A career as an HGV driver offers plenty of benefits including strong rates of pay, job variety and independent working. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a decrease in drivers due to Brexit, the pandemic and changes to self-employment taxes. This has created a high demand for HGV drivers, making it a future-proof career. Before you can reap the rewards of a driving career, there are some medical requirements you must meet. 

For safety reasons, an HGV driver must have a certain standard of health, the law requires all HGV drivers to be of reasonably good health if they will be operating commercial vehicles in public areas. 

HGV Driver’s medical fitness is certified by the D4 form you fill out for the DVLA. An HGV licence in C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, or D1E is valid for five years. Every five years up to age 45, you’ll need to sign a declaration to confirm that you still meet the medical standards. After 45, you’ll need to provide a medical examination report every five years to renew your driving entitlement. 

What is the HGV Medical Test? 

Part 1: Discussion with a Doctor 

You will be interviewed by the Doctor and can discuss any existing medical conditions that may interfere with safe driving. The doctor will also discuss your medical history. 

Part 2: A Physical Examination 

The doctor will check your vital signs and vision etc. The entire exam usually takes no more than 30 minutes, during which the attending Doctor fills out an official DVLA form that will be submitted directly to the authorities. 

The main subcategories covered are: 

• Neurological disorders 
• Diabetes
• Cardiac or Heart conditions
• Psychiatric or mental health illness
• Alcohol and drug usage
• Sleep disorders
• Other medical conditions
• Medications that you take

Anything that compromises or impairs your ability to drive an HGV in terms of medical conditions safely will cause you to fail the medical assessment. 

Assuming there are no issues with your HGV medical, the DVLA will approve your D4; however, your responsibilities do not end there. You should report any new developments with your health to the DVLA on an on-going basis so that they can assess your fitness to drive in the future. 

Elite is a recruitment agency specialising in HGV drivers, we’re keen to support the UK supply chain with committed HGV drivers. We drive the right people to the right jobs, and have made it easy for you to find suitable HGV agency work. You can quickly register your details online here or download our Elite app for regular work updates on the go. 

Our team are happy to chat, if you’d like more information on becoming an HGV driver or HGV driver work you can contact Elite Employment via email at widnes@elite-employ.com or call 0151 420 1219.