Driving and travelling after a heart attack

After a heart attack, most people are able to travel as a passenger straight away.  

How long should you wait until driving?  

Suggested waiting times before driving again 

• Don’t drive alone 
• Stick to driving on routes you know 
• Avoid peak hour traffic  
• Try to have regular breaks on longer trips. 

Your driver’s licence 

• You stick to minimum non-driving periods 
• You’re responding well to your treatment 
• You have minimal symptoms that could affect driving (chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness) 
• You see your doctor for a periodic review 
• There’s minimal pain in your muscles and bones after bypass surgery. 

• Australian Capital Territory 
• New South Wales 
• Northern Territory 
• South Australia 
• Queensland 
• Victoria 
• Tasmania 
• Western Australia 

Travelling  

• Long trips may make you feel tired, or you may get car sick more easily than usual. Try to have regular breaks.  
• When on public transport, make sure you have a seat so you don’t get too tired.  
• If you find public transport stressful, try to arrange alternatives for the first few weeks, and avoid peak-hour traffic. 
• If you’ve had bypass surgery, try placing a cushion, pillow or rolled-up towel between your chest and the seat belt to help to reduce pressure on the wound while it heals. 
• Speak with your insurer – whether it’s for driving or travelling – to ensure that you’re adequately covered if anything happens.