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Latest News Posted: 2 October 2024

Cardiac Conditions & Driving

I Have Angina – Can I Still Hold a Lorry or Bus License?

You should not drive if you experience any symptoms and must inform the DVLA by completing form VOCH1, which you can find here

If you have been symptom-free for six weeks, you may apply to have your license reinstated. However, you must also pass the Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT). You can watch a short video about the test below:

I’ve Had a Heart Attack – Can I Still Drive?

What is relevant here is if you have had a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) or if you have been treated (whether you have had a heart attack or not) with an angioplasty.

read more here

What Is an Angioplasty Procedure?

Learn more about angioplasty here

In either case (heart attack or angioplasty), you must not drive for six weeks after the event. You are required to notify the DVLA by completing form VOCH1, available here

After this, you will need further assessment by your specialist or GP. The type of assessment will depend on the severity and nature of your heart attack. The DVLA often requires an Exercise Tolerance Test (a treadmill test) at least every three years, and you must receive a favourable outcome.

Exercise tolerance testing and, where necessary, myocardial perfusion imaging or stress echocardiography are the investigations of relevance with the standards as indicated to be applied.

Can I Still Drive After a Stroke?

No, you must stop driving completely (including cars) for at least one month. If you hold a lorry or bus license, you will not be able to regain it for a minimum of one year. Even after that, your ability to drive will depend on how the stroke affected you, such as any impact on your vision or movement, and whether you have fully recovered.

You must inform the DVLA using form STR1V, which can be found here

Following an isolated stroke or TIA, if there is imaging evidence of less than 50% carotid artery stenosis and there is no previous history of cardiovascular disease, a licence may be issued without the need for functional cardiac assessment. Patients with recurrent TIAs or strokes will be required to undergo functional cardiac testing.