C1 after triple heart bypass?

[Jeff Hornsey]

I went through this process 2 years ago after having 3 stents inserted. I found the treadmill test prohibitive not because of my stents but because of a bit of arthritis in one knee! But then passed the injection test with no problems. But we now have a 3500KG motorhome (panel van conversion) which we are perfectly happy with and goes to places to which we dare not take a larger van. So I may not bother with the medical again next year.

 

[jp11]

Re the 'other' test.
You will know? that the Treadmill test involves walking up an ever increasing gradient, at an ever increasing speed whilst being monitored for a malfunctioning heart.
The final speed of foot requires a walking pace just under 3.5mph.
As one gets older, it is not expected that such a speed is feasible so instead, g740the medics inject the victim with, I believe, adrenaline which mimics the effort required in the physical test.
As to what would happen if the victim had a morbid fear of needles is anyone's guess. After all, that is a reasonable reason to provide a blood sample under drink/driving legislation.
Just saying.

I turned 70 two years ago and didn't re-apply for my C1/D1 licence as I didn't see any need for it. Last year I decided to convert a 4.6 ton minibus (Mk8 17-seat Transit). I went to retrospectively re-apply and submitted the D4. I've had AF for three or four years but it's treated very successfully with medication (Atrial Fibrillation is on the reportable list). Doctors are happy, I'm happy, but I had to do the treadmill test. Nurse stopped it at 7 minutes, she was happy with my cardio but my legs and hips were about to give in! I was furious. If I'd known what was involved I could have trained a bit for it. A couple of walks uphill for a week before would have allowed me to pass. Anyone about to take one, take note. The nurse told me it appears that DVLA requires athletes to drive 7 ton vehicles. I refused to take special injection, so I downrated to 3.5t.

 

[Emmit]

I turned 70 two years ago and didn't re-apply for my C1/D1 licence as I didn't see any need for it. Last year I decided to convert a 4.6 ton minibus (Mk8 17-seat Transit). I went to retrospectively re-apply and submitted the D4. I've had AF for three or four years but it's treated very successfully with medication (Atrial Fibrillation is on the reportable list). Doctors are happy, I'm happy, but I had to do the treadmill test. Nurse stopped it at 7 minutes, she was happy with my cardio but my legs and hips were about to give in! I was furious. If I'd known what was involved I could have trained a bit for it. A couple of walks uphill for a week before would have allowed me to pass. Anyone about to take one, take note. The nurse told me it appears that DVLA requires athletes to drive 7 ton vehicles. I refused to take special injection, so I downrated to 3.5t.

Exactly!

Anyone who has been to one of the rallies I run will know that despite being the wrong side of 70 yrs, I charge around the various fields like a loon on arrival day.
You can bet that, now that they have my application, I will be in training, just in case they think it's a good idea to spend OUR MONEY on an unnecessary stress test.
I wouldn't give them the pleasure of being able to pull me up part way through the test.

 

[Clive Beeza]

Heart bypass is NOT a DVLA reportable illness except for full HGV (if it's your profession)
Your doctor will tell you when you can drive again . ..usually a month after surgery if everything is ok

strangely, a heart transplant isn't reportable either but the docs waiting time is longer.

This is not correct
I had a triple by pass and is a notifiable illness to the DVLA
I had a triple lube pump by pass
and had an eye test as close as possible to the C1 renewal as it would be up to date
on my first application took the medical form to my GP to fill in
BIG mistake it was returned twice by the DVLA as not correctly filled in, and bloody expensive at that
on next renewal used doctors 4 drivers ? cost I think £55, BUT they knew the DVLA forms
and filled them in correctly first time
the DVLA still wanted me to take a stress test (which DVLA paid for)
My advice take time to fill in EVERY section of the forms, and take a copy
My first application took about 6 months to come through
the renewal because of covid and the DVLA needing me to take another stress test
took 14 months
The stress caused by the DVLA procedure does not qualify as a "stress test" apparently
be calm, and be logical, and careful with filling in the forms,
you should be fine.

 

[BertieBonkers]

Once again thanks to you all, great to hear all your experiences and like Wild Bunch says to move now with such uncertainty could well prove costly. Trouble is 'er indoors just loves the bigger Galley and entertainment space in the others ..................
Thanks again
Derek

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[LaughingPlumber]

Assume that the DVLA will stop you somehow, and go for the 3500kg option. As I posted in Nov 21 "on my last licence renewal I was informed that "Although you are not required to take an HGV medical, your are expected to meet the standards of one. As you are precluded from taking such a medical with an ICD fitted, you are therefore unable to have a C1 enitlement"". I had already lost my Class 2 LGV, which was fair enough, but to do this 5 years later was a bolt out of the blue. The ICD (defib & double pacemaker) falls into the Notifiable category.

 

[Geoff1951]

Hi there, I am a year away from renewing my C1. We have seen a super A Class that we would like to buy but this is over the 3.5 limit etc. Three years ago due to Angina being spotted I had to have a triple bypass, all done AOK and I am fine now. Question is does anyone else have experience of getting a C1 with this sort of history that they care to share? Also, any Doctors on here who can suggest based on Patients that they may have heard about?
Cheers

Good luck. If you had the bypass because of angina then DVLA will want you to undertake an ECG Stress Test or give you an adrenaline fix to boost your heart rate. If you need the stress test and you’re not an elite athlete I suggest you go to a gym to replicate the 3 phases of the Bruce Protocol on a treadmill. I’m fit enough to climb hills and stairs etc and do 15 minutes of step aerobics everyday but managed to complete OK but it was a challenge. It’s hard on your legs and so by building up your stamina say at a gym would greatly benefit you…..if you had angina. If not ignore this.

 

[Bessy765]

When I applied for my first C1 I actually applied in the September before my birthday in Febuary,I stated I was applying early as I would be in France when my licence expired. I also kept my current licence as I explained I needed it to drive in France