2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

12.9 Commercial drivers who have an aneurysm or dissectionApplicationAssessment guidelinesFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsRe-assessmentguidelinesPolicy rationaleThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations forcommercial drivers who have either: an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or a medically treated aortic dissection.If further information is required, OSMV will request: a Driver’s Medical Examination Report, or additional information from the treating physician, such as areport from within the past year indicating the diameter of theaneurysm or dissection.An individual may not drive if their aortic aneurysm is at the stage ofimminent rupture as determined by size, location or recent change.Men may drive if: the aneurysm or dissection is < 6 cm, and their condition is regularly reviewed.Women may drive if: the aneurysm or dissection is < 5.5 cm, and their condition is regularly reviewed.OSMV may find men fit to drive if: the aneurysm or dissection is < 6 cm, and their condition is regularly reviewed.OSMV may find women fit to drive if: the aneurysm or dissection is < 5.5 cm, and their condition is regularly reviewed.No conditions are required.No restrictions are required.If the diameter of the aneurysm or dissection is over 4 cm, OSMVwill re-assess annually. If the diameter is between 3 and 4 cm,OSMV will re-assess every two years. If the diameter is under 3 cm,OSMV will re-assess every 3 years.The primary driver fitness concern with AAA and aortic dissection isthe risk of rupture. The risk of rupture increases with the size of theaneurysm. The size threshold for driving fitness for commercial hasbeen set as the point at which surgery to repair the aneurysm ordissection is generally considered advisable given the risk of rupture.This threshold is lower than the threshold for private drivers to reflectthe additional risk presented by the increased driving exposure forcommercial drivers.121