DVLA rules - acute

Patients may have legal duty to notify DVLA
Doctors may be obliged to inform DVLA if they knowingly drive despite being told not to do so

  • If this is done, inform patient and document in patient notes

cardiovascular

  • CABG - 4/52 off
  • ACS - 4/52 off; if successfully treated with angioplasty, 1/52 off

neuro

  • TIA

    • Group 1 and single TIA: stop for at least 1/12, no need to notify
    • Group 1 and multiple TIA: notify DVLA, multiple in short period = no driving for 3/12
      Must notify DVLA if any residual:

  • limb weakness

  • problems with eyesight – for example visual field loss or double vision

  • problems with balance, memory or understanding

  • Stroke

    • Stop for at least 1/12, no need to notify

You must also tell DVLA if:

  • you have had any type of seizure
  • you needed brain surgery as part of your stroke treatment 
  • your doctor thinks you may not be safe to drive

epilepsy

  • Stop driving immediately
  • Inform DVLA
  • See https://www.gov.uk/epilepsy-and-driving for full information
  • Generally license will be taken away
  • Can get it back after seizure free 6 months (if seizure was while awake and lost consciousness)
    • focal seizure without loss of consciousness - still have control of movements during seizure - first seizure >12 months ago
  • For group 2 (bus/coach/lorry)
    • seizure free duration is
      • 5 years - single seizure
      • 10 years - multiple seizures

vascular

AAA rules...

endocrine

  • Diabetes

https://www.gov.uk/transient-ischaemic-attacks-and-driving
https://www.gov.uk/stroke-and-driving
https://www.gov.uk/epilepsy-and-driving