Drivers diagnosed with malignant hypertension by their GP must stop driving immediately or face a £1,000 fine under DVLA rules. The DVLA states that drivers are not required to notify the agency if they have high blood pressure alone, but must stop driving if a doctor confirms malignant hypertension—a sudden, severe rise in blood pressure also known as accelerated hypertension.
Motorists may resume driving once a doctor confirms the condition is well controlled. Under DVLA regulations, failing to notify the agency about a medical condition that affects driving ability can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Prosecution may follow if a driver involved in a collision due to the condition.
Group 2 Drivers: Stricter Rules for Bus, Coach, and Lorry Drivers
For bus, coach, and lorry drivers (Group 2), there is no requirement to notify the DVLA if blood pressure remains consistently below 180/100 mmHg. However, driving must stop and the DVLA must be informed if blood pressure consistently exceeds that threshold, or if a doctor diagnoses malignant hypertension.
My Patient Advice explains: "For most car and motorcycle drivers (Group 1), you do not need to tell the DVLA about high blood pressure if it is your only medical condition. However, you must notify them if your blood pressure causes treatment side effects that affect your driving (such as severe dizziness) or if you develop related complications like a stroke or heart condition."
"For bus and lorry drivers (Group 2), the rules are much stricter, and the DVLA must be notified if blood pressure is consistently 180/100 mmHg or higher." The DVLA's primary concern is sudden disabling events. High blood pressure itself usually does not cause loss of vehicle control, but complications such as a sudden stroke or hypertensive crisis can.
How to Notify the DVLA
Drivers must complete form BP1V if their blood pressure is persistently above 180/100 mmHg but they do not have malignant hypertension. Those with malignant hypertension must complete form VOCH1. Group 2 drivers with blood pressure persistently below 180/100 mmHg do not need to notify the DVLA and can continue driving.
However, Group 2 drivers must cease driving and notify the DVLA if blood pressure is persistently above 180/100 mmHg or a doctor diagnoses malignant hypertension. Driving may resume when a doctor confirms the condition is well controlled.
