HGV Medical Guide For Lorry Driver In The UK
Written by Jessie Lee & Reviewed by Peter Howitt
If you’re looking to become an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver, one of the requirements you’ll need to fulfill before getting your HGV licence is passing an HGV medical.
This HGV medical examination is designed to ensure that you are physically fit to drive a large commercial vehicle, as the job can be demanding and require a high level of physical fitness.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about HGV medical, from what is involved to how to prepare for them.
What Is An HGV Medical?
An HGV medical is a medical examination that all HGV drivers must undertake before they can get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.
If you are new to HGV driving, you will need the HGV medical report to apply for your HGV provisional licence before starting your HGV training.
The HGV medical exam is designed to check that you are fit and healthy enough to perform the job of an HGV driver, which can be physically demanding and requires a high level of concentration.
The HGV medical exam is carried out by a qualified medical professional, and it involves a range of tests and assessments.
The exam will check your medical history, your eyesight, your hearing, your blood pressure, and your general fitness levels. The aim is to ensure that you do not have any underlying medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive an HGV safely.
It’s important to note that HGV drivers are required to undergo a medical check every five years or more frequently if they are over a certain age or have certain medical conditions.
Who Can Conduct The HGV Medical Check
The medical check for HGV drivers must be conducted by a registered medical practitioner who has been approved by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK.
These medical practitioners have undergone specific training and have been certified to perform HGV medical checks.
What Does An HGV Medical Involve?
An HGV medical check typically takes around 30 minutes to complete, and it involves a range of tests and assessments. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during an HGV driver medical:
- Medical History:
You’ll be asked about your medical history, including any conditions you currently have or have had in the past. - Eyesight Test:
Your eyesight will be tested to ensure that you meet the required standards for driving an HGV. - Hearing Test:
Your hearing will also be tested to ensure that you can hear traffic and warning signals on the road. - Blood Pressure Test:
Your blood pressure will be checked to ensure that it’s within a safe range. - General Fitness Test:
Your general fitness levels will be assessed to ensure that you are physically able to perform the job of an HGV driver. - Urine Test:
A urine test may be required to check for underlying medical conditions. - Alcohol And Drug Use:
It is forbidden to drive an HGV while under the influence of either alcohol or a drug substance. A doctor will check for any indications of ongoing drug and alcohol usage during the HGV examination.
How To Prepare For The HGV Medical
If you’re preparing for an HGV medical check, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re fully prepared. Below are some documents you may need to bring to the HGV medical checks:
- D4 Medical form – Download Here
- Driving licence or passport
- Bring your driving glasses or contact lenses and a recent prescription from the optician.
- List of current medication including dose and start date.
- Any relevant hospital notes and discharge summaries.
- Get a good night’s sleep – Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the examination, so you’re well-rested and alert.
- Avoid caffeine – Avoid consuming caffeine before the examination, as it can raise your blood pressure and affect the results of the test.
- Wear comfortable clothing – Make sure you wear comfortable clothing to the examination, as you’ll be required to perform a range of physical tests.
What Is The Cost For The HGV Medical Check?
The cost of an HGV medical check in the UK can vary depending on the medical examiner and location. On average, the cost of an HGV medical examination in the UK can range from £100 to £150.
However, if additional tests or consultations are required, the cost may be higher. For example, an HGV driver with a history of heart disease may require an ECG (electrocardiogram) test, which can add to the overall cost of the medical examination.
In some cases, the HGV driver’s employer may cover the cost of the medical examination as part of their duty of care responsibilities. It’s always a good idea to check with your employer to see if they will cover the cost of the HGV medical examination.
If you’re unsure about the cost of an HGV medical examination, it’s best to contact a medical examiner directly to obtain a quote for the service.
How Often Do HGV Drivers Need To Have The HGV Medical Checks?
The frequency of medical examinations depends on the driver’s age and the type of HGV licence they hold.
If the driver is under the age of 45, the initial HGV medical will last until their 45th birthday. After the driver’s 45th birthday, an HGV medical is required every five years until the age of 65, when a medical examination will be required every year.
It is a legal requirement to inform the DVLA of any changes in health that may affect the driver’s ability to drive safely on the road.
It’s important to know that HGV drivers are responsible for ensuring that they have a valid and up-to-date medical certificate at all times.
HGV drivers must keep track of when their medical certificate is due to expire and schedule their medical examination on time to ensure that they can continue to legally drive their HGV.
Note that failing to disclose relevant medical conditions can result in penalties, fines, or even the revocation of the driver’s HGV license.
The HGV medical examination is an important part of a commercial HGV driver’s responsibilities and is necessary to ensure the safety of the driver, other road users, and the general public.
What Documents Do You Need To Send To DVLA To Obtain The HGV Provisional License
If you are new to HGV driving and would like to obtain an HGV provisional licence in order to have your HGV training, you will need to provide the necessary documentation along with the valid medical certificate to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
To apply for the HGV provisional licence, you need to have::
- D4 medical examination report:
This is the medical report form that must be completed by a registered medical practitioner who is approved by the DVLA. The D4 form must be completed and signed by the medical practitioner and must be sent to the DVLA along with your application. - D2 application form:
This is the application form to apply for the HGV provisional driving licence. The D2 form is available online or can be obtained from a Post Office. - Your current driving license:
You will need to send your current driving license to the DVLA as part of your application. - Any additional documentation:
If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive an HGV, you may need to provide additional documentation from your doctor or medical specialist to show that the condition is being treated and has no impact on your ability to operate the HGV.
To Renew Your HGV Licence:
Depending on your age, there are different forms to be used along with the medical examination report (form D4) when renewing your HGV licence. (If you are over 45 years old or under.)
Please visit the DVLA website links below for more details:
https://www.gov.uk/renew-lorry-bus-coach-licence
https://www.gov.uk/renew-lorry-bus-coach-licence/45-or-over
What Is A D4 Form For HGV Medical?
The D4 form is a medical examination report that is used for drivers of certain vehicles, including HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) and PCVs (Passenger Carrying Vehicles), in the UK.
The form is required as part of the driver’s application for a new or renewed driving licence, and must be completed by a registered medical practitioner who is approved by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The D4 form is used to record the results of the medical examination that is required for HGV and PCV drivers. The form includes several sections that must be completed by the medical practitioner, including:
- Personal details: This includes the driver’s name, date of birth, and driver number.
- Medical history: This section includes questions about the driver’s medical history, such as any previous illnesses, injuries, or surgeries.
- Physical examination: The medical practitioner will conduct a physical examination, including measuring the driver’s height, weight, and blood pressure.
- Vision test: The driver’s eyesight will be tested, including their visual acuity and peripheral vision.
- Urine test: A urine sample will be collected and tested for conditions such as diabetes or kidney problems.
- Declaration: The medical practitioner will sign and date the form, certifying that the driver has undergone a thorough medical examination and is fit to drive an HGV or PCV.
Once the form has been completed and signed by the medical practitioner, it must be sent to the DVLA along with the driver’s license application. The DVLA will review the form and decide whether the driver is fit to hold an HGV or PCV license.
How Fit Do I Need To Past The HGV Medical Check?
To pass the HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) medical check in the UK, you must meet certain minimum medical standards that are set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
These standards are in place to ensure that drivers are physically and mentally fit to drive an HGV safely on the roads.
Here are some of the key medical standards that must be met to pass the HGV medical check:
- Vision: You must have a minimum level of vision, with or without glasses or contact lenses, in order to be able to see clearly and have adequate peripheral vision. The DVLA may require a visual acuity test as part of the medical examination.
- Hearing: You must be able to hear important sounds on the road, such as horns and sirens, in order to be able to drive safely. The DVLA may require a hearing test as part of the medical examination.
- Blood pressure: You must have a blood pressure level that is within a certain range, as high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you must be able to demonstrate that your condition is well-managed and that there is no risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while driving.
- Sleep apnea: If you have sleep apnea, you must be able to demonstrate that your condition is well-managed and that there is no risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Mental health: You must be able to demonstrate that you have good mental health and that there is no risk of a mental health condition affecting your ability to drive safely.
The medical standards for HGV drivers are set to a high level to ensure that drivers can operate large commercial vehicles safely on the road.
If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive an HGV, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a medical professional to determine whether you meet the necessary medical standards.
What Can Fail The HGV Medical?
There are a number of health conditions and medical issues that can cause an HGV driver to fail their medical examination. Below are some of the most common reasons why HGV drivers may fail their medical examination:
- Poor eyesight
- Hearing loss
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Recent history of blackouts or unconscious episodes
- Ongoing drug and alcohol usage
Be aware that the specific criteria for passing an HGV medical in the UK may vary depending on the individual’s medical history and circumstances.
Therefore, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional to determine whether any medical conditions may affect an HGV driver’s ability to pass the medical examination.
If a driver fails their HGV medical examination, they may be temporarily or permanently disqualified from driving HGVs until they can address the underlying medical issues and pass a subsequent medical examination.
How To Reinstate The HGV Licence If You Fail The HGV Medical Checks
If your HGV license has been suspended due to the results of a failed HGV medical, the process for restoring your license will depend on the reasons for the failed medical and the specific requirements of the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
Here are the general process and the steps you may need to take:
Step 1: Contact Your Doctor:
If you failed your HGV medical due to a medical condition, you should speak with your doctor to determine what steps you need to take to manage the condition and meet the DVLA’s medical standards.
Step 2: Reapply For Your License:
Once you have addressed the underlying medical condition, you can reapply for your HGV license. You will need to complete the D2 application form, which you can download from the DVLA website or obtain from a Post Office.
You will also need to include a D4 medical examination report completed by a doctor, as well as any other medical information or test results requested by the DVLA.
Step 3: Wait For The DVLA’s Decision:
Once you have submitted your application, the DVLA will review your medical information and determine whether you meet the necessary medical standards to drive an HGV safely.
This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your medical history and the availability of medical professionals to review your case.
Step 4: Complete Any Additional Requirements:
Depending on the nature of your failed medical and the DVLA’s assessment of your medical fitness, you may need to complete additional requirements before your license can be restored. This may include further medical testing, driver training, or a period of medical monitoring.
Step 5: Receive Your License:
If the DVLA determines that you meet the necessary medical standards, you will be issued with a new HGV license, and you can resume driving HGVs.
Note that the specific requirements and timelines for restoring your HGV license can vary depending on the circumstances of your failed medical; and the DVLA’s assessment of your medical fitness.
If you have any questions or concerns about the restoration process, you should contact the DVLA directly for guidance.
Good Luck For Your HGV Medical Checks!
We hope that you find this article helpful and that it has given you a good understanding of what the HGV medical checks entail.
If you are a professional HGV driver looking for a new driving role, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on our central recruitment line Tel: 01582 393535. Our friendly team is here to help you!
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