You can find the DVLA advice on fitness to drive here.
Group 2 drivers are usually driving for longer, in stressful conditions, and are often in control of larger or heavier vehicles. Because of these challenges, the DVLA Group 2 requirements for fitness to drive are higher than those for Group 1 (Cars and motorbikes).
But there are also a number of exceptions. The DVLA guidance may clear up questions that you have, and if in doubt, you can discuss your own situation at your driver medical.
You can find the DVLA D4 medical form for bus and lorry drivers here. This is the form that you need to bring to your medical assessment.
If you’re renewing your licence you may have already received a copy from the DVLA in advance of the renewal date. Lorry and bus drivers must have their D4 medical form completed by a doctor in order to apply for their licence or renewal.
Your driver medical will be completed by a fully qualified, GMC licenced doctor with DVLA and NHS experience. We can also complete the eye test for you during the same appointment.
Your driver medical will cover a medical questionnaire on any health issues, medication, a medical examination including blood pressure checks, and an eyesight test.
Checks will be carried out to ensure you meet the DVLA criteria for Group 2 drivers. Drivers of both lorries and buses are required to meet the same medical standards.
A qualified, GMC licenced doctor will complete your D4 medical form during the examination.
My Driver Medical can complete the eyesight examinations required by the DVLA, at the same time as the rest of your medical.
The D4 medical vision requirement is tested using a Snellen eye test chart featuring rows of letters in decreasing sizes. HGV and bus drivers must meet 6/7.5 in one eye and 6/60 in the other during the eyesight test.
Certain health conditions can affect your driving. You need to bring details on any medical conditions to talk about with the doctor at your medical assessment.
The medical conditions that may affect your driving include diabetes, heart problems, blackouts, stroke, neurological conditions and progressive degenerative illness. Head injuries can also affect your driving and should be mentioned at your medical, as should poor vision.
If you’ve had medical conditions in the past, we know that your health may have changed for better or worse in the meantime. Discuss it at your medical, so the doctor can consider your individual situation in relation to the requirements set out by the DVLA.You can find DVLA guidance on health conditions and driving here.
Yes, if you glasses or lenses for driving, your should bring these to your driver medical. You should also bring your current prescription with you. You will be tested with and without your glasses/lenses.
Left it late? Speak to us. My Driver Medical offers driver medicals at short notice, including weekend and evening appointments.
Most driver medicals are completed in 15-20 minutes. On certain occasions, our doctor may not be able to make a final assessment on the day. For example, if a health condition requires a further test. In this case, the doctor will talk it through with you at your appointment and let you know what you need to do.
Drivers are required to undertake a D4 driver medical to obtain a provisional Category C licence. Lorry and bus driving calls for good health to stay safe and alert on the roads, in conditions that can be strenuous at times.
You can’t apply for a licence without one, so contact My Driver Medical to book a bus or lorry driver medical today.
You will need to take a renewal medical at age 45. From that point onwards, HGV, LGV or bus drivers need a renewal medical every 5 years. At the age of 65, the renewal medical becomes an annual requirement.
But for various reasons, you may need a renewal driver medical on a different schedule. You can check your own expected renewal date on your driving licence.
You need a taxi driver medical if you’re applying for a licence to drive a taxi, including private hire vehicles, hackney carriages, Ola and Uber. Taxi drivers need to meet health requirements to drive safely in busy and often stressful situations on the road.
Private hire drivers can’t get a licence without one, so contact My Driver Medical to book a taxi driver medical today.
Taxi driver medical requirements are set by each local authority. So it’s important to check your own local authority’s licence requirements.
In Birmingham, taxi drivers need a renewal medical at the age of 45, then every 5 years after that. From the age of 65, taxi drivers need a medical every year. Check your licence to confirm your own renewal date.
All NHS drivers, paramedics and ambulance drivers are now required to pass an LGV medical assessment to obtain their C1 licence. These jobs can be demanding mentally and physically, making good health vital.
If you’re a student paramedic, check your university’s requirements sooner than later. Many universities now ask student paramedics to complete the driver medical and obtain their provisional paramedic driving licence at the start of their course.
Contact My Driver Medical to book a paramedic and medical driver assessment today.
You will need to take a renewal medical at age 45, and every 5 years after this point. At the age of 65, the renewal medical is an annual requirement.
But for various reasons, you may need a renewal driver medical on a different schedule. You can check your own expected renewal date on your driving licence.
Check your licence for the date of your renewal. The DVLA usually send the D4 medical examination report form to you in advance of your licence renewal date.
You can find your own licence’s validity on your driving licence. Check Column 11 to find the date when your category licence is due for renewal. The DVLA will usually send the D4 medical examination report form to you before your licence renewal date.