DVLA driving guidance for inherited cardiac conditions
Group 1 = Car/Motorcycle | Group 2 = Bus/Lorry (HGV/PCV)
Whether DVLA notification is required depends on the specific condition, current symptoms, and licence group, not a single blanket rule. For example, with an isolated HCM diagnosis a Group 1 driver generally does not need to notify DVLA unless another disqualifying feature is present (e.g. syncope, sustained arrhythmia, significant LVOT obstruction); a Group 2 driver must notify DVLA of the diagnosis. Other conditions have their own rules, see the table below and the full DVLA guidance linked at the end of this page.
Where notification IS required, it is the PATIENT's responsibility to:
- Notify DVLA of the diagnosis (online or by post)
- Stop driving if told to do so or if the condition worsens
- Attend reviews as required (typically 1-3 years)
- Inform car insurance of the medical condition
Driving Rules at a Glance
Group 1 = car / motorcycle · Group 2 = bus / lorry (HGV/PCV).
| Condition | Group 1: Car / Motorcycle | Group 2: Bus / Lorry (HGV/PCV) |
|---|---|---|
| HCM | May drive if asymptomatic; DVLA notification generally not required unless another disqualifying feature is present.Symptomatic: notify DVLA, cease until 3 months symptom-free, EF >40%, no LVOT gradient >50 mmHg. | Permitted only if LVOT <30 mmHg, wall <30 mm, no syncope, no NSVT, normal BP response to exercise, LVEF ≥45%. |
| DCM | May drive if asymptomatic & LVEF >40%, annual review.Symptomatic / LVEF ≤40%: notify DVLA, cease if symptomatic. | LVEF ≥45%, no symptomatic heart failure, no significant arrhythmia; annual review. |
| ARVC | May drive if asymptomatic (no VT/VF/syncope, LVEF >40%).Symptomatic (VT/VF/syncope): cease until 3 months post-ablation or ICD. | Barred if VT/VF, cardiac syncope, or LVEF <45%. |
| LQTS | May drive if asymptomatic on therapy.Symptomatic: cease 3 months. | No syncope/arrest, QTc <500 ms, on effective therapy; annual review. |
| Brugada | May drive if asymptomatic.Symptomatic (syncope/arrest): cease, see ICD rules. | Barred if any history of syncope or cardiac arrest. |
| CPVT | May drive if asymptomatic.Symptomatic (syncope/arrest): cease, see ICD rules. | Barred if any history of syncope or cardiac arrest. |
| Marfan / Aortopathy | Individually assessed, BP control, aortic dimensions, no dissection history. | Individually assessed, aortic size, BP control, absence of dissection history. |
| ICD (in situ) | Primary prevention: 1 month off. After appropriate shock (secondary prevention): 6 months off. Inappropriate shock: 2 weeks (if cause fixed). |
Any ICD = permanent disqualification. |
Summary of UK DVLA standards, each case is assessed individually. Always check the full DVLA cardiovascular fitness-to-drive guidance and, for HCM specifically, the HCM and driving page.
Group 2 Licensing (HGV/PCV): General Principles
Group 2 licences (buses, lorries, HGV, PCV) require a higher medical standard than Group 1, reflecting the greater public safety risk. Key principles:
- Burden of proof is on the applicant: must demonstrate fitness, not merely absence of disqualifying features
- No syncope or near-syncope: any episode within 5 years is generally disqualifying
- No symptomatic arrhythmia: must be controlled and stable
- LVEF ≥45% required for most conditions (some require ≥50%)
- Regular specialist review: typically annual; DVLA may issue 1-year licences
- Any ICD = permanent disqualification (Group 2)
- Pacemaker alone: may be compatible with Group 2 if underlying condition allows, subject to DVLA assessment
Key Points:
- Returning to driving: DVLA will issue new licence when medical criteria met. No re-test required unless told otherwise. Patient must reapply if licence expired.
- Temporary licences: DVLA may issue 1, 2, or 3-year licences requiring regular review rather than standard 10-year (Group 1) or 5-year (Group 2) licences.
- Individual variation: These are general rules - DVLA assesses each case individually. Always check current guidance.