Group 2 Driving with ICD — EECC MCQ

Correct answer: D — ICD implantation permanently disqualifies from Group 2 (HGV/bus/taxi) driving — regardless of whether the ICD was implanted for primary or secondary prevention, and regardless of whether any therapies have been delivered

UK DVLA regulations for ICD and driving: GROUP 1 (private car/motorcycle): (1) Primary prevention ICD: 1 month off driving; (2) Secondary prevention: 6 months; (3) Appropriate shock: 6 months from last event; (4) Generator change: 1 week. GROUP 2 (HGV/bus/taxi): ICD implantation of ANY type PERMANENTLY disqualifies. The rationale: the risk of sudden incapacitation (from ICD shock delivery or the underlying arrhythmia) in a professional driver operating a large vehicle poses unacceptable public safety risk. This applies regardless of: (1) indication (primary or secondary); (2) therapy delivery history; (3) underlying diagnosis. This is an important counselling point BEFORE ICD implantation — patients with Group 2 licences must be informed of permanent licence loss. Some patients may choose not to have an ICD for this reason (shared decision-making should be documented).

Reference: DVLA Assessing Fitness to Drive; ESC (2022): VA/SCD Guidelines