Frequently asked questions
D4 medical FAQs
Answers to the questions drivers most often ask PCV Medicals before booking a D4, PCV, HGV or taxi medical. If yours isn't here, add it to the quote form and we'll reply by email.
- Booking and appointments
- Eyesight and health standards
- Renewals and DVLA paperwork
Get a free quote
A fixed price and available dates, sent by email.
About the D4
The D4 medical explained
What is a D4 medical?
A D4 is the DVLA's medical examination report for Group 2 licences, which cover lorries and buses. At PCV Medicals a doctor tests your eyesight, measures your blood pressure and reviews your medical history, then completes and signs the form so you can send it to the DVLA with your licence application.
Who needs a D4 medical?
Anyone applying for lorry or bus entitlement for the first time (categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE), and Group 2 drivers renewing at 45, every five years until 65 and every year after that. Drivers who want to keep C1 or D1 from an older car licence also need one at 70.
How long does the appointment take?
Most D4 medicals at PCV Medicals take around 20 to 30 minutes. Allow a little longer if you have a medical condition the doctor needs to go through in detail.
Do I have to go to my own GP?
No. Any GMC-registered doctor can complete a D4, so you can book with PCV Medicals rather than waiting for a GP appointment. Many surgeries no longer offer D4 medicals at all.
Is a PCV medical different from an HGV medical?
No. Bus and lorry drivers complete the same D4 to the same Group 2 standard. The licence categories you apply for are chosen on form D2. See PCV medicals and HGV medicals.
Do you carry out taxi and private hire medicals?
Yes. PCV Medicals completes taxi and private hire medicals to the Group 2 standard on the D4 or on your council's own form. Send the form with your quote request and we'll confirm before you book.
Standards
Eyesight and health
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses for the eyesight test?
Yes. You can wear glasses or contact lenses, but glasses used to meet the standard must not be stronger than +8 dioptres. Bring whatever you wear to drive.
What eyesight standard do I need?
For Group 2 you need at least 6/7.5 (decimal 0.8) in your better eye and at least 6/60 (0.1) in your other eye, with glasses or lenses if needed, plus a full field of vision. The D4 eyesight guide explains each part.
Can I get a PCV or HGV licence with diabetes?
Often, yes. Diabetes managed by diet or some tablets is usually compatible with Group 2 driving. Insulin-treated diabetes has strict extra requirements, including glucose monitoring, and the DVLA assesses each case individually.
What blood pressure is acceptable?
Group 2 drivers must not drive if their resting blood pressure is consistently 180mmHg systolic or more, or 100mmHg diastolic or more. Treated, well-controlled blood pressure is usually fine.
Does sleep apnoea stop me driving a bus or lorry?
Not necessarily. Sleep apnoea causing excessive sleepiness must be reported, but many drivers continue once it's effectively treated. Bring details of your treatment to your medical.
What happens if I don't meet the medical standard?
The doctor explains what they have found and what it is likely to mean for your application. Many conditions don't stop you driving, but the DVLA may ask for more information before deciding. The licensing decision always rests with the DVLA or your council.
Booking & paperwork
Before and after your appointment
How much does a D4 medical cost?
PCV Medicals charges a fixed fee for each medical, confirmed in writing in your quote before you book. The fee covers the examination, the eyesight test and the completed form.
What should I bring?
Photo ID, the glasses or contact lenses you drive in, a list of your medication and any recent specialist letters about relevant conditions. The what to bring guide has the full checklist.
How long is a D4 valid for?
The DVLA must receive your D4 within four months of the date the doctor signs it, so book your medical when you are ready to send your application.
Which form do I send with the D4?
Usually form D2, the application for a lorry or bus licence. You can order D2 and D4 forms from the DVLA, and renewal reminders arrive with the forms you need.
When should I book a renewal medical?
Book once your renewal reminder arrives, which is usually around 56 days before your entitlement expires. See D4 renewals for the full timetable.
Do I need a D4 to renew my lorry or bus licence before 45?
No. Drivers under 45 renew using form D47PU, which the DVLA sends before the licence expires, and no medical is needed.
Do I need a D4 to keep C1 or D1 after 70?
Yes. If you hold C1 or D1 from a car licence gained before 1997, you need a D4 at 70 to keep those categories. Your car entitlement renews without one.
Should I bring my medical records?
You don't usually need your full records, but bring recent specialist letters for any relevant condition. Some taxi council forms ask the doctor to confirm they've reviewed your history, so check your form and mention it when you book.
Where are appointments held?
PCV Medicals is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. The appointment address is confirmed in your booking email.
Can I book medicals for several drivers?
Yes. Choose "Operator / fleet booking" in the quote form. See fleet medicals for how group bookings work.
Can I cancel or rearrange?
Yes. Email PCV Medicals as early as possible and we'll find another time. See our terms for details.
Still have a question?
Add it to your quote request or email info@pcvmedicals.co.uk and PCV Medicals will get back to you.