The HGV Medical (DVLA D4) Explained

What is checked

• Eyesight, including corrected acuity and visual field
• Blood pressure
• Diabetes, particularly insulin treated diabetes
• Heart conditions and any history of cardiac events
• Sleep apnoea and excessive daytime sleepiness
• Neurological history including epilepsy, stroke and blackouts
• Mental health and any relevant medication
• Alcohol and drug history

Conditions that need extra evidence, not a refusal

Having a condition on that list does not stop you driving lorries. Insulin treated diabetes, treated sleep apnoea and controlled heart conditions are all common among working drivers. What the DVLA wants is evidence of control, usually a letter from your GP or consultant. If you know one of these applies to you, get the supporting letter organised before the appointment and you will avoid weeks of delay.

Tell us about any condition when you first call. It changes nothing about your welcome and it lets us sequence the paperwork so nothing stalls.

What to take with you

1. 1Your photocard driving licence
2. 2Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, plus your prescription if you have it
3. 3A list of current medication with doses
4. 4Any consultant letters relating to the conditions above

How often it is repeated

A lorry or bus entitlement is renewed periodically and more frequently from age 45 onwards, with a further medical each time. Your renewal reminder from DVLA will tell you when it is due.

D4 medical cost: what you pay with us

When you book a C1, Category C, C+E, D1 or Category D course with us, the D4 medical is included in the course price. If you arrange one yourself, for example for a licence renewal, fees are set by the doctor or clinic and vary, so ask for the full price before you book. There is no DVLA charge for submitting the D4 with a provisional or renewal application. The same D4 form is used for a C1 medical, a full HGV medical and a PCV medical for bus and coach entitlement, so you do not need a different type of appointment for each.

HGV medical eyesight standards

Eyesight is one of the most common reasons an application is delayed. DVLA's standard for lorry and bus drivers requires visual acuity of at least 0.8 (6/7.5) in the better eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) in the other, with glasses or contact lenses if needed. If you need glasses to meet the standard, each eye must also reach at least 0.05 (3/60) without them. A normal field of vision is required. If you are unsure, an eye test at an optician before the medical is a sensible step.

Timing: when to take the medical

DVLA must receive your D4 within four months of the date the doctor signs it, so there is no benefit in taking it very early. Arrange it close to the point you are ready to send the provisional application. For drivers in Glasgow on one of our courses, we sequence the medical first so that theory and practical training can follow without gaps. Once you hold the entitlement, lorry and bus licences are renewed with a new medical every five years from age 45, and every year from 65.