2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

17.53 SyncopeSee the guidelines in Chapter 22, Syncope.17.54 Private and commercial drivers with hypertensionApplicationAssessment guidelinesFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsRe-assessmentguidelinesPolicy rationaleThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations for privateand commercial drivers who have hypertension.If further information regarding an individual’s medical condition isrequired, OSMV will request: a Driver’s Medical Examination Report, or additional information from the treating physicianIndividuals with a sustained blood pressure of less than 170/110mmHg may drive. Individuals with persistent blood pressure of170/110 mmHg or higher may drive if they have no co-morbidconditions that impair their functional ability to drive.OSMV may find individuals fit to drive if: They have a sustained blood pressure of less than 170/110 mmHgIndividuals with persistent blood pressure of 170/110 mmHg orhigher may drive if they have no co-morbid conditions that impairtheir functional ability to drive.No conditions are required.No restrictions are required.No re-assessment is required, other than routine commercial or agerelatedre-assessment, if the condition is stable and the individual isasymptomatic and compliant with treatment. Otherwise, OSMV willre-assess as recommended by the treating physician.Hypertension is not specifically addressed in the CCSrecommendations. Drivers who have significant hypertension are atrisk for developing co-morbid conditions that may affect fitness todrive, including damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain.215