ICDS & driving

One of the disadvantages of having an ICD is that there are many rules & regulations related to driving. These have been established by the DVLA in conjunction with the Cardiology Advisory Panel & are constantly being reviewed, updated & subject to change.

After your implant operation, remember to ask your Cardiologist for details of the current DVLA restriction that applies to your particular medical condition. This will help you to complete all of the following stages using the correct format & terminology. Full details to help you are available on-line at:-

 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/at-a-glance

There are typically two driving bans following ICD implantation; one-month or six-months – the duration of your ban will depend on the reasons for your ICD implant and your Cardiac history.

It is most important that a patient advises their car insurance company that they have had an ICD implanted. You must also immediately inform the DVLA that you have had an ICD implanted. The DVLA will post back to you the necessary forms & then the patient must complete them & return as soon as possible. The main one will be an “H1” form which can also be obtained “on-line”. This form will require you to complete many sections including details of the hospital where the implant was carried out, name of your Cardiologist, etc. Should you require assistance in completing this form, please contact your ICD Pacing Clinic. This will enable the DVLA to contact your Cardiologist for the remainder of the medical data that they require.

If you have a six month ban, try to align your ICD check-up about one week or so before the six month ban is completed. Part of the DVLA paperwork will ask the Cardiologist whether you have had any arrhythmias that may delay a return to driving thus ICD interrogation will be needed for confirmation of this. Your ICD clinic will be able to help you if you have any questions on this.

If you are a ‘black cab’ driver, you will need to seek advice from your local medical panel in order to determine whether you need a letter regarding ‘eligibility to drive’ in order to return to work and/or whether there are other implications to your driving due to the ICD. Your Cardiologist will be able to assist you if you have any questions on this.

Please remember that if, after your ICD is implanted, you ever have shock therapy and/or lose consciousness, there is likely to be a further driving ban. Depending on the cause of the loss of consciousness or shock, this ban from driving may be one month, six months, or two years in duration from the date of the last episode. Your ICD clinic and/or Cardiologist will be able to tell you which ban is applicable for you. In these scenarios the DVLA do, once again, have to be informed.

“IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP COPIES OF ALL THE DOCUMENTS THAT YOU SUBMIT TO THE DVLA”.

Sometimes, the DVLA will not be able to return your driving licence after the specified time period has been completed. This can occur for numerous reasons beyond both their & your own control. To assist the prompt return of your driving licence, it is sometimes helpful if you phone them about one month prior to your known return date pertaining to your driving licence & check that there are no problems. It can sometimes take a long time for them to answer your phone call, so please always remember to remain patient & when you ask what your current position is, a quiet & professional manner will always work in your favour.

If you are experiencing a lengthy delay, please contact your ICD Pacing Clinic who will endeavour to help your application.