HGV Medical

A D4 medical is required in the following circumstances:

• First-time Group 2 licence application – For your first bus or lorry licence.

• Renewal at age 45 – When renewing your Group 2 entitlement at age 45.

• Routine renewals – From age 45 onwards:

  • Every 5 years until age 65

  • Annually from age 65 onwards

• C1 / C1D1 entitlement applications – If you are under 70, hold a medically restricted car licence issued before 1 January 1997, and wish to apply for vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg or up to 16 passenger seats.

• New provisional Group 2 licence – If a D4 has not been submitted in the last 12 months.

• NI, EU, or EEA licence holders – If your authority to drive Group 2 vehicles in Great Britain has expired.

• Drivers aged 70 and over – To maintain C1 or D1 entitlement, a D4 is required every 3 years.

To ensure your appointment can be completed efficiently, please bring the following:

• Two Forms of ID – Examples include:

  • Birth certificate, marriage certificate, medical card

  • Driving licence or passport

  • Paid utility bills, bank/building society cards or statements

  • National Insurance card, payslips, letters from Benefits Agency

  • Papers from the Home Office

• NHS GP Summary Record – We cannot conduct the medical without this. Please also bring information from any hospital admissions or attendances.

• Glasses or Contact Lenses – Bring anything you use to meet the driving eyesight standard, along with your optician’s prescription.

• Repeat Prescriptions – If you take regular medication, bring a copy of your repeat prescription.

• D4 Form – Bring your own form, or we can supply one during your appointment.

Your D4 medical assessment is designed to ensure you are fit and safe to drive heavy vehicles. The examination typically includes:

1. Medical History Review

   • Going through your past medical history and the questions on the D4 form.

   • Honesty is crucial — providing false information could have serious consequences for you and others on the road.

2. Eyesight Tests

   • To ensure you meet the DVLA driving eyesight standards.

3. Urine Test

   • A routine check to support overall health assessment.

4. Blood Pressure Measurement

   • To evaluate cardiovascular health.

5. Physical Examination

   • A thorough examination of your general health to ensure fitness for driving.

This I possible - however the D4 medical certificate is only valid for four months. This means you have to pass your test in that time.

If you have any of the following conditions, it is strongly recommended that you check the DVLA guidance before booking your HGV/D4 medical:

• Epilepsy

• Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

• Poor vision

• Physical disabilities

• Heart disease

• Neurological disorders (e.g., strokes, blackouts)

• History of mental illness

• History of drug or alcohol misuse

• Use of certain medications

• Certain chronic or degenerative diseases

This ensures you understand any licensing implications and avoids delays in your application.

If you have diabetes or other complex medical conditions:

• You must see your own GP for an HGV/D4 medical. There are strict regulations that require the assessment to be completed by your registered GP.

• Regular follow-up with your specialist (e.g., diabetes consultant) is required to ensure your condition is well managed and meets DVLA standards for driving.

Following these steps helps ensure your medical is completed correctly and avoids delays in your licence application or renewal.

The DVLA requires doctors to check for any signs of drug or alcohol use during your HGV/D4 medical.

• If concerns are identified, you will not meet the medical requirements and are unlikely to be issued an HGV licence.

• It is illegal to operate an HGV under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Many employers also carry out randomised drug and alcohol testing to maintain safety on the roads.

Ensuring you are compliant with these rules is essential for your licence, workplace safety, and legal compliance.

The process is the same as your initial application and medical. You will need to complete another form and provide up to date information about your health.

Send the completed D4 form, application form and your driving licence to -The Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DF