HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) drivers in the UK are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they are fit to drive commercial vehicles. The HGV medical exam is an important part of the licensing process and is designed to identify any medical conditions that could affect a driver’s ability to operate a heavy goods vehicle safely. One of the most common questions from anyone who comes for a medical is how long the medical lasts.
According to the gov.uk website, the validity of the HGV medical exam depends on the driver’s age and medical history. If the driver is under the age of 45 and holds a Group 2 HGV license, the medical exam will last until their 45th birthday. After this, they will need to pass the HGV medical assessment every 5 years until the age of 65. After the age of 65, they will need to pass the HGV medical assessment every year.
It is important to note that the HGV medical exam is not a one-time requirement. Drivers must undergo the exam at regular intervals to ensure that they continue to meet the medical requirements for driving an HGV. The exam is conducted by a registered medical practitioner who will assess the driver’s physical and mental health, including eyesight, hearing, and blood pressure.
Looking for your next HGV medical exam? Our doctor is experienced in providing HGV medicals and is on hand to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch with us today.
Understanding HGV Medical Assessments
What Is an HGV Medical?
An HGV medical assessment is a mandatory health check that all HGV drivers in the UK must undergo to ensure that they are fit to drive a heavy goods vehicle. The assessment is designed to identify any medical conditions or disabilities that could impact a driver’s ability to drive safely on the road.
The HGV medical examination is conducted by a GMC registered doctor who will assess the driver’s medical history general health, vision, hearing, and physical fitness. The assessment includes a review of the driver’s medical history and a physical examination to identify any conditions that may affect their ability to drive an HGV safely.
Legal Requirements for HGV Drivers
The DVLA requires all HGV drivers to undergo a medical examination every five years until the age of 45. After the age of 45, the medical examination must be conducted every year. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or prosecution if the driver is involved in an accident.
The medical examination is also a legal requirement for drivers who hold a Group 2 licence. This driving licence includes drivers of buses, coaches, and other large vehicles. The examination must be conducted by a GMC registered doctor who will complete a medical report form that the driver must submit to the DVLA.
Criteria and Standards for Passing
Physical and Mental Health Standards
To pass the HGV medical exam, drivers must meet certain physical and mental health standards. These standards are in place to ensure that drivers are fit to operate large vehicles on the road. The medical examiner will assess the driver’s overall health, including their cardiovascular health, respiratory health, and neurological and mental health issues.
Drivers must also disclose any medical conditions they have, including any medications they are taking. If the medical examiner determines that a driver’s medical condition may affect their ability to drive safely, they may require further testing or treatment before the driver can pass the medical exam.
Vision and Hearing Requirements
In addition to meeting physical and mental health standards, drivers must also meet certain vision and hearing requirements to pass the HGV medical exam. Drivers must have a visual acuity of at least 6/7.5 in their better eye and at least 6/60 in their worse eye. They must also have a visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally.
Drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses must wear them during the eye test. If a driver’s vision does not meet the required standards for vision test, they may be able to pass the exam with corrective lenses.
Drivers must also pass a hearing test. They must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of at least 2.5 meters with or without a hearing aid. If a driver fails the hearing test, they may be able to pass the exam with a hearing aid.
Common Reasons for Failing the HGV Medical
When it comes to HGV medical examinations, there are several reasons why an individual may fail. HGV medical examinations are designed to ensure that drivers are fit to operate heavy goods vehicles safely. The following are some of the most common reasons for failing the HGV medical examination:
Medical Conditions Impacting HGV Licensing
Medical conditions can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to hold an HGV license. Certain medical conditions may make it difficult or impossible for an individual to operate an HGV safely. Some of the medical conditions that can impact HGV licensing include:
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes may experience hypoglycemia, which can cause dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. This can be dangerous for those operating an HGV.
- Epilepsy: Seizures can cause sudden loss of consciousness, which can be dangerous for those operating an HGV. Individuals with epilepsy may be required to demonstrate that their seizures are under control before being issued an HGV license.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can be dangerous for those operating an HGV.
Substance Use and Its Effects
Substance and chronic drug use can also impact an individual’s ability to hold an HGV license. The following are some of the substances that can cause an individual to fail an HGV medical examination:
- Alcohol: Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and can be dangerous. Individuals who consume alcohol regularly may be required to demonstrate that they are not dependent on alcohol before being issued an HGV license.
- Drug use: The use of certain drugs can impair an individual’s ability to operate an HGV safely. Some drugs can cause drowsiness, impaired judgement, and slow reaction times, which can be dangerous for those operating an HGV.
HGV Medical Certification: How Long Does it Last?
HGV medical certification is a mandatory requirement for all drivers of heavy goods vehicles in the UK. The validity of HGV medical certification depends on the driver’s age and medical history. As per the DVLA guidelines, drivers under the age of 45 years are required to undergo a full medical test and check-up every five years, while drivers over the age of 45 years are required to undergo a medical check-up every year.
The HGV medical certification is valid for a period of time, and it is important for drivers to be aware of when their certification is due for renewal. The DVLA will send a reminder letter to the driver’s address before the expiry of the certification, and it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they undergo a medical check-up and renew their certification before it expires.
After the initial medical check-up, drivers are required to undergo periodic medical reviews to ensure that they are still medically fit to drive an HGV. The frequency of these reviews depends on the driver’s age and medical history. Drivers with certain medical conditions may be required to undergo more frequent reviews.
It is important for drivers to keep their medical certification up to date, as driving without a valid certification can result in penalties, fines, and even disqualification from driving. Therefore, it is recommended that drivers keep track of their medical certification and ensure that they undergo regular medical check-ups and reviews.
Renewing Your HGV Medical Certification
The Renewal Process
To continue driving an HGV, drivers must renew their medical certification regularly. The renewal process involves submitting a D4 form, which is a medical examination report, to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The full D4 medical form form must be completed by a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
The medical examination assesses the driver’s physical and mental fitness to drive an HGV. The examination includes tests for eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and other medical conditions. The doctor will then complete the D4 form, which the driver must send to the DVLA along with their application for renewal of their HGV license.
Age-Related Renewal Frequency
The frequency of renewal of the HGV medical certification depends on the driver’s age. If the driver is under 45 years old, the medical certification will last until their 45th birthday. After that, they will need to renew their medical certification every five years until they reach the age of 65. Once the driver reaches the age of 65, they will need to renew their medical certification annually.
It is important to note that the renewal process can take some time, so drivers should plan ahead and submit their D4 form and license renewal application well before their current entitlement expires. Drivers who fail to renew their d4 medical examination and certification on time may have their HGV license revoked, which could have serious consequences for their employment and livelihood.
Finding a Qualified Medical Professional
When it comes to getting an HGV medical, it is important to find a private doctor or a qualified medical professional who can carry out the examination. Generally, a doctor or a medical professional who is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) can conduct HGV medicals.
If you’re looking for a HGV or any other driver medical exam in Alcester, near Birmingham, we are here to help. Get in touch today to begin your journey to getting, or renewing, your HGV license.
