Treadmill Test for C1 Renewal

I recently applied for my first over 70 renewal of a C1 driving licence.

Just been advised that I have been referred for a medical assessment which may include a treadmill test. Apparently this is due to my having had a heart attack over 11 years ago.

Has anyone had a referral and what was involved.

What does the treadmill test comprise and how difficult is it.

Just an update on the treadmill test for licence renewal.

As I understand it every person who has had a heart condition and wishes to renew their C1/D1 licence at age 70+ will, on each occasion, be subject to a medical assessment which will normally include a treadmill test. For those who are unable to physically undertake the treadmill test an alternative test involving a drug induced stress on the heart is available.

The test comprises the first three stages of a widely used test called the Bruce Stress Protocol and during the test you are connected to a multi point ECG monitor and also blood pressure is taken at regular intervals.

The first stage of the test is 3 minutes duration at 1.7 mph on a 10% (1 in 10) incline.
The second stage of the test is 3 minutes duration at 2.5 mph on a 12% (1 in 8.3) incline.
The third stage of the test is 3 minutes duration at 3.4 mph on a 14% (1 in 7.1) incline.

The three stages run as a single test of 9 minutes with the speed and incline automatically changing at the relevant times. There is also a short lead in period and cool down period at the end; overall about 10 minutes. You are given the opportunity to abandon the test at any time due to pain, fatigue, breathlessness etc., however the full 9 minute test must be successfully completed in order to satisfy the requirements of the DVA. In the event that the test has to be abandoned the hospital said that they would contact the DVA to see if they would authorise the payment for the drug induced test.

Immediately after I received notification that I was being called for medical assessment I trawled the internet and found out the above details regarding the treadmill test. I then took this information to my local gym and was able to get them to set up the test on one of their treadmills. On the first attempt I failed miserably being only able to achieve 20 seconds of the third stage. I then attended the gym for approximately a further 10 sessions and was able to complete the full 9 minutes test after about the fourth session. I found the gym sessions invaluable and have no doubt that I would have failed the hospital test had I not had the gym practice.

Even after the gym practice I found the hospital test difficult especially stage three which for me was a very very fast walk. (You are permitted to hold onto the frame of the treadmill during the test). I am reasonably fit and can walk several miles without difficulty albeit at a much slower pace than stage 3.

For anyone who is called for this test I would strongly recommend having a few gym sessions. The only other tip from my perspective is to take longer than normal walking strides while on the treadmill.

The whole process including doctor’s examination, preparation for the test, test and recovery took under 1.5 hours. Although I was told to bring gym type clothing, when I arrived I was told that my normal street clothes with trainers was fine.

I now have a wait of about 2 weeks until the report from the hospital is forwarded to the medical agency working on behalf of DVA and then for the agency to advise the DVA if I can have a licence renewal.