The HGV medical test, as the name suggests, subjects HGV drivers to a thorough medical interview and examination process to see whether or not they’re fit to drive heavy goods vehicles. Given the demands of the job – which involves extended journeys over long distances (domestic and continental) – it is essential to ensure as much as possible that drivers’ overall health is robust.
Q: Are HGV medical tests mandatory?
A: Yes. HGV drivers are obliged to undertake a medical exam (complete with accompanying paperwork known as the D4 form) each time their HGV licence comes up for renewal. While the examination will be undertaken by a doctor (whether a GP or a private doctor), it isn’t the doctor who makes the decision as to whether or not a driver is fit to drive an HGV. This decision is ultimately the responsibility of the DVLA. All the doctor does is fill out the D4 form and sends it on to the DVLA. Drivers can download a D4 form here.
Q: What does the HGV medical exam actually entail?
A: The medical test is in two parts. The first of these is an interview between the doctor and the driver who is the subject of the test. In this interview, the doctor asks the subject of the test about any pre-existing medical conditions (including mental health issues) they have which might have some bearing on their ability to drive. Drivers are obliged to be open and honest about their health under interview. Drivers with conditions which they are aware of and fail to declare when interviewed, and which later come to light following an accident or other violation, could face serious sanctions.
The second part of the test involves the actual medical examination. The doctor conducting it will examine a range of aspects relating to the subject’s physical health including blood pressure, heart, vision and testing for diabetes. The overall length of the exam will depend on the nature of your medical history; the more complicated it is, the longer the exam will take.
Q: Can I take the HGV medical exam before I pass my HGV driving test?
A: Yes. Once you’ve obtained the D4 medical certificate, it’s valid for four months – which gives you 16 weeks to pass your HGV driving test. For those renewing an existing licence, you should expect to receive your renewed licence within three weeks of sending your completed D4 form to the DVLA.
Q: Can people with diabetes hold an HGV licence?
A: Yes, but there are restrictions in place on which people with diabetes are fit to drive an HGV. For example, if you’re managing diabetes with insulin injections, you’ll need to obtain an annual statement from a diabetes consultant to verify that your diabetes is effectively under control and is being continually monitored. Those managing diabetes through the use of tablets will also be required to prove that their condition is under control, but the exact methods of doing so will vary depending on the exact medication the individual concerned is taking.
Q: Can people who need glasses or contact lenses hold an HGV licence?
A: Yes, provided they have good vision when using their glasses or contact lenses. However, DVLA rules stipulate that people undergoing an HGV medical examination should have their eyesight tested without glasses or contact lenses as well.
Q: Can mental health problems disqualify people from driving a HGV?
A: Not automatically. There are, however, clear safeguards in place in order to ensure that those who have experienced mental health problems are safe to drive a HGV. For relatively minor mental health issues – those not involving memory or concentration problems, severe anxiety or suicidal thoughts – drivers are not required to tell the DVLA about them provided any medication they’re taking doesn’t interfere with their ability to drive. However, in cases of more severe mental illness the DVLA can deny new applications or suspend drivers’ licences once they’ve earned them until it can be satisfied that the person affected has been mentally stable for a period of at least six months. The most serious conditions may result in HGV licences being suspended for several years. Furthermore, the DVLA will want to be satisfied that such drivers are also not taking medication which might hamper their concentration and driving abilities.
FAQs
How do I pass my HGV assessment? ›
- Brush Up On The Basics. ...
- Get Some Rest. ...
- Dress Comfortably. ...
- Ditch The Distractions. ...
- Preparation Is Key. ...
- Practice Your Manoeuvres.
Next, you information about the two abbreviations. HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle and LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle.
What is involved in a HGV medical UK? ›A HGV medical exam is made up of two parts; an interview about your physical health and your mental health with a physical examination, and a look at your medical history. You will also be required to provide your completed D4 HGV medical form. These requirements are essential for any HGV driving job.
What can fail a HGV medical? ›...
You Can Fail
- Mental disorders.
- Visual impairment.
- Risk of seizures/epilepsy.
- Heart disorders.
- Recent history of blackouts or unconscious episodes.
- Any history of drug or alcohol abuse.
HGV Theory Tests
It is like the test you would have taken for your car license. The Hazard Perception test involves watching 19 clips. These clips feature everyday road scenes and contain at least one developing hazard. You get points for spotting these hazards as soon as they start to happen.
HGV or Heavy Goods Vehicles. HPV or Heavy Passenger Vehicles.
What age HGV medical? ›Medical Requirements for HGV Drivers
Every new driver must undergo an HGV medical exam, existing HGV drivers are required by the DVLA to have a medical test at 45 years old, then every 5 years thereafter until 65, after which it is then required to be done once a year.
The entire exam usually takes no longer than 30 minutes. During this time our doctor will fill out the written assessment (D4 medical form) which they will later submit directly to the DVLA. We can supply a D4 medical form for use during your assessment.
How much does a HGV medical cost? ›The charge for a drivers' medical examination is between £50.83 and £55 plus VAT, equivalent to £61-£66 including VAT. Keep an eye on the home page of this website for discount codes bringing the cost even lower.
Is there a urine test for HGV medical? ›During the Medical the Doctor will; Measure your blood pressure. Perform two eye tests; the first before and the second after you put on driving glasses. Test your urine for Diabetes.
Is HGV hard to pass? ›
HGV drivers are extensively and continuously trained. Their continual training requirements make them some of the most safety conscious and advanced drivers on the roads. They also have to undergo regular drug tests, failing of which would make getting work with any reputable company virtually impossible.
Who needs a HGV medical? ›Every new Driver must undergo an HGV medical exam with accompanying paperwork (D4) that is submitted to the DVLA by the Doctor who performs the examination. Experienced Drivers are also required to undergo a new medical exam every time their licence comes up for renewal.
What is the pass mark for HGV? ›What's the pass mark? Out of the 100 marks available, you'll have to attain 85 in order to get a pass. Both the multiple-choice and hazard perception tests are carried out on screen.
How much does it cost to pass HGV test? ›The cost to complete your HGV driver training will range between £220 for our C1 7.5-tonne session only course through to our Gold Fast Track Car to C+E course that would cost £4,185 and comes with a few added benefits to provide our students with piece of mind like the pass protection for example.
How long does it take to complete HGV? ›How long does HGV training take? Practical HGV training takes only five days. However, the entire process, which also involves acquiring a license, requires eight to ten weeks. Training with the right team can make the process fast and affordable.
Is HPV positive a STD? ›HPV is the most common STI. There were about 43 million HPV infections in 2018, many among people in their late teens and early 20s. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems, including genital warts and cancers.
Is HPV a serious STD? ›In most cases (9 out of 10), HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area.
Is cervical HPV an STD? ›HPV is a very common STI. Among 15- to 59-year-olds, 2 in 5 (40%) people will have HPV. There are many different types of HPV; most do not cause any health problems. HPV is a different virus than HIV or (HSV) herpes.
How long is an HGV medical valid for? ›The D4 is valid for a period of 4 months from the date the doctor and optician or optometrist signs and dates it.
What happens after HGV medical? ›Once you've obtained the D4 medical certificate, it's valid for four months – which gives you 16 weeks to pass your HGV driving test. For those renewing an existing licence, you should expect to receive your renewed licence within three weeks of sending your completed D4 form to the DVLA.
Can my doctor do my HGV medical? ›
It is the same exam whether you wish to drive a lorry or a bus. The most important fact to know is that a Doctor cannot assess whether you are fit to drive a commercial vehicle, they simply complete the D4 medical examination form.
What categories do you need for HGV? ›To be eligible for a HGV Licence, you need to have a full Driving Licence (Category B). The HGV Licence enables you to operate larger vehicles (above 3.5 tonnes) in the following categories: C, C+E, C1 and C1+E. You will require additional training which builds on your existing driving skills.
How do I find out when I passed my HGV test? ›For most people, it'll simply be a case of looking on the back of your photocard driving licence. Check column 10 – this should tell you the date you passed. The same column will also tell you what kind of vehicles you're qualified to drive.
What is HGV training? ›HGV classes are the licences available that allow someone to drive a heavy goods vehicle. There are different licences available based on the size of the truck and what is carried inside. Before you drive any HGV, you must have the correct licence to do so.
How many questions do you need to pass HGV test? ›How many questions are there in the HGV theory test? This part of the test sees you have to answer 100 multiple choice questions. To pass you must get at least 85 out of 100 questions right.
How do I get a HGV medical? ›You will also be able to tell when your medical is due according to the expiry date on the back of your HGV licence. For renewals DVLA will also send you renewal paperwork by post 56 days before your licence expiry. To make things easier for you and book your HGV driver medical, call 0300 30 30 668 or book online now.
How often do you need to take a HGV medical? ›DVLA require existing lorry drivers to have a medical at the age of 45 and then every five years until the age of 65. After 65, the medical has to be done every year.
Will the government pay for my HGV test? ›The HGV Skills Bootcamp is a UK government-funded training scheme to provide free HGV training for lorry drivers. The HGV skill Bootcamp course will train drivers to be able to drive professionally, and gain their Category C (Class 2) or Category C+E (Class 1) licence.
What do they look for in a urine test for a physical? ›It's used to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. A urinalysis involves checking the appearance, concentration and content of urine. For example, a urinary tract infection can make urine look cloudy instead of clear.
What do insurance companies look for in urine test? ›Your blood and urine samples will be tested for prescription drug use, tobacco use and whether you have any diseases. In addition, you may be weighed and asked questions about your lifestyle.
What do employers look for in urine tests? ›
Typical drugs screened in a pre-employment urine drug test include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines, PCP, and opioids, with the option for employers to test for many additional substances.
What are major faults on HGV test? ›Serious faults also include hitting a cone in the reversing exercise, pulling out in front of another vehicle or mounting the kerb. Dangerous faults will also result in an automatic fail and can often involve the examiner terminating the session.
How long does an HGV test take? ›The practical test makes sure you can drive confidently and safely in different road and traffic conditions, and that you know The Highway Code (and can show this by the way you drive). It lasts about 90 minutes.
What happens at the HGV theory test? ›The HGV theory test is split into 2 sections – multiple choice and hazard perception. There are 100 questions in the multiple choice section. You need a minimum score of 67 to pass the multiple choice. The hazard perception section is made up of 19 videos, with 20 potential hazards in them.