HGV Medical

Medicals

About the Medical

What is a HGV Medical?

A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) medical or D4 medical examination is required as part of an HGV driver’s licence application.

The DVLA provides useful medical information which is worth looking at before booking your medical and can be found here. We can supply a D4 Medical form for use during your assessment.

This examination is a way of trying to make sure that drivers are safe and fit to drive, to help keep the driver and other road users safe. Please note the DVLA has the final decision about your fitness to drive, not the doctor doing your medical.

We are not able to undertake this medical examination unless you bring a copy of your NHS GP Care Record and we need to see copies of any letters from any Hospital admissions or attendances.

    • for your first Group 2 bus or lorry licence application

    • if you are applying to renew your Group 2 entitlement at age 45

    • from 45 years on, a D4 is needed every 5 years until you are 65 then annually

    • if you are under 70, hold a medically restricted car licence and held this licence before 1 January 1997 and wish to apply for C1 or C1/D1 entitlement (vehicles between 3500kg and 7500kg and/or a maximum of 16 passenger seats)

    • if you are applying for a new Group 2 provisional licence and a D4 has not been submitted in the last 12 months

    • if you are a NI or EU or EEA driving licence holder whose authority to drive Group 2 in Great Britain has run out

    • if you are 70 and still need C1 and D1 entitlement, you will need to have a D4 every 3 years.

  • Two forms of ID - birth certificate, marriage certificate, medical card, driving licence, passport, paid utility bills, bank or building society cards or statements, National Insurance number card, payslip, letter from Benefits Agency, papers from Home Office

    Your NHS GP Summary Record - we are not able to undertake the medical without this. Information from any hospital attendances or admissions.

    Glasses or contact lenses you wear to meet driving eyesight standard. Please bring your optician’s prescription.

    A copy of your repeat prescription if you are on regular medication.

    A D4 form, or we can provide one if preferred.

  • Going through your past medical history and the medical questions on form D4. It is crucial you are honest, if you are not - the consequences for you and others could be extremely serious.

    • Eyesight tests

    • Urine test

    • Blood pressure

    • Physical examination

  • This I possible but 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 these conditions, it would be best to check the DVLA guidance before booking a medical appointment:

    • Epilepsy

    • Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

    • Poor vision

    • Physical disability

    • Heart Disease

    • Neurological disorders (strokes/blackouts)

    • A history of mental illness

    • A history of drug and alcohol misuse

    • Certain medications

    • Certain chronic degenerative diseases

  • You must see your own GP for an HGV medical as there are strict rules about this situation. Regular follow up with a diabetes consultant is needed.

  • The DVLA advise the doctor to look for signs of drug or alcohol use. If concerns arise about drug or alcohol use, then you will not meet the HGV medical requirements and are likely not to be issued with an HGV driving licence.

    It is illegal to operate an HGV with drugs or alcohol in your system, and some employers may undertake randomised drug and alcohol testing.

  • 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

Our Medical Doctor

Christine has vast experience in maritime medicine, having provided advice and medical support for diverse organisations for both diving and seafaring medical issues.

Christine has worked extensively in hyperbaric units both in the UK and Australia for civilian and military organisations, including provision of medical support onboard research vessels, for submarine escape training and tunnelling projects.

Christine has dived extensively around the UK and worldwide and was co-owner of a UK based dive liveaboard. Doctor, diver, sailor and GP.

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Common Questions

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked ones to help you get started.

  • Yes. Please email info@aquamarinemedicals.co.uk with your preferred date from the online available dates. The cost is the more expensive medical plus £50 for the additional medical certificate.

  • Please email info@aquamarinemedicals.co.uk to arrange this in advance.

  • We will do our best to accommodate changes but if there is less than 48 hours notice, the amount paid is not refundable.

  • Reasons for this will be discussed with you at the time of the medical, with reference to the appropriate guidelines. Sometimes a person may ‘temporarily’ fail a medical, pending further information which may be required from their GP or Consultant. Any charge from a GP or Consultant for providing this information is the responsibility of the person undergoing the medical.

    There is no refund for failed medicals as the medical has still been undertaken.

  • No. Medicals currently are exempt from VAT in the UK.