UK softens on arrhythmic drivers:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Drivers with implantable cardioverter defibrillators can now drive for a year. A blanket ban on patients fitted with defibrillators has been lifted by the UK Secretary of State and licences can now be granted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency as long as certain criteria are fulfilled. Defibrillators must have been implanted for at least a year with no discharge in the 12 months preceding the application; any previous discharges must not have been accompanied by a syncope; devices must be regularly reviewed with interrogation; and drivers must have no other disqualifying medical conditions. Drivers can hold licences for a maximum of one year before re-applying. The DVLA told Clinica these are about the strictest conditions requested by the agency.