If you are applying for or renewing a taxi or private hire driver licence, you may be required to complete a taxi medical examination. One of the routine checks during this assessment is blood pressure.
Many drivers with high blood pressure understandably worry that an elevated reading will automatically prevent them from obtaining a taxi or private hire licence. However, the requirements are more nuanced than simply asking whether you have hypertension.
Taxi and private hire licensing is administered locally, so the exact requirements can depend on the licensing authority. However, government best-practice guidance in England recommends that licensing authorities apply the Group 2 medical standards used for lorry and bus drivers. (GOV.UK)
What blood pressure is allowed for taxi drivers?
For authorities applying the DVLA Group 2 medical standard, the key blood pressure threshold is 180/100 mmHg.
GOV.UK states that Group 2 drivers do not need to notify the DVLA if their blood pressure is consistently below 180/100 mmHg. If blood pressure is consistently above 180/100 mmHg, the driver must stop driving and notify the DVLA. (GOV.UK)
For taxi and private hire drivers, however, it is important to check the specific requirements of your licensing authority. The government explains that taxi and private hire licensing is handled by the relevant local authority outside London, while Transport for London deals with licensing in London. (GOV.UK)
Many authorities use Group 2 standards because taxi and private hire drivers spend extended periods driving and have responsibility for members of the public. The Department for Transport’s best-practice guidance specifically recommends Group 2 medical standards for taxi and private hire drivers. (GOV.UK)
What happens if your blood pressure is high during the taxi medical?
An unexpectedly high reading does not necessarily mean that you will automatically fail your taxi medical.
Blood pressure can change throughout the day and can be affected by anxiety, caffeine, exercise, pain and other temporary factors. If your initial reading is elevated, the doctor may allow you to rest and repeat the measurement.
If your blood pressure remains high, additional information or follow-up may be required depending on the licensing authority and the relevant medical standard.
If you have diagnosed hypertension, it is important that it is appropriately managed. Continue taking prescribed medication as directed and do not change your medication simply because you have a medical examination coming up.
You may also find it useful to keep a record of home blood pressure readings if you regularly monitor your blood pressure. These readings can help demonstrate what your blood pressure is like outside a medical appointment, although the licensing authority ultimately determines what evidence it will accept.
The purpose of the taxi medical is not simply to identify whether you have a particular diagnosis. It is intended to assess whether you meet the medical requirements for safely carrying passengers.
How can private hire drivers prepare for their medical?
Before your appointment, check which medical standard your local licensing authority uses. This is particularly important if you are applying for a taxi or private hire licence for the first time, changing licensing authorities or renewing an existing licence.
Try to arrive with enough time to sit down and relax before your blood pressure is measured. Avoid turning up immediately after rushing across town or undertaking strenuous exercise.
Take your usual prescribed medication unless your own doctor has instructed you otherwise. If you have recently had problems with your blood pressure, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional before your licensing medical.
Remember that blood pressure is only one part of a taxi medical. Depending on the licensing authority and the medical standard being applied, the assessment may also cover areas such as eyesight, cardiovascular health, neurological conditions, diabetes and other medical conditions that could affect safe driving.
Because taxi licensing is locally administered, always check the medical form and requirements issued by your licensing authority before your appointment. GOV.UK confirms that local councils are responsible for taxi and private hire driver licensing outside London. (GOV.UK)
SimplyMedicals provides medical assessments for taxi and private hire drivers. If you need a taxi medical for a new application or licence renewal, our experienced doctors can complete the appropriate medical assessment and documentation required for your licensing application.
Ultimately, It all starts with your Taxi Medical.
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