apply for restoration of your
licence or for your first licence if you have not had one before. The DVLA will contact your consultant before
deciding to act, so the best way to go about it would be to ask him or her
whether they agree that you fulfil all the guidelines before you ask the DVLA.
You
should then obtain form D1 from the Post Office, complete it, and send it to
the DVLA. Also send in a form D750 if
you have not had a photocard licence before.
They will send you a form to get your permission to consult your
doctors.
If you are refused a licence, you do have
a right of appeal.
Whilst the Sutton ICD Support Group makes every effort to ensure accurate information,
we disclaim any legal responsibility for actions as a result of the contents of this page.