Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps is he taking to ensure that unnecessary delays do not occur in getting their licences back for drivers who have been fitted with a pacemaker and are eligible to hold a driving licence and fit to drive under guidance issued by DVLA.

Drivers who have had a pacemaker implanted must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This is to ensure that the DVLA can investigate the condition that led to the need for a pacemaker. Most drivers retain their licences where a pacemaker has been fitted and the causative condition is being effectively controlled.

In cases where driving entitlement has been revoked after a pacemaker is fitted, the driver will need to apply for the return of their licence when the causative condition has been brought under control.

The DVLA dealt with over 750,000 medical licensing cases in the last year, and aims to deal with all cases that require medical investigation as quickly as possible.