Driving and Syncope

Fitness to drive motor vehicles should be discussed with all patients who present with syncope.

This is a difficult area which, causes angst, and is of great concern to some patients. Regulatory authorities, on advice from professional bodies, have drawn up guidelines. These provide a framework within which practical advice can be reasonably given to patients.

In Australia , the driver medical standards - Assessing Fitness to Drive 2003 - detail the medical requirements and recommendations regarding driving restrictions for medical conditions.

• The Austroads website contains the links to enable you to download the relevant documentation.

Individual States and Territories have different legislative requirements with regard to the responsibility of doctors to notify the Driver Licensing Authority about patients with conditions that may impair driving. You should be familiar with the notification requirements of the State or Territory in which you are practising.

In New Zealand, the driver medical Standards - Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive 2002 - detail the medical requirements and recommendations regrading driving restrictions for medical conditions.

• Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive.
• Patient Information Sheets.

 

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