Whilst PH itself rarely affects those who live with it at rest, such as whilst sitting behind the wheel of a car, there are symptoms that are caused by PH that could impact your ability to drive.
This includes blackouts/fainting, which may be referred to as ‘syncope events’ in your medical notes, and this is the main reason the DVLA stipulates that PH is now a ‘notifiable condition’.
We know that PH can affect individuals in different ways, and it is very important to understand that the DVLA is interested in how the condition affects you. The vast majority of people diagnosed with PH are still able to keep their driving licence.
You only need to notify the DVLA if you have received a diagnosis of PH (that includes CTEPH) if you are currently receiving treating from an NHS specialist centre.
Some people with PH are treated at a ‘satellite centre’, based in a different hospital. If you are not sure whether your hospital is classed as a specialist centre, please speak to your medical team.
You must notify the DVLA as soon as you receive your diagnosis of PH. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, you can continue to drive until you hear back from the DVLA – unless you feel yourself that it is unsafe for you to do so, or you have been advised by your doctor not to drive.
If you drive a bus or a lorry, you must not drive these vehicles until you hear back from the DVLA.
Information correct at time of publication: March 2022
