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Atrial fibrillation - Management
What advice should I give about driving?
- Advise the person that it is their responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any condition that may affect their ability to drive.
- The DVLA's medical rules regarding atrial fibrillation are:
- For group 1 entitlement (cars, motorcycles):
- Driving must cease if the arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.
- Driving may be permitted when the underlying cause has been identified and controlled for at least 4 weeks
- The DVLA need not be notified unless there are distracting or disabling symptoms.
- For group 2 entitlement (lorries, buses):
- Disqualified from driving if the arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.
- Driving may be permitted when the arrhythmia is controlled for at least 3 months; the left ventricular ejection fraction is equal to or greater than 0.4; there is no other disqualifying condition.
- The person should check with their insurer that they are still covered for driving.
- The latest information from the DVLA regarding medical fitness to drive can be obtained at www.dvla.gov.uk/medical/ataglance.
In depth
In depth
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