What is the taxi driver medical assessment? Here’s everything taxi and private hire car drivers need to know, from what to expect at the medical to how long it lasts and how to book your taxi medical in Birmingham.
Driving a hackney carriage, private hire car or Uber can be a high pressure job. When you’re contending with traffic and changing routes, and taking responsibility for getting passengers safely from A to B, you need to prove that you’re fit and well for the job.
What is a Taxi Driver Medical?
Private hire car or taxi driver medicals follow DVLA Group 2 (D4) medical standards. The taxi driver medical is designed to check your overall health and eyesight is up to the demands of the job. You’ll have to meet the DVLA D4 medical assessment standards for reactions and coordination, memory, vision and hearing.
Who Needs a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver Medical?
A driver medical assessment is one of the first pieces of paper taxi and private hire drivers need to get hold of. You need to have a DBS check and completed taxi driver medical before you submit your Birmingham City Council private hire or taxi application.
Taxi or black cab drivers need the D4 medical for licence applications. If you’re an Ola driver or an Uber driver in Birmingham you’ll need to get a Group 2 medical for your vocational licence. Limousine drivers and Uber drivers are classed as private hire vehicle drivers by Birmingham City Council too.
What Does a Taxi Driver Medical Consist Of?
Here’s what happens at a taxi driver medical and what you need to bring. First of all, bring photo ID, proof of your current address, medical records and your local council taxi driver medical form. The doctor will complete it on the day while they carry out the medical assessment.
They’ll test your overall wellbeing and blood pressure at the appointment, and ask questions about your past and present health. Be prepared to talk about your medical history. You’ll have to discuss any medical consultants you have seen and any medication you take regularly, so make sure you have all the info with you.
Even if it’s difficult to talk about current or past problems, it’s best to honest. Be ready to talk about heart conditions and diabetes, seizures or Parkinson’s, and your mental health as well. If you’ve struggled with chronic drug or alcohol use, don’t be tempted to hide it.
For the eyesight test you’ll have to pass a Snellen chart to show that you can pick up detail from a 20 yard distance. So make sure you bring your glasses or contact lenses and prescription. Though some doctors may not offer this service and you’ll have to book it separately. At My Driver Medical we cover the driver medical eye test as part of your standard appointment.
How Long Does a Taxi Driver Medical Last?
A taxi driver medical lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. My Driver Medical we also complete the eye test during the same appointment. But check in advance if you book with elsewhere, as other doctors may not provide it.
In many cases that’s all you need to do – and you’re ready to send off your form to the council. But there’s a chance that the doctor will need to ask you to go for further assessment by a specialist.
How to Book Taxi Driver Medical in Birmingham
Book a cheap taxi driver medical in Birmingham with My Driver Medical through our online booking form, phone or email. We offer same day taxi and private hire car driver medicals, evenings and weekends.