Being a professional driver comes with unique challenges – long hours on the road, irregular routines, and often little time to focus on personal health. But staying fit to drive isn’t just about meeting DVLA requirements; it’s about protecting your safety, livelihood, and quality of life.
Here are the top five health risks every bus, lorry, and taxi driver should be aware of – and what you can do about them.
1. Sleep Apnoea – The Silent Disruptor
Sleep apnoea is more than just loud snoring. It’s a serious condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to:
- Loud snoring or gasping noises
- Frequent night waking
- Daytime tiredness and poor concentration
- Morning headaches and mood swings
Left untreated, it can severely affect your ability to drive safely.
DVLA Guidance for Group 2 Drivers:
- Mild OSA without excessive sleepiness: You may continue to drive.
- OSA with excessive sleepiness: You must stop driving until symptoms are under control and treatment (like CPAP) is being followed.
- Ongoing or severe symptoms: Must be reported to the DVLA and regularly reviewed.
If you experience daytime drowsiness, speak to your GP and request a referral to a Sleep Clinic. Download the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to help assess your symptoms before your appointment.
More info: NHS Guide on Sleep Apnoea
2. Obesity – Know Your Risk
Driving for long hours with limited physical activity puts many professional drivers at risk of obesity – which can contribute to serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnoea.
Check Your BMI:
- Healthy: 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: 25 – 29.9
- Obese: 30+
- Severely Obese: 40+
Note: Drivers from Asian, African, or Caribbean backgrounds should use a lower BMI threshold.
Use the NHS BMI calculator to check where you stand.
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. You might not know you have it until a routine check flags it – but for drivers, it can be serious.
When You Must Notify the DVLA:
- BP over 180/100 mmHg consistently
- Diagnosed with malignant hypertension
- Otherwise, you can continue driving if it’s controlled.
📋 Use form BP1V or VOCH1 to notify the DVLA when required.
More info: NHS Guide on High Blood Pressure
4. Diabetes – A Growing Risk for Drivers
Whether you’re managing diabetes with diet or insulin, DVLA guidelines require certain disclosures.
Key Rules:
- One severe hypo while driving = you must stop driving and inform the DVLA
- If you start long-term insulin, contact the DVLA immediately
- Regular eye and foot checks are essential to catch complications early
More info: Diabetes UK – Driving Advice
5. Eye Health – More Than Just a Check-Up
Vision is critical for driving – but standards differ depending on your licence.
For Group 2 Drivers (Bus/Lorry):
- Minimum visual acuity: 0.8 in the better eye, 0.1 in the other
- Must have at least 160° horizontal field of vision
- Glasses can’t exceed +8 dioptres (contacts have no limit)
- Must report any eye condition that affects sight
Tip: Schedule regular optician visits to stay compliant and avoid delays in licence renewal.
More info: DVLA Vision Standards
Final Thoughts
If you’re a professional driver, your health is your license – literally. Regular checks not only protect your own well-being, but they also help keep others safe on the road.
Consider booking a driver medical to stay informed, compliant, and confident behind the wheel.
Need to book a driver medical? We offer quick, affordable appointments designed for HGV, taxi, and bus drivers. Reach out or book online today.
0300 3030 668