Check your blood pressure before your HGV medical

Last updated: 6 November 2026

Written and reviewed by Dr Steve Walton, MB ChB, GP, Stonecroft Medical Centre, Sheffield S12. HGV medical examiner since 2002.

Blood pressure is checked at your HGV medical. Taking readings at home in the weeks before can help you prepare and spot a problem early, so you can speak to your GP in good time.

Book your HGV / D4 medical with Dr Stephen R Walton
Sheffield S12 -- £80 for 30 minute GP examination

What the DVLA rules say (Group 2: lorry and bus)

According to GOV.UK, you do not need to tell DVLA if your blood pressure is consistently below 180/100mmHg. You must stop driving and tell DVLA if your resting blood pressure is consistently 180mmHg systolic or higher and/or 100mmHg diastolic or higher, or if a doctor says you have malignant hypertension.

  • Use form BP1V if your blood pressure is consistently above 180/100mmHg (without malignant hypertension). See the current BP1V form on GOV.UK.
  • Use form VOCH1 if you have malignant hypertension.

You can drive again when a doctor confirms that your condition is well controlled. GOV.UK says you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving.

Tips for reliable home readings

  • Use an upper-arm monitor that has been validated for accuracy. The British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) keeps a list.
  • Sit quietly for a few minutes first, with your back supported and arm resting at heart level.
  • Take readings on several different days, not just once.
  • Write them down or use the monitor's memory, and take them to your GP if they are high.

Home readings are not a diagnosis. If your readings are high, see your GP before your medical.

BIHS-validated home monitors

All of these upper-arm models appear on the BIHS home-use list. Check the exact model number before you buy: some similarly named models are not on the list.

A&D UA-651

Upper arm, one-button, 30-reading memory, 22–32cm cuff, 5-year warranty. BIHS listed (under £100 band).

View product

QardioArm

Bluetooth upper-arm monitor that works with the Qardio app. BIHS listed (under £100 band).

View product

Withings BPM Connect

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth upper-arm monitor. BIHS listed.

View product

Omron models on the BIHS list include the HEM-7143E and the M6 Comfort (HEM-7360-E). The current Omron M3 Comfort (HEM-7155-E) is a different model from the validated, discontinued HEM-7134-E, so check the model number on the box.

Your medical is independent. Buying any product or test linked from this page has no effect on your D4 medical or its result. You never need to buy anything to book or pass a medical with us. These pages help you prepare; they do not diagnose any condition. If you have symptoms or concerns, see your GP.

Frequently asked questions

What blood pressure stops me driving an HGV?

GOV.UK says Group 2 drivers must stop driving and tell DVLA if resting blood pressure is consistently 180mmHg systolic or higher and/or 100mmHg diastolic or higher, or if they have malignant hypertension.

Do I need to tell DVLA about high blood pressure?

Not if it is consistently below 180/100mmHg. If it is consistently above, use form BP1V, or VOCH1 for malignant hypertension.

Can I drive again after high blood pressure?

Yes. GOV.UK says you can drive again when a doctor confirms that your condition is well controlled.

Will a home monitor tell me if I will pass?

No. Home readings help you prepare and spot a problem early, but they are not a diagnosis. See your GP if your readings are high.

Official sources

Rules change. Always check GOV.UK for the latest guidance.

Related guides