Do I need to tell the DVLA about my device? 

In the UK, the rules for driving with a cardiac device depend on whether you have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). For many patients, having a cardiac device actually makes driving safer by preventing heart rhythm issues that could cause fainting or loss of control behind the wheel. However, because these devices are linked to underlying heart conditions, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has strict clinical guidelines that you must follow to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users. 

In this article, you will learn about the notification requirements for both Group 1 (cars and motorcycles) and Group 2 (bus and lorry) licenses. We will also discuss the typical driving bans following implantation and the triggers that might affect your ability to hold a license long term. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• DVLA notification rules for pacemakers versus ICDs. 

• Driving restrictions for Group 1 car and motorcycle licenses. 

• Strict licensing rules for Group 2 bus and lorry drivers. 

• How the reason for your implant affects the length of your driving ban. 

• The importance of informing your car insurance company. 

• Clinical triggers that could lead to a permanent driving ban. 

• How to restart driving after your mandatory recovery period. 

Pacemaker: Rules for Group 1 and Group 2 drivers 

If you have a pacemaker fitted, you must notify the DVLA. For Group 1 drivers, you are typically required to stop driving for at least one week following the procedure. This short break ensures that the surgical wound is healing well and that there are no immediate complications with the device settings. Once the week has passed and you feel well, you can usually resume driving without waiting for a formal letter of permission from the DVLA, provided you meet all other medical standards. 

For Group 2 drivers, the rules are much stricter. You must notify the DVLA immediately, and your license will be suspended for at least six weeks. After this period, you will need to undergo a clinical assessment to confirm the device is working correctly and that your underlying heart condition is stable before your vocational license can be reinstated. 

• Group 1: Notify the DVLA and stop driving for 1 week. 

• Group 2: Notify the DVLA and stop driving for 6 weeks. 

• Notification can usually be done online or via post. 

• Failure to notify the DVLA is a criminal offense and can invalidate your insurance. 

ICD: Rules for Group 1 and Group 2 drivers 

The rules for an ICD are more complex because the device is designed to treat life threatening heart rhythms. For Group 1 drivers, you must notify the DVLA. If the ICD was fitted as a preventative measure and you have never had a fainting episode or a dangerous heart rhythm, the driving ban is usually one month. However, if the ICD was fitted because you suffered a cardiac arrest or a dangerous rhythm that caused symptoms, the ban is typically six months. 

For Group 2 drivers, the news is more significant. Current UK clinical guidelines state that you are permanently disqualified from holding a Group 2 license if you have an ICD fitted. This is because the risk of a device discharge or a sudden cardiac event is considered too high for the drivers of large, heavy vehicles. 

• Group 1 (Preventative): Notify the DVLA and stop driving for 1 month. 

• Group 1 (After an event): Notify the DVLA and stop driving for 6 months. 

• Group 2: Permanently disqualified from driving buses or lorries. 

• If your ICD delivers a shock, you must stop driving immediately and re notify the DVLA. 

What happens if my device delivers a shock? 

If you have an ICD and it delivers a shock, you must stop driving immediately and inform the DVLA. The length of the subsequent driving ban depends on the circumstances of the shock. If the shock was appropriate and happened while you were awake, the ban is usually six months from the date of the event. 

If the shock was inappropriate, the ban may be shorter, provided the clinical team can prove the issue has been fixed. During this time, your cardiologist will review your device data to determine the cause of the shock and adjust your medication or device settings to prevent it from happening again. 

• Stop driving immediately after any ICD shock. 

• Inform the DVLA of the event as soon as possible. 

• A 6 month ban usually applies if the shock was for a dangerous heart rhythm. 

• You can only resume driving once the DVLA confirms you are fit to do so. 

Informing your insurance company 

In addition to the DVLA, you must also inform your motor insurance company about your cardiac device. While many insurers do not increase premiums for a pacemaker or ICD, failing to declare it can be seen as non disclosure of a material fact. This could result in your insurance being cancelled or a future claim being denied. 

When you call your insurer, simply explain that you have had a device fitted and that you are following the DVLA guidelines for driving. Most companies will simply make a note on your file. If you are currently in a mandatory driving ban period, ensure your insurance remains active if the car is parked on a public road, even if you are not the one driving it. 

• Non disclosure of a medical device can invalidate your car insurance. 

• Most UK insurers do not charge extra for having a pacemaker or ICD. 

• Always follow the DVLA timeline before getting back behind the wheel. 

• Check if your policy has specific clauses regarding medical fitness to drive. 

Differentiation: Notification vs formal license surrender 

It is important to understand the difference between notifying the DVLA and surrendering your license. For most pacemaker and some ICD patients, you simply notify them, and they update your record while you observe the mandatory ban. You keep your physical license. 

However, if your condition requires a long term ban, the DVLA may ask you to formally surrender your license. While this sounds daunting, it actually makes the process of getting back on the road easier later on, as the DVLA will send you a reminder to reapply when your ban is nearing its end. Surrendering your license voluntarily also means you do not have to go through a formal revocation process. 

Conclusion 

Whether you must notify the DVLA and how long you must stop driving depends entirely on the type of device you have and the reason it was implanted. Pacemaker patients generally face short, one week bans, while ICD patients may face six month bans or, for Group 2 drivers, a permanent change in career. By following these clinical guidelines and being transparent with the DVLA and your insurer, you ensure that your return to the road is safe and legally sound. 

If you feel dizzy, faint, or if your ICD delivers a shock while driving, pull over safely as soon as possible and call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot 

This article was written by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK trained physician with an MBBS and extensive experience in cardiology and emergency medicine. Dr. Fernandez has supported numerous patients in navigating the clinical and legal requirements of living with cardiac devices within the NHS. This guide is based on the current DVLA Assessing Fitness to Drive standards and British Heart Foundation guidelines.