Group 2 licence renewals
D4 renewal medicals at 45, 65 and 70
Lorry and bus entitlement needs a new D4 every time you renew from 45 onwards. PCV Medicals completes your renewal medical and eyesight test in one appointment in Newcastle, so your application can go straight off to the DVLA.
- Renewals at 45, 50, 55 and 60
- Annual renewals from 65
- C1 and D1 holders at 70
Get a free quote
A fixed price and available dates, sent by email.
Our service
Our D4 renewal medical service
PCV Medicals carries out D4 renewal medicals in Newcastle for lorry, bus and minibus drivers renewing at 45, every five years to 65, every year from 65, and for C1 and D1 holders at 70. You attend one appointment and leave with a completed D4 for your renewal.
What our renewal medical covers
We repeat the full Group 2 examination the DVLA needs at each renewal: the eyesight test, blood pressure and a review of your health and medication, including anything that has changed since your last D4.
How we fit around your renewal date
Tell us your renewal date in the quote form. We email a fixed fee and appointment times that keep your D4 within the DVLA's four-month window, and a GMC-registered doctor completes the form at your appointment in Newcastle.
What you can expect
- Appointments timed to your renewal deadline
- A 20 to 30 minute appointment, eyesight test included
- Your signed D4 ready to send with your renewal
- Advice on any new condition the DVLA may ask about
When do you need a D4 renewal medical?
| Age | How often you renew | D4 needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Under 45 | When your licence expires (DVLA sends form D47PU) | No |
| 45 to 65 | Every 5 years | Yes, each time |
| 65 and over | Every year | Yes, each year |
| 70, with C1 or D1 from a car licence | To keep C1 or D1 | Yes |
The DVLA usually sends a renewal reminder around 56 days before your entitlement expires. That is a good time to book your medical with PCV Medicals.
Renewing at 45 and every five years
The first renewal at 45 is the one that catches many drivers out, because it's the first time since their original application that a medical is needed. After that, you'll renew at 50, 55 and 60, each time with a new D4. If you've had a new diagnosis or started new medication since your last medical, mention it in your quote request so the doctor can allow time to go through it.
Annual D4 medicals from 65
From 65, lorry and bus entitlement must be renewed every year. Many drivers continue working well past 65, particularly in coach, school transport and community transport roles. PCV Medicals sees drivers for annual renewals and can usually advise on timing so each year's D4 stays within the four-month window.
Keeping C1 and D1 after 70
Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 usually hold C1 (lorries up to 7.5 tonnes) and D1 (minibuses) as well as their car entitlement. At 70 your car licence renews without a medical, but C1 and D1 are dropped unless you send a D4. Many people keep these categories for towing a large caravan or horsebox, or for driving a minibus for a club or community group. PCV Medicals completes D4 medicals for these drivers too.
What happens at a renewal medical
- Eyesight test against the Group 2 standard, with glasses or lenses if you use them
- Field of vision check
- Blood pressure measurement
- Review of your medical history, including anything new since your last D4
- D4 completed and signed by a GMC-registered doctor
Appointments usually take 20 to 30 minutes. Bring your photo ID, the glasses or lenses you drive in, your medication list and any recent specialist letters.
What if your health has changed since your last D4?
A lot can change in five years. New diagnoses, new medication and changes to your eyesight should all be mentioned at your renewal medical, and some conditions must be reported to the DVLA as soon as they're diagnosed rather than waiting for renewal. Having a condition doesn't automatically mean losing your entitlement. Treated blood pressure, well-controlled diabetes and effectively treated sleep apnoea are all common among drivers who renew without difficulty. Bring recent specialist letters so the doctor can complete the form fully, and mention any changes in your quote request so enough time is allowed.
Why renew with PCV Medicals?
The renewal medical is booked around your deadline rather than a GP's waiting list, the fee is confirmed before you book, and the eyesight test is included. If the doctor finds something the DVLA may want to look into, you'll be told at the appointment along with what to expect next.
Can you keep driving while your renewal is processed?
In many cases drivers can continue while the DVLA deals with a renewal, provided they meet the medical standards and the application was received in time. The conditions are set out on GOV.UK, so read them before you rely on this. Booking your renewal medical promptly gives you the best chance of avoiding a gap.
Booking your renewal medical
Select "D4 renewal" in the quote form and tell us your renewal date. PCV Medicals will email your fixed price and appointment options in Newcastle upon Tyne.
FAQs
D4 renewal questions
How early can I book my renewal medical?
Book once your renewal reminder arrives or when you are ready to apply. The DVLA must receive the D4 within four months of the doctor signing it.
Do I need a D4 to renew my car licence at 70?
No. You only need a D4 at 70 if you want to keep Group 2 categories such as C1 or D1.
What if my health has changed since my last D4?
Tell the doctor at your appointment and mention it in your quote request. Some conditions also need reporting to the DVLA separately, whatever your renewal date.
Book your D4 renewal medical
Tell us which medical you need and when. We'll come back with a fixed price and the next available appointments.