Are there alternative test methods to the DVLA treadmill test?

[Dorset Diver]

Are there alternative test methods to the DVLA treadmill test?

Due to a back injury, that does not affect my ability to drive, it is unlikely that I would, physically, be able to complete the DVLA treadmill test as I have in the past.
I would ask DVLA but it seems they are still not answering the phone or responding to emails.

 

[rb62]

Yes,they give you an injection.

 

[Clive Beeza]

Are there alternative test methods to the DVLA treadmill test?

Due to a back injury, that does not affect my ability to drive, it is unlikely that I would, physically, be able to complete the DVLA treadmill test as I have in the past.
I would ask DVLA but it seems they are still not answering the phone or responding to emails.

Hi Roger,
Yes there is an alternative, I have had the alternative test twice in the last two C1 renewals
it is an injection into the arm whilst heart rate etc is monitored on an ecg/computer
the dosage is slowly increased until the heart rate increases
to that required by the DVLA medical faceless boffins,
it is totally painless, although you feel the increased heart rate
as though you had taken the 9 minute tread mill stress test
fairly sure it is called the "dubotamine" (or very similar ) test
it all takes about 15 minutes
go for it, and you should be fine ( my knackered knees prevent me doing the tread mill)

 

[Dorset Diver]

Thank you chaps. I'm not keen on drugs, etc. but needs must where the Devil drives and all that.

 

[HKF]

Thank you chaps. I'm not keen on drugs, etc. but needs must where the Devil drives and all that.

Here's some information that may help you decide whether this method of testing, and associated risk, is appropriate for you. I hope this helps

Dobutamine 5 mg/ml solution for infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc)

Dobutamine 5 mg/ml solution for infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) by hameln pharma ltd

www.medicines.org.uk

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[rb62]

Here's some information that may help you decide whether this method of testing, and associated risk, is appropriate for you. I hope this helps

Dobutamine 5 mg/ml solution for infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc)

Dobutamine 5 mg/ml solution for infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) by hameln pharma ltd

www.medicines.org.uk

Unfortunately you would have to have some serious medical backing to refuse the injectable test,not just personal choice to appease the 'medical board' at the DVLA,they'd sooner just refuse your C1 application.

 

[HKF]

Unfortunately you would have to have some serious medical backing to refuse the injectable test,not just personal choice to appease the 'medical board' at the DVLA,they'd sooner just refuse your C1 application.

People still do have a choice, though, and have the right to make that choice based on having the correct information. Unless you understand the risks involved, you can't make an informed decision that's right for you. I was just helping to give the OP the information. I wasn't saying or implying that it's a way out of the test

 

[15isto2]

You can undertake an exercise tolerance test using a bike rather than a treadmill. Dobutamine stress testing is also an option. As was pointed out above there are risks with dobutamine but I have also personally been involved with 2 cardiac arrests during treadmill testing (over a 31 year period)

 

[carolyn]

At least if you have a cardiac arrest whilst having an exercise stress test or a dobutamine stress test you’ve got a fair chance of surviving it as you are being closely monitored in hospital by highly trained well equipped staff. You’re only being asked to have one if you have heart problems already. If you’re not prepared to accept the small risk then you do have a choice of course, don’t drive. It’s for the safety of all.

Some people find the dobutamine very strange and say it feels a bit like a mild panic attack as your heart doesn’t normally race when you do nothing whereas we’re used to our heart racing when we exercise.

 

[Dorset Diver]

You can undertake an exercise tolerance test using a bike rather than a treadmill. Dobutamine stress testing is also an option. As was pointed out above there are risks with dobutamine but I have also personally been involved with 2 cardiac arrests during treadmill testing (over a 31 year period)

I was offered the opportunity to use a bike last time but had no problem with the treadmill.

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[Badknee]

As was pointed out above there are risks with dobutamine but I have also personally been involved with 2 cardiac arrests during treadmill testing (over a 31 year period)

Les Dawson had a heart attack while cooling down after being on the treadmill for in insurance medical at Blackpool Victoria. They had taken the leads off so couldn’t see what was happening. They leave them on for a while now