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ICD Driving Restrictions — EECC MCQ

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EasyGeneral CardiologyICD Driving RestrictionsEECC

A 60-year-old man with HFrEF and an ICD asks about driving restrictions. He has never received any ICD shocks. He is a private car driver (Group 1 licence). What are the UK DVLA guidelines?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — For Group 1 driving, patients with ICDs implanted for primary prevention may drive 1 month after implantation, provided they have no incapacitating symptoms; Group 2 (HGV/bus) driving is permanently disqualified

UK DVLA guidelines for Group 1 (private car/motorcycle) ICD holders: (1) Primary prevention ICD: 1 month off driving post-implant; (2) Secondary prevention ICD: 6 months off driving; (3) Appropriate ICD shock: 6 months off driving from last event; (4) Inappropriate shock with incapacitation: 1 month off driving (2 months if modification is needed); (5) Generator change (no lead change): 1 week. For Group 2 (HGV/bus): ICD implantation permanently disqualifies, regardless of indication. These guidelines balance patient safety, public safety, and quality of life. Individual assessment may be needed for complex cases. Patients must inform the DVLA and their insurance company.

Reference: DVLA Guidance; ESC Driving Guidelines