This is a common question that many business owners and fleet managers ask. It’s easy to assume that younger drivers are healthier and less likely to face health issues compared to their older counterparts. However, the statistics reveal a different story, highlighting why it’s essential to consider the health of all drivers, regardless of their age.
27 years between medicals?
According to DVLA regulations, vocational drivers must undergo a D4 medical assessment before starting their commercial driving career. However, they are not required to have another medical until their 45th birthday. This could mean up to 27 years between assessments. That’s 27 years of driving large vehicles on Britain’s roads without even an eye test in the interim. This long gap can leave younger drivers with undiagnosed and untreated conditions that could potentially endanger their health and the safety of others on the road.
Aren’t younger drivers healthier?
Think again. The latest data from the Health Survey England 2021 (published in May 2023) indicates that the health of those under 45 is not as robust as we might like to believe. Here are some key statistics on hypertension (high blood pressure) in men, who make up 99% of the driving workforce:
| Hypertension Status | Age 16-44 | Age 45-64 | Age 65+ | Total |
| Normotensive Untreated | 89% | 61% | 41% | 68% |
| Hypertensive Controlled | 1% | 8% | 22% | 8% |
| Hypertensive Uncontrolled | 2% | 6% | 18% | 7% |
| Hypertensive Untreated | 8% | 25% | 19% | 17% |
| All with Hypertension | 11% | 39% | 59% | 32% |
“Normotensive” refers to normal blood pressure, while “controlled” indicates those on medication. Alarmingly, by the time drivers reach 45, 10% have hypertension that is either untreated or uncontrolled. Among those 65 and older, this figure jumps to 31%. And remember, these statistics are for the general UK population—drivers often fare worse due to occupational risks.
10% of people under 45 have high blood pressure?
Hypertension, combined with elevated cholesterol, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, or even death. Here’s a breakdown of cholesterol levels:
| Raised Total Cholesterol | Age 16-44 | Age 45-64 | Age 65+ | Total |
| Men | 53% | 67% | 48% | 56% |
| Women | 46% | 77% | 65% | 61% |
| All Adults | 50% | 72% | 57% | 59% |
While raised cholesterol alone doesn’t tell the full story of a person’s lipid profile (which includes good fats from exercise and bad fats from poor diet), it’s still a key indicator. The figures above include those already on medication like statins. It’s particularly striking that 53% of men under 45 have elevated cholesterol levels.
When you factor in health inequalities, these numbers are likely even worse for drivers. Younger drivers today also face different lifestyle challenges compared to their predecessors, with factors such as sedentary behaviours linked to smartphones, gaming, and on-demand services like Uber and Deliveroo.
Younger Drivers Aren’t Necessarily Fitter—They’re Often Just Less Aware of Their Medical Conditions
Younger drivers may not be as fit as we assume. Often, they are simply less aware of their medical conditions. Many of these health issues, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, can go unnoticed for years, leading to severe consequences later in life.
For more information or to discuss how D4Drivers can support your workforce’s wellbeing, please contact us. We’d be happy to advise further.