Bristol GP Service

HGV or Taxi Medicals - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need an HGV or Taxi D4 medical?
    A HGV medical (D4 form) is legal requirement for anybody wishing to drive a heavy goods vehicle. The medical will take up to 30 minutes to complete and costs £115. 

  • What do I need for the appointment?
    You will need to bring a D4 medical form with you to your appointment (which can be downloaded from the DVLA website) as well as photo ID such as a passport or driving licence with a photo. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you must also bring these to the appointment.

  • Where can I get the D2 form from?
    D2 forms are available from the DVLA or alternatively, it can be picked up from your local post office. You will need to complete the D2 form yourself, whilst the doctor completes the medical section on the D4 form.

  • Can you do taxi medicals?

    Yes, we are able to do South Gloucestershire Taxi Medicals; however, Bristol City Council require the assessment to be done with your own NHS GP.

  • What happens during a driver medical assessment?
    The doctor will perform the medical checks outlined on the D4 Medical Form. This will involve:

  1.  Measuring your blood pressure

  2.  Checking your eyesight; before and after you put on driving glasses.

  3.  Test your urine for glucose (sugar) indicative of diabetes.

  4.  List any medication you’re currently taking on the D4 form.

  5.  Ask about your previous medical history (these questions are on the D4 form).                   

  • How long does a medical take?
    The medical will take up to 30 minutes to complete and costs £115.

  • What do I need to bring to my appointment? 
    This is a reminder of the items you will need to bring to your HGV driver medical:

  1. Driving licence.

  2. Your driving glasses (do not wear contact lenses as they are removed for the eyesight test).

  3. A urine sample (or ask our reception for a sample pot on arrival).

  4. A list of all your current medication or bring all the medication boxes.

  5. Any hospital letters or details of hospital consultants who are treating you.

  6. A copy of your NHS GP Summary Record - this is a summary of your past medical history and any medications you take ( this can be accessed your self via the NHS app or your NHS GP surgery can provide this for you and is free to request). Please see here for details: Request Your NHS GP Care Record

The medical form requires medical information from you in detail, so please bring as much information as possible if the form is to be completed.

  • Can I have a receipt for my accountant or employer?
    A receipt is issued with every medical, in order for you to be able to claim back the cost.

  • Can I take the medical before I take my driving test?
    Yes, the medical is valid for four months after the doctors signature; so if you have had a medical you then have 16 weeks to pass your test before the D4 medical certificate expires.

  • Where do I send the completed form?
    You send the D4 report, application form and your driving licence to the DVLA Swansea office: The Drivers Medical group, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DF

  • What medical conditions could affect my licence application?
    If you have any of the following conditions, please check you are eligible for a licence on the DVLA website:

    Epilepsy
    Diabetes
    Poor vision
    Physical disability
    Heart Disease
    Neurological disorders (strokes/blackouts)
    A history of mental illness
    A history of drug and alcohol misuse
    Certain medications
    Certain chronic degenerative diseases

    Please note you will need to speak to your own GP, if you have diabetes and are on insulin. The rules are strict and require regular follow up with a diabetes consultant.

If you would like to book an appointment please click here: Appointment Booking Page

If you have any questions, please call our reception on 0117 973 13 23. You can also email us directly on info@beardmedical.com or send a message to us via our contact form.