DVLA fitness to drive and occupational checks

In order to renew a group 2 (LGV/HGV) licence it is often necessary for patients to undergo an exercise ECG or sometimes a stress echo investigation to fulfil the DVLA guidelines, depending on their requirements this my entail an assessment with a consultant cardiologist first. Wessex Cardiology undertake DVLA assessments and exercise ECG investigations as required and provide a report directly to the DVLA under their instruction. If your doctor tells you to inform the DLVA of a condition you have a legal obligation to do this. The DVLA will then generally write to your consultant with paperwork to complete and dependent on this will then advise the doctor what further tests are needed for licensing purposes.

An excellent overview of driving and your heart can be found at the British Heart Foundation website. You can access the medical guidelines for fitness to drive. Information about cardiovascular disorders and driving can be found here. A full list of specific conditions/diagnoses and driving can be found at the government website.

Please note that this does not cover all investigations and procedures and if you are in any doubt you should contact your consultant or Wessex Cardiology, who will advise further.

For patients who drive a car and are not subject to group 2 (LGV/HGV) regulations, there are still some restrictions for driving if you have cardiac disease and/or have undergone cardiac investigations or procedures. Patients who are over the age of 70, with a group 1 license, are subject to renewal every three years and in those with a history of cardiac disease tests may be required, at the DLVA’s discretion. In general, if you have an investigation or procedure that requires administration of a sedative, it is likely you will be advised not to drive for at least 24 hours. The time for which patients should not drive vary according to the condition and procedure, these are generally in the DLVA guidelines. If in doubt you should ask your doctor. If you are required to not drive after a procedure or investigation you do not necessarily need to inform the DVLA but just adhere to the requirements, as per the regulations, if in doubt you should ask your doctor.

Please note that the responsibility for determining any higher standards and medical requirements for taxi drivers, over and above the driver licensing requirements, rests with Transport for London in the Metropolitan area, or the local council in all other areas. These are general guidelines and may vary from individual to individual so you should always check with your consultant, especially if you are in any doubt.

Several regulatory authorities/employers ask us to do tests from time to time to ensure patients are fit for their obligations. For example the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will often ask for a Cardiology opinion and specific tests according to their guidelines. Some other examples include taxi driver licenses, seafarers who go offshore, oil rig workers, remote workers, refinery workers and air traffic control staff. Please note we only provide specific cardiology tests and opinions and are not able to provide general occupational health reports.