Overview
Driver medical assessments are mandatory for HGV, taxi, and bus drivers to meet legal health requirements. These assessments include physical exams, neurological screenings, and mental health reviews to identify conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, and heart issues. Choosing a private driver medical gives you flexible scheduling, detailed assessments, and quicker paperwork processing, helping you meet regulatory requirements faster and with less hassle.
What Is a Driver Medical?
A driver medical is a mandatory health assessment required by law for anyone wishing to operate commercial vehicles, such as lorries, coaches, buses, and taxis. This comprehensive examination ensures that all drivers meet the necessary health standards to safely manage commercial transport.
The frequency of this medical renewal depends on various factors including the type of licence, the driver’s age, and specific health conditions. Typically, a HGV medical lasts until the age of 45, then needs renewing every five years after to the age of 45 and every year after the age of 65.
Why Might You Need a Driver Medical?
The assessment identifies whether you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely. Common conditions screened during a driver medical include:
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart conditions
- Vision impairments
- Neurological disorders
- Mental health issues
Benefits of a Private Driver Medical
Choosing a private driver medical assessment has several benefits:
Convenient Scheduling
Private clinics offer flexible scheduling, allowing you to undergo driver medicals without long waits, ensuring you meet licence renewal deadlines efficiently.
Comprehensive Health Checks
Private driver medicals provide thorough health evaluations, identifying potential issues early to ensure longer and safer driving careers.
Documentation and Support
Private clinics ensure accurate and quick processing of your driver medical documentation, helping maintain your legal driving status with minimal hassle.
How to Book a Driver Medical Assessment
Booking your driver medical assessment is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps to ensure you’re ready and legally compliant to drive.
To begin, simply navigate to the contact us page or select the “Book An Appointment” button on this page. Alternatively, our friendly reception team is available to assist you over the phone.
We will then find a time that suits you, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details, including the date, time, and any preparatory instructions for your medical. We understand that your time is valuable, so we’ve designed our booking process to be as efficient and hassle-free as possible.
If you have any questions or special requirements, our dedicated patient support team is on hand to assist.
How Much Does a Driver's Medical Cost?
The cost of each assessment is as follows:
HGV/ Taxi Driver Medical Assessment: £100 + £10 admin fee.
The price includes a full health check relevant to the specific vehicle operation, general physical health, and a review of any existing medical conditions that could impact your driving ability. The assessment is carried out by a qualified healthcare professional who can ensure your optimal health and that you meet all legal standards for safe driving.
Payment for your driver medical can be made using credit cards, debit cards, or cash.
Please note that the prices listed are guide prices and the actual cost will be confirmed at the time of your booking. We aim maintain transparency in our pricing to ensure there are no surprises during your appointment scheduling process.
What is involved in a medical driving assessment?
A medical driving assessment ensures that you are physically and mentally capable of safely operating a vehicle. The assessment is conducted in a private, professional setting by qualified healthcare professionals.
During the assessment, several key health aspects will be evaluated to ensure you meet the regulatory requirements for driving. These include:
Vision Test
Assessing both your near and distance vision capabilities (must be carried out by an optician in advance of your appointment, please bring necessary proof of this to your appointment).
Physical Examination
A general check-up that includes blood pressure, heart rate, and an examination of musculoskeletal health.
Neurological Screening
Evaluating reflexes and coordination.
Mental Health Review
Assessing cognitive functions and screening for signs of mental health issues that could impair driving.
Driver’s Medical Assessment Aftercare and Recovery
Driver medical assessments involve non-invasive checks and require no recovery period, allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately after the test.
How Long Will Your Results Take?
Your practitioner will go through your paperwork in detail during your appointment to ensure that the relevant questions have been answered correctly. You will leave your appointment with your completed form, provided you have supplied all of your required documentation and have proof that your eye test has been completed. You can submit your paperwork via the necessary channels and the DVLA will advise if the forms have been accepted.
Why Go Private for Your Driver Medical Assessment?
We offer quick scheduling with minimal wait times, often allowing for assessments within the same week of booking. Our personalised approach tailors each assessment to your specific health needs, facilitated by immediate access to experienced consultants. This ensures efficient, accurate and effective medical evaluations, helping you meet all regulatory requirements.
- Medically Reviewed
Last Reviewed By A Medical Professional On 01/29/24
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a DLM1 medical assessment?
During a DVA medical assessment, a medical professional evaluates your overall health and fitness to drive. The assessment includes reviewing your medical history, conducting physical examinations and possibly running specific tests based on any health conditions.
How long does a DLM1 medical test take?
A DVA medical test typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your health situation and any specific tests required as part of the assessment.
What do they check on a DLM1 medical?
A DLM1 medical involves checking key health metrics that could impact your driving ability, including vision, hearing, heart health, and neurological function. It also assesses any chronic conditions like diabetes or epilepsy. Please note you must have your vision check completed by an optician and be able to provide proof of this.
How long does HGV medical last?
A HGV medical lasts until your 45th birthday. After reaching 45, the medical needs to be renewed every five years and then annually after the age of 65 to ensure ongoing fitness to drive.
How often do taxi drivers need a medical?
Taxi drivers are typically required to undergo a medical assessment every five years up to the age of 65. After reaching 65, these assessments are required annually to ensure that the driver remains medically fit to operate a taxi safely.