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You are in: Home > Heart Information > Living With Heart Conditions > Heart Attack > Moving On > Driving

Driving

Sometimes there are complications after a heart attack such as angina and arrhythmias. These have to be stable and symptom free before driving can be resumed.

For safety reasons the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has strict guidelines about who may and may not drive and your doctor should be involved in discussing these with you before you drive again.

If any of the drugs you are taking for your heart give you side effects which may affect your driving (e.g. drowsiness) then you are not allowed to drive.

If your work involves driving then you must inform your employer. The following guidelines do not take into account any special conditions your employer might apply in your contract.

Group 1 licence holders: motorcars and motorcycles

When you can start to drive again depends on what treatment you received immediately after your heart attack:

• If you were successfully treated by coronary angioplasty then you can start to drive 1 week after your heart attack as long as your doctor says you are fit, no other urgent treatment is planned and there is no other disqualifying condition.
• If you were not successfully treated with coronary angioplasty you are disqualified from driving for 4 weeks. After this time you may return to driving if your doctor says you are fit and there is no other disqualifying condition.

The DVLA need not be notified in both of these cases.

Group 2 licence holders: lorries and buses

In this case you are disqualified from driving for at least 6 weeks and the DVLA and your insurance company must be notified.

Re–licensing may be permitted after this time if the exercise test requirements can be met and there is no other disqualifying condition.

Your insurance will be invalid if you have to make a claim and have not notified the DVLA of any problems when required to do so.

Tips about resuming driving

• Start driving again in easy stages
• Avoid heavy traffic and motorways until you know you can cope
• Give yourself plenty of time for your journey
• Do not drive for longer than 2 hours without a break
• Try to keep calm and relaxed. If you find driving stressful, leave it for a while until you feel a bit better

If you are in any doubt about your fitness to drive please consult your doctor.

Useful contacts

DVLA

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