The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) is warning drivers that they could be hit with a staggering £1,000 fine if they fail to do one simple task. In a message on their website, the government body warns that people high blood pressure may have to declare it - but only in certain circumstances.
Whilst high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, does not stop a person from driving, the experts explain that drivers who hold a car or motorcycle licence need to follow a set of rules. They state: "You do not need to tell DVLA if you have high blood pressure."
However they add: "You must stop driving if a doctor says you have malignant hypertension." This is a "sudden rise in your blood pressure, also known as accelerated hypertension."
They stress that you are not allowed to drive until you receive medical clearance confirming that your condition is under control, noting: "You can drive again when a doctor confirms that your condition is well controlled."
If you have a bus, coach or lorry licence, you also don't need to tell the DVLA if your numbers are "consistently below 180/100mmHg" meaning "you can keep driving."
However, you must stop driving and tell DVLA if either:
"You can drive again when a doctor confirms that your condition is well controlled" motorists are being warned.
There’s a different way to tell DVLA depending on your condition. You must:
Send it to the address on the form.
No, you don’t need to inform the DVLA if you have low blood pressure. However, you must notify them if you have or develop a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive, such as dizziness or fainting.
They note: "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."
The full list of conditions you need to tell the DVLA about are below. You can also view them via the GOV.UK website here.
