Bus, coach & minibus drivers
PCV medicals in Newcastle for bus and coach drivers
PCV Medicals provides D4 medicals for drivers applying for or renewing bus, coach and minibus entitlement. Book one appointment in Newcastle and leave with your completed form, eyesight test included.
- Categories D, D1, DE and D1E
- Trainee drivers and renewals
- Fixed fee confirmed in your quote
Get a free quote
A fixed price and available dates, sent by email.
Our service
Our PCV medical service for bus and coach drivers
PCV Medicals provides PCV medicals in Newcastle for drivers applying for or renewing bus, coach and minibus entitlement. One appointment covers the Group 2 eyesight test, the examination and your completed D4, ready to send to the DVLA.
What our PCV medical covers
We carry out the D4 medical the DVLA needs before it will add or renew categories D, D1, DE and D1E. It suits trainee bus drivers, coach and minibus drivers, and drivers renewing from 45.
How we deliver your PCV medical
Request a quote, pick an appointment from the times we email you and attend in Newcastle upon Tyne. A GMC-registered doctor completes the eyesight test and examination and signs your D4 at the same visit.
What you can expect
- A 20 to 30 minute appointment with no separate optician visit
- A fixed fee confirmed in writing before you book
- Your D4 completed and ready to post with form D2
- Clear advice if anything may need further assessment
PCV licence categories covered
The same medical covers every passenger-carrying category. Tick the ones you need on your D2 application form.
| Category | What it allows you to drive |
|---|---|
| D1 | Minibuses with 9 to 16 passenger seats, up to 8 metres long |
| D1E | D1 vehicles towing a trailer over 750kg |
| D | Buses and coaches with more than 8 passenger seats |
| DE | Category D vehicles towing a trailer over 750kg |
What happens at your PCV medical
Group 2 eyesight test
The doctor tests each eye separately and checks your field of vision. You can wear glasses or contact lenses, as long as glasses are no stronger than +8 dioptres. The result goes straight onto your D4.
Health questions and blood pressure
The D4 asks about conditions that matter for professional drivers, including diabetes, heart problems, seizures, sleep apnoea and mental health. The doctor also measures your blood pressure. Group 2 drivers must not drive if their resting blood pressure is consistently 180mmHg systolic or more, or 100mmHg diastolic or more.
Your completed form
Once the examination is done, the doctor completes and signs the medical sections. Most appointments take around 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Who books a PCV medical with us?
Trainee bus drivers
If you've been offered a place on a bus driver training scheme, the D4 is usually your first job. The DVLA needs it before it will add provisional category D to your licence, and you need that provisional entitlement before you can book your theory tests. Many operators ask recruits to arrange the medical themselves, so check if yours covers or refunds the cost.
Coach and minibus drivers
Coach drivers, school transport drivers and community minibus drivers all need the same examination. If you passed your car test before 1997 and already hold D1, you will need a D4 at 70 to keep it.
Drivers renewing their PCV licence
Bus and coach entitlement must be renewed at 45, every five years until 65 and then every year. Each renewal needs a new D4. Our D4 renewal page explains the timetable.
Why choose PCV Medicals for your PCV medical?
Driver medicals are all PCV Medicals does, so the examination is set up around what the DVLA needs to see on a D4. The eyesight test is included in the price, the fee is confirmed in writing before you book, and the doctor explains anything that might need further assessment during the appointment. Appointments are in Newcastle upon Tyne, so drivers from across Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland can reach us easily.
How much does a PCV medical cost?
PCV Medicals charges a fixed fee for each PCV medical, and your quote confirms the amount before you commit. There are no extra charges for the eyesight section. Operators booking several trainees at once can request a fleet quote.
Preparing for your PCV medical
A little preparation keeps the appointment short and makes sure the form is complete. Bring photo ID, ideally your photocard driving licence, along with the glasses or contact lenses you wear to drive. A written list of your medication, including doses, saves time when the doctor reaches that part of the form. If you see a specialist for diabetes, a heart condition, sleep apnoea or an eye condition, bring your most recent letters too. Drivers who use insulin should bring their glucose meter or sensor readings, as the DVLA has specific monitoring requirements for Group 2 licences. Our what to bring checklist covers everything in one place.
What to do after your PCV medical
Send the D4 to the DVLA with form D2 to apply for provisional PCV entitlement or to renew. The DVLA must receive the D4 within four months of the doctor's signature. Once provisional entitlement is on your licence, you can move on to your theory and Driver CPC tests, covered step by step in our guide to getting a PCV licence.
Ready to book? Complete the quote form and PCV Medicals will send your price and available appointment times by email.
FAQs
PCV medical questions
Do I need a D4 to get a provisional PCV licence?
Yes. The DVLA needs a completed D4 with your D2 application before it will add provisional category D or D1 entitlement.
Is a PCV medical different from an HGV medical?
No. Both use the D4 form and the same Group 2 standard. The only difference is the categories you apply for on form D2.
Can I wear glasses for the eyesight test?
Yes. Glasses or contact lenses are fine, but glasses must not be stronger than +8 dioptres. Bring whatever you drive in.
Will my bus company pay for my medical?
Some operators pay for or refund the D4 for trainee drivers. Check with your employer before booking. Operators can also request a fleet quote for several drivers.
Book your PCV medical in Newcastle
Tell us which medical you need and when. We'll come back with a fixed price and the next available appointments.