Over 70 DVLA stress test

Katie’s-travels can I ask how long it took from sending in the forms to getting the stress test?
They wrote to my doctor and eventually received back report after 4 weeks and then a further 4 weeks to get the letter to arrange stress test with hospital
 
Katie’s-travels can I ask how long it took from sending in the forms to getting the stress test?
It took about 6 weeks after writing to doctor for medical questions then another 6 weeks to get letter to arrange stress test
 
I paid to see a doctor 4 driver type of thing - which is a chat and eye test basically. BUT' if you have any medical condition don't bother as it counts for nothing and they (DVLA) will go to your doctor for details and you will have the treadmill test. I cannot believe how different your tests were to mine, I was given the full distance with an eventual pulse of 182. That just CANT be right ?
 
I paid to see a doctor 4 driver type of thing - which is a chat and eye test basically. BUT' if you have any medical condition don't bother as it counts for nothing and they (DVLA) will go to your doctor for details and you will have the treadmill test. I cannot believe how different your tests were to mine, I was given the full distance with an eventual pulse of 182. That just CANT be right ?
I am beginning to wonder if the stress test is done in 2 different ways by some doctors. I was definitely told I had to do the full 9 minutes to pass. Clearly others are doing it differently.
 
This is the link to the medical guide doctors use to assess fitness to drive.
Appendix C states;
“The Patient should be able to complete 3 stages of the standard Bruce protocol or equivalent”.
The first 3 stages of the Bruce protocol last 9 minutes and this is what I was required to do earlier this year. Perhaps some doctors are using an “equivalent” which is achievable in less than 9 minutes.

I would welcome a shorter test because the 9 minutes was really tough and I don’t want to do it again. I am thinking of downsizing to avoid doing the test again.

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I paid to see a doctor 4 driver type of thing - which is a chat and eye test basically. BUT' if you have any medical condition don't bother as it counts for nothing and they (DVLA) will go to your doctor for details and you will have the treadmill test. I cannot believe how different your tests were to mine, I was given the full distance with an eventual pulse of 182. That just CANT be right ?
I have found out it is correct they are looking how heart functions on ecg and Bp at target heart rate so if you reach your target heart rate after even after 7 mins that it appears is ok
 
This is the link to the medical guide doctors use to assess fitness to drive.
Appendix C states;
“The Patient should be able to complete 3 stages of the standard Bruce protocol or equivalent”.
The first 3 stages of the Bruce protocol last 9 minutes and this is what I was required to do earlier this year. Perhaps some doctors are using an “equivalent” which is achievable in less than 9 minutes.

I would welcome a shorter test because the 9 minutes was really tough and I don’t want to do it again. I am thinking of downsizing to avoid doing the test again.
Same here it’s just the stress dealing and waiting for DVLA
 
I have found out it is correct they are looking how heart functions on ecg and Bp at target heart rate so if you reach your target heart rate after even after 7 mins that it appears is ok
What is your source because my GP and Consultant both referred to the official guide and requirement to complete the 3 stages (9 minutes) of the Bruce Protocol. I would really like to be able to point them at another test that didn’t nearly kill me.
 
What is your source because my GP and Consultant both referred to the official guide and requirement to complete the 3 stages (9 minutes) of the Bruce Protocol. I would really like to be able to point them at another test that didn’t nearly kill me.
I’m only going by the person who done the test that it stopped after reaching target heart rate I still don’t know if passed or failed
 
I would welcome a shorter test because the 9 minutes was really tough and I don’t want to do it again. I am thinking of downsizing to avoid doing the test again.
Would that work? How much less onerous is the normal B licence renewal?

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What is your source because my GP and Consultant both referred to the official guide and requirement to complete the 3 stages (9 minutes) of the Bruce Protocol. I would really like to be able to point them at another test that didn’t nearly kill me.
That would be the " Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram " that you need to suggest you have
instead of the treadmill procedure.
 
I’m fully expecting to have to do the Bruce test. Currently training up on the treadmill. Managed the 14% at 4.5kph (should be 5.5kph) for 3 minutes. But that extra 1 kph will be a struggle. Have a few months to achieve it though.
 
Does anyone know if I withdraw my c1 application and had already the stress test can they take away your normal licence

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I went for a stress test in 2018 and was told I was not allowed to go on the treadmill as my blood pressure was too high. I never went back to my GP (he sent me for it after an ECG I had at his surgery) I just keep taking my meds and hope for the best.
 
Does anyone know if I withdraw my c1 application and had already the stress test can they take away your normal licence

As it seems the stress test isn’t part of the B process I wouldn’t have thought so.

I would have thought you may simply be able to ‘override’ it by going online, applying to renew, and saying you don’t want to renew C1? Then you may be on the routine track.
 
Does anyone know if I withdraw my c1 application and had already the stress test can they take away your normal licence
Not sure you can do that as you already have an application in process.

But worth a try online; you may need your drivers number off your original license if you kept a copy.
 
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As it seems the stress test isn’t part of the B process I wouldn’t have thought so.

I would have thought you may simply be able to ‘override’ it by going online, applying to renew, and saying you don’t want to renew C1? Then you may be on the routine track.
I’ve already renewed my normal licence at 70 for three years and have it with no c1 on it.

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Katies-travels Thanks, just looked at these. Hope they will also be useful for others following this thread.
Clive Beeza I think I will be OK for the physical parts. My retirement job is keeping fit😉 I walk at least 7k a day and follow a fitness regimen. I cycle 25k each day on an indoor bike. The two hip replacements have been very successful - I would encourage others to have them if needed. However I am worried about the heart issue - I never even considered it as I am otherwise healthy.

This thread has been very informative - my thanks to the OP for introducing it.
Who is OP ?
 
If you fail a stress test do you lose your normal licence ?
 
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Just found out failed the test because my target heart rate was reached in 8 mins instead of 9 now got to work out if this will affect my normal driving licence

Does anyone know please ?
You applied for c1 already having a cat B Do you still have that actual license or has it gone to DVLA.

I don’t believe they will stop your cat B. But they may want more information from you or your go.

Hope it works out for you

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Just found out failed the test because my target heart rate was reached in 8 mins instead of 9 now got to work out if this will affect my normal driving licence

Does anyone know please ?
"Normal car licences " up tp 3500 Kg gross weight
can be applied for on line on reaching 70,
there is an on line questionaire to complete
and they may need a report from your GP
but it is nothing like as intense as the C1 requirement
there is also an appeals procedure available fo the C1 refusal
you could possibly qualify for the Dobutamine stress test
If you need a C1 you have nothing to lose by appealing
good luck
 
You applied for c1 already having a cat B Do you still have that actual license or has it gone to DVLA.

I don’t believe they will stop your cat B. But they may want more information from you or your go.

Hope it works out for you

I still have my licence with cat b issued when I was 70 and cat C1 was removed
"Normal car licences " up tp 3500 Kg gross weight
can be applied for on line on reaching 70,
there is an on line questionaire to complete
and they may need a report from your GP
but it is nothing like as intense as the C1 requirement
there is also an appeals procedure available fo the C1 refusal
you could possibly qualify for the Dobutamine stress test
If you need a C1 you have nothing to lose by appealing
good luck
No . You will still be allowed to drive a vehicle under 3500 kg.
Is that definite as I am getting a bit worried
 
Is that definite as I am getting a bit worried

i cant be sure,
but i did know of a person who had a heart attack while driving and it was reported to DVLA. after DVLA consultation with his Dr he was allowed to continue driving.

the only way you are going to find out is to ask DVLA directly. or wait for them to get back to you on the outcome of your application for C1.
 
Is that definite as I am getting a bit worried
I really don’t think you have to worry. The health requirements for a B license are very much lower.

I had a heart attack in March and was told I could drive a car after one week. When they got me to the hospital they took me straight in for a stent operation. The stent was successful but even if it had not been I would have been allowed to drive again after 4 weeks even with a dodgy ticker.

Presumably there was a medical condition of some sort identified on your D4 medical report that caused them to send you for a stress test. Look it up in the guide for Doctors I linked to at #65.

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