DVLA Flashcards
What must all patients with epilepsy or seizures do regarding driving?
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.
What is the driving restriction for a patient after a first unprovoked seizure with no relevant structural abnormalities?
6 months off driving
This applies if there is no definite epileptiform activity on EEG.
What is the driving restriction duration for a patient with established epilepsy who has been seizure-free?
12 months
This applies to those who have not had any seizures.
What happens to a driving licence if a patient has been seizure-free for 5 years?
‘til 70 licence is usually restored
This applies if medication is taken if necessary.
When should a patient not drive during the withdrawal of anti-epilepsy medication?
While medication is being withdrawn and for 6 months after the last dose
This is to ensure safety during the transition.
What is the driving restriction for a simple faint?
No restriction
This applies to isolated fainting episodes without further complications.
What is the driving restriction for a single episode of syncope that is explained and treated?
4 weeks off driving
This is a precautionary measure post-episode.
What is the driving restriction for a single unexplained episode of syncope?
6 months off driving
Unexplained episodes pose a higher risk for sudden incapacitation.
What is the driving restriction for two or more episodes of syncope?
12 months off driving
This is to ensure the individual’s safety and the safety of others.
What is the driving restriction after a stroke or TIA if there is no residual neurological deficit?
1 month off driving
Patients may not need to inform the DVLA in this case.
What is the driving restriction for multiple TIAs over a short period?
3 months off driving and inform DVLA
This ensures monitoring of the individual’s health status.
What is the driving restriction after a craniotomy for a meningioma?
1 year off driving
This is a precaution due to potential recovery issues.
What is the driving restriction after a pituitary tumour craniotomy?
6 months off driving
If there is no debarring residual impairment, driving can resume.
What is the driving restriction for a patient with narcolepsy or cataplexy?
Cease driving on diagnosis, can restart once ‘satisfactory control of symptoms’
This is crucial for safety while symptoms are active.
What should patients with chronic neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis do regarding driving?
Inform the DVLA and complete PK1 form
This helps assess their fitness to drive.
True or False: A benign meningioma patient with no seizure history can have their licence reconsidered 6 months after surgery.
True
If the patient remains seizure-free, they may be eligible.
What are the driving rules for hypertension?
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.
What is the driving restriction after elective angioplasty?
1 week off driving.
What is the driving restriction after CABG?
4 weeks off driving.
What is the driving restriction after acute coronary syndrome?
4 weeks off driving; 1 week if successfully treated by angioplasty.
What are the driving rules for angina?
Driving must cease if symptoms occur at rest or at the wheel.
What is the driving restriction after pacemaker insertion?
1 week off driving.
What are the driving rules for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?
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.
What is the driving restriction after successful catheter ablation for an arrhythmia?
2 days off driving.
What should be done if an aortic aneurysm of 6cm or more is diagnosed?
Notify DVLA; licensing will be permitted subject to annual review.
What is the driving restriction for an aortic diameter of 6.5 cm or more?
Disqualifies patients from driving.
What is the driving restriction after a heart transplant?
Do not drive for 6 weeks; no need to notify DVLA.
What is required for a person with diabetes who uses insulin to hold a HGV licence?
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.
What form must insulin-using patients complete to apply for a Group 2 (HGV) licence?
VDIAB1I form
This is a specific requirement for patients on insulin.
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.
True
This applies as long as there is no relevant visual impairment.
What is the blood glucose monitoring requirement for HGV licence applicants with diabetes?
At least twice daily and at times relevant to driving
Applicants must demonstrate adequate control of their condition.
If a patient is on tablets or exenatide, what is the requirement regarding notifying the DVLA?
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.
Fill in the blank: If diabetes is diet controlled alone, there is _______ to inform DVLA.
no requirement
This simplifies the process for those managing diabetes through diet.
What type of blood glucose meters are recommended for applicants to demonstrate adequate control?
Blood glucose meters with a memory function
Applicants should have used these for at least 3 months prior to application.
What is the maximum number of hypoglycaemic episodes requiring assistance allowed for insulin users in the past year to hold a car driving licence?
One episode
This applies to Group 1 drivers on insulin.
What is the role of the Secretary of State’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Diabetes Mellitus?
To recommend guidelines for blood glucose monitoring in applicants
They provide standards for adequate control of diabetes for driving.
obstructive sleep apnoea how often they need to reapply for driving licence?
Every year
