Last updated: 31 October 2026
Book your HGV / D4 medical with Dr Steve Walton, Sheffield S12: £80, 30-minute GP examination
Heart attack (acute coronary syndrome)
You must not drive but need not notify the DVLA. You can drive again:
- after 1 week if you had a successful angioplasty/stent and no other urgent procedure is planned within 4 weeks, your heart's pumping (LV ejection fraction) is at least 40% before discharge, and there's no other disqualifying condition
- after 4 weeks otherwise, for example if you didn't have a stent, the stent wasn't successful, or the conditions above aren't met
GOV.UK puts it simply: stop driving for 1 week if angioplasty was successful and you don't need more surgery; 4 weeks if angioplasty after a heart attack wasn't successful; 4 weeks if you had a heart attack without angioplasty.
Planned (elective) stent or angioplasty
Don't drive for at least 1 week. You don't need to notify the DVLA. You can resume after a week if there's no other disqualifying condition.
Angina
Don't drive when angina comes on at rest, with emotion or at the wheel. You can drive again once symptoms are controlled. No need to notify the DVLA.
Heart bypass surgery (CABG)
Don't drive for at least 4 weeks. You don't need to notify the DVLA. You can resume after 4 weeks if there's no other disqualifying condition.
Heart valve surgery
- Surgical valve replacement or repair: don't drive for 4 weeks
- Percutaneous (keyhole, e.g. TAVI) valve procedure: don't drive for 2 weeks
No need to notify the DVLA.
Pacemaker
Don't drive for at least 1 week after a pacemaker is fitted or the box is changed. You must notify the DVLA of a new pacemaker, but not a box change. Keep up your regular device checks.
Arrhythmias and ICDs
If an abnormal heart rhythm has caused, or is likely to cause, incapacity, you must not drive. You can resume 4 weeks after the event if the cause has been found and treated, and no incapacitating arrhythmia is likely. The DVLA must be notified. Implantable defibrillators (ICDs) have their own rules, usually including a 6-month period off driving when fitted for a ventricular arrhythmia. Check with your cardiology team and the GOV.UK A to Z.
Getting back behind the wheel safely
Even once the minimum period has passed, only drive when you feel ready. Start with short, familiar local journeys at quiet times, and take someone with you for the first few trips if you can. Don't drive if you have chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness or feel faint. Stop somewhere safe and seek help if symptoms come on at the wheel. Some heart medicines can cause light-headedness when you first start them or the dose goes up, so watch for that in the early weeks. Cardiac rehabilitation teams are a good source of practical advice about returning to driving, work and exercise.
Practical points
- "Need not notify" doesn't mean you can drive straight away. The no-driving periods still apply.
- Check your insurance policy. Some insurers have their own conditions after illness or surgery.
- If your doctor tells you not to drive for 3 months or more, you must surrender your licence.
- Bring a list of procedures and dates to any future medical. Cardiology letters are the best evidence.
Book your HGV / D4 medical with Dr Steve Walton, Sheffield S12: £80, 30-minute GP examination
Frequently asked questions
How long after a heart attack can I drive a car?
1 week if you had a successful stent and meet DVLA's conditions (no further urgent procedure planned, ejection fraction at least 40%). Otherwise 4 weeks. You don't need to notify DVLA for a car licence.
Do I need to tell the DVLA I've had a stent?
Not for a car or motorcycle licence, but you must not drive for at least 1 week. Lorry and bus drivers must notify DVLA.
When can I drive after heart bypass surgery?
After at least 4 weeks for a car licence, with no need to notify DVLA, provided there's no other disqualifying condition.
Can I drive after a pacemaker is fitted?
After at least 1 week. You must tell DVLA about a new pacemaker, but not a box change.
Can I drive after a TAVI?
Car drivers must not drive for 2 weeks after a percutaneous valve procedure, or 4 weeks after open valve surgery. No need to notify DVLA.
Sources (GOV.UK / DVLA)
- Heart attacks, angioplasty and driving (GOV.UK)
- Assessing fitness to drive, chapter 2: Cardiovascular (GOV.UK)
Medical standards checked against DVLA's Assessing fitness to drive (November 2025 edition) and GOV.UK guidance, October 2026. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.