Do drivers with high blood pressure have to inform DVLA?

According to the Government website, malignant hypertension, a sudden rise in your blood pressure also known as accelerated hypertension, could land drivers with a £1,000 fine and prosecution if not reported to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), according to the gov.uk website.

However, car and motorbike drivers have been reassured that they do not need to tell the DVLA if they have ‘generic’ high blood pressure.

You must stop driving if a doctor says you have malignant hypertension (a sudden rise in your blood pressure, also known as accelerated hypertension) and can only resume once a doctor confirms their condition is under control.

The rules differ slightly for bus, coach, or lorry licence holders. They must inform the DVLA if they have high blood pressure, that is consistently above 180/100mmHg.

Similarly, if a doctor diagnoses these drivers with malignant hypertension, the DVLA must be informed.

Individuals can resume driving once a doctor verifies their condition is well-managed.

There are different forms you must fill in on the DVLA website depending on the type of high blood pressure you have.

High blood pressure tends to be symptomless, making it hard to detect without regular monitoring.

The NHS reports this condition is “common” and more prevalent among older adults.

Risk factors include advanced age, family history of hypertension, certain ethnic backgrounds, an unhealthy, high-salt diet, being overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress.

According to the latest NHS health survey, in 2024, 30 per cent of adults had been diagnosed with hypertension which is approximately one in three individuals.

Men are statistically more prone to hypertension, with a prevalence of 32 per cent compared to 27 per cent in women.

Untreated hypertension increased with age, with prevalence highest among those aged 75 and over (18 per cent).

For those with low blood pressure, there is no need to report to the DVLA unless the condition presents symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, which could impact driving ability.

A government spokesperson said: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.”

Further details on when and how to report health conditions to the DVLA can be found at gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving.