DVLA

Question 1

What must all patients with epilepsy or seizures do regarding driving?

Answer 1

Must not drive and must inform the DVLA

DVLA refers to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in the UK, which regulates driving eligibility based on medical conditions.

Question 2

What is the driving restriction for a patient after a first unprovoked seizure with no relevant structural abnormalities?

Answer 2

6 months off driving

This applies if there is no definite epileptiform activity on EEG.

Question 3

What is the driving restriction duration for a patient with established epilepsy who has been seizure-free?

Answer 3

12 months

This applies to those who have not had any seizures.

Question 4

What happens to a driving licence if a patient has been seizure-free for 5 years?

Answer 4

‘til 70 licence is usually restored

This applies if medication is taken if necessary.

Question 5

When should a patient not drive during the withdrawal of anti-epilepsy medication?

Answer 5

While medication is being withdrawn and for 6 months after the last dose

This is to ensure safety during the transition.

Question 6

What is the driving restriction for a simple faint?

Answer 6

No restriction

This applies to isolated fainting episodes without further complications.

Question 7

What is the driving restriction for a single episode of syncope that is explained and treated?

Answer 7

4 weeks off driving

This is a precautionary measure post-episode.

Question 8

What is the driving restriction for a single unexplained episode of syncope?

Answer 8

6 months off driving

Unexplained episodes pose a higher risk for sudden incapacitation.

Question 9

What is the driving restriction for two or more episodes of syncope?

Answer 9

12 months off driving

This is to ensure the individual’s safety and the safety of others.

Question 10

What is the driving restriction after a stroke or TIA if there is no residual neurological deficit?

Answer 10

1 month off driving

Patients may not need to inform the DVLA in this case.

Question 11

What is the driving restriction for multiple TIAs over a short period?

Answer 11

3 months off driving and inform DVLA

This ensures monitoring of the individual’s health status.

Question 12

What is the driving restriction after a craniotomy for a meningioma?

Answer 12

1 year off driving

This is a precaution due to potential recovery issues.

Question 13

What is the driving restriction after a pituitary tumour craniotomy?

Answer 13

6 months off driving

If there is no debarring residual impairment, driving can resume.

Question 14

What is the driving restriction for a patient with narcolepsy or cataplexy?

Answer 14

Cease driving on diagnosis, can restart once ‘satisfactory control of symptoms’

This is crucial for safety while symptoms are active.

Question 15

What should patients with chronic neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis do regarding driving?

Answer 15

Inform the DVLA and complete PK1 form

This helps assess their fitness to drive.

Question 16

True or False: A benign meningioma patient with no seizure history can have their licence reconsidered 6 months after surgery.

Answer 16

True

If the patient remains seizure-free, they may be eligible.

Question 17

What are the driving rules for hypertension?

Answer 17

Can drive unless treatment causes unacceptable side effects; no need to notify DVLA.

If Group 2 Entitlement, disqualified from driving if resting BP consistently 180 mmHg systolic or more and/or 100 mmHg diastolic or more.

Question 18

What is the driving restriction after elective angioplasty?

Answer 18

1 week off driving.

Question 19

What is the driving restriction after CABG?

Answer 19

4 weeks off driving.

Question 20

What is the driving restriction after acute coronary syndrome?

Answer 20

4 weeks off driving; 1 week if successfully treated by angioplasty.

Question 21

What are the driving rules for angina?

Answer 21

Driving must cease if symptoms occur at rest or at the wheel.

Question 22

What is the driving restriction after pacemaker insertion?

Answer 22

1 week off driving.

Question 23

What are the driving rules for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?

Answer 23

If implanted for sustained ventricular arrhythmia: cease driving for 6 months; if implanted prophylactically, cease driving for 1 month.

Having an ICD results in a permanent bar for Group 2 drivers.

Question 24

What is the driving restriction after successful catheter ablation for an arrhythmia?

Answer 24

2 days off driving.

Question 25

What should be done if an aortic aneurysm of 6cm or more is diagnosed?

Answer 25

Notify DVLA; licensing will be permitted subject to annual review.

Question 26

What is the driving restriction for an aortic diameter of 6.5 cm or more?

Answer 26

Disqualifies patients from driving.

Question 27

What is the driving restriction after a heart transplant?

Answer 27

Do not drive for 6 weeks; no need to notify DVLA.

Question 28

What is required for a person with diabetes who uses insulin to hold a HGV licence?

Answer 28

Must meet the following standards:
* No severe hypoglycaemic event in the previous 12 months
* Full hypoglycaemic awareness
* Adequate control of the condition through regular blood glucose monitoring
* Understanding of hypoglycaemia risks
* No other debarring complications of diabetes

These standards also apply to patients using other hypoglycaemic inducing drugs such as sulfonylureas.

Question 29

What form must insulin-using patients complete to apply for a Group 2 (HGV) licence?

Answer 29

VDIAB1I form

This is a specific requirement for patients on insulin.

Question 30

True or False: A patient on insulin can drive a car if they have hypoglycaemic awareness and no more than one episode of hypoglycaemia requiring assistance in the past 12 months.

Answer 30

True

This applies as long as there is no relevant visual impairment.

Question 31

What is the blood glucose monitoring requirement for HGV licence applicants with diabetes?

Answer 31

At least twice daily and at times relevant to driving

Applicants must demonstrate adequate control of their condition.

Question 32

If a patient is on tablets or exenatide, what is the requirement regarding notifying the DVLA?

Answer 32

No need to notify DVLA unless tablets may induce hypoglycaemia

In which case, there must not have been more than one episode of hypoglycaemia requiring assistance in the preceding 12 months.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: If diabetes is diet controlled alone, there is _______ to inform DVLA.

Answer 33

no requirement

This simplifies the process for those managing diabetes through diet.

Question 34

What type of blood glucose meters are recommended for applicants to demonstrate adequate control?

Answer 34

Blood glucose meters with a memory function

Applicants should have used these for at least 3 months prior to application.

Question 35

What is the maximum number of hypoglycaemic episodes requiring assistance allowed for insulin users in the past year to hold a car driving licence?

Answer 35

One episode

This applies to Group 1 drivers on insulin.

Question 36

What is the role of the Secretary of State’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Diabetes Mellitus?

Answer 36

To recommend guidelines for blood glucose monitoring in applicants

They provide standards for adequate control of diabetes for driving.

Question 37

obstructive sleep apnoea how often they need to reapply for driving licence?

Answer 37

Every year