Fitness to ride
I am just approaching 70 and have sent all my documents off to Swansea to renew my licence. My problem is I have a motor home 2600KG and a BMW R 1200GS. in 2013 I was diagnosed with arrhythmia and had a pacemaker fitted that along with medication has cured my arrhythmia but now Swansea are saying I am unfit drive because of my pacemaker. Can I appeal against the decision? My licence has not yet been stopped – we are still sending letters back and forth they are only threatening at the moment.
Mr RS, by e-mail
Answer
After having a pacemaker fitted you can start driving again after one week as long as you don’t have any symptoms (such as dizziness or fainting) that would affect your driving, you have regular check-ups at the pacemaker clinic and you haven’t recently had a heart attack or heart surgery. You must also tell DVLA and your insurer that you have a pacemaker. If you drive a large or passenger-carrying vehicle, you’ll have to wait six weeks after your pacemaker is fitted before driving again.
If you disagree with DVLA’s decision to stop you driving you can write to them. You must be able to provide relevant information that was not included in the original assessment. You must also include proof that you meet the required standards for driving. You can also appeal the decision if you contact your local magistrate’s court within 6 months.
Therefore I suggest you keep corresponding with DVLA with supportive letters from your GP/cardiologist and if need be follow the Appeal route.
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