driving after heart attack australia Page 8

After a heart attack, you’re not hopping back behind the wheel immediately—general info only here, not medical advice. Under Australia’s “Assessing Fitness to Drive” guidelines, private licence holders typically must not drive for at least 2 weeks after an uncomplicated heart attack and need medical clearance. Commercial drivers usually face a minimum 6 weeks off the road and a formal assessment (often including an exercise stress test) before returning. If there were complications, surgery/stents, lingering symptoms or a low ejection fraction, expect a longer pit stop and more testing. You’re expected to follow your doctor’s advice and check with your state/territory licensing authority and your insurer about any notification requirements. Bottom line: wait, get cleared, then ease back in—better a brief pit stop than a DNF.