Heart conditions

Find out what to do if you’ve got a heart condition. 

Having a heart condition could seriously affect your ability to drive safely. If you have (or develop) a heart condition, you must notify VicRoads. Drivers are legally required to report to VicRoads any medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive.

Common heart conditions include:

  • Aneurysms 
  • Angina
  • Arrhythmia
  • Hypertension
  • Post-heart attack conditions
  • Post-surgical conditions (following a bypass, transplant or fitting of a pacemaker).

 

Find out more about heart conditions on the Better Health channel. 

How your heart condition can affect your driving

Having a heart incident while driving could seriously affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Stop driving immediately and seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Chest, arm or jaw pain
  • Sweating or feeling clammy
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Dizziness or feeling light-headed.

What you need to do

Always check with your doctor to find out if you should be driving. You may need to stop driving for a period of time, depending on your condition. 

Remember, if you have or develop a heart condition, you must notify VicRoads. Drivers are legally required to report to VicRoads any medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive.

Fitness to drive 

If you have (or develop) a medical condition that could affect your driving safety, you must notify VicRoads. There could be serious consequences in not reporting a medical condition - Fitness to drive FAQs if you don’t.  

Find out what happens after you notify VicRoads.

Was this page helpful?

 

Please tell us why (but don't leave your personal details here - message us if you need help or have questions).