How to prepare for your HGV medical renewal
As a HGV driver it is imperative that you stay medically fit and healthy for the demands of a safety driven job. Whilst road safety is important for all motorists, it is even more so for heavy goods vehicle drivers as you are in control of some of the largest vehicles on the roads and must prove that you are fit to drive them whilst maintaining your own safety and that of other road users. You are probably aware that your initial medical won’t last forever, and without a HGV medical renewal, your licence will no longer be valid, so let’s look at how you can prepare for your upcoming medical renewal and when to expect it.
When do you need a HGV renewal medical?
Your initial HGV medical certificate will last until your 45th birthday, at which point you will be required to get a HGV renewal medical. This medical will need to be renewed every 5 years until you reach the age of 65, when the renewals will be required annually.
If you hold a restricted licence, are an NI, EU or EEA licence holder whose right to drive Group 2 vehicles in the UK has expired or you are applying for a new Group 2 provisional licence then there will be additional requirements and you are advised to check the gov.uk website for the most up to date guidance.
How do you book your renewal medical?
It’s simple to book your HGV medical renewal with a specialist medical provider, such as Heathrow Medical, as you can guarantee a good choice of convenient appointments and plenty of time allocated to complete your medical and answer any questions you might have.
The doctor carrying out your medical will need to fill out a D4 form at the time of your renewal medical, so to help save time, you can download this form from our website and make yourself familiar with it prior to your appointment.
What to expect from the HGV medical renewal
This is a routine medical exam, so if you are fit and healthy, you should have nothing to worry about. The exam will be split into three parts – a general health discussion, written assessment and formal medical assessment – which we will explore further below:
1. General Health Discussion:
- The medical professional will discuss the driver’s general health and any changes since the last exam.
- They will ask about any new medical conditions, medications, or symptoms that could affect driving ability.
- The driver will have the opportunity to raise any health concerns they have.
2. Written Assessment:
- The doctor will complete a written assessment, including vision tests.
- This will evaluate the driver’s eyesight, hearing, and cognitive abilities.
- The vision assessment will check for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and visual field defects.
3. Formal Medical Assessment:
- The medical professional will conduct a thorough physical examination.
- They will assess the driver’s cardiovascular health, neurological function, and overall fitness to drive.
At the end of your HGV renewal medical you will have the completed D4 form ready to send to the DVLA together with your driving licence. They will then decide whether you have passed or failed the medical.
To ensure the timely completion of your D4 form, it’s important to bring the form to your appointment along with your driving licence, details of any medication you take and glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. Whilst the DVLA states that they will send you a reminder and a D4 form every 5 years, in advance of your medical, it makes sense to keep a note in your own calendar to ensure you are prepared.
To book your HGV renewal medical please e-mail Heathrow Medical via [email protected] or call via +44 (0)20 8528 2633. Alternatively lease follow the link to get in touch or book an appointment. We look forward to keeping you safe on the roads.