Hackney carriage & private hire
Taxi and private hire medicals in Newcastle
PCV Medicals carries out medical examinations for taxi and private hire drivers applying for or renewing a council licence. Send us your council's form with your quote request and we'll confirm it before you book.
- Group 2 standard examination
- Council medical forms or the D4
- First licences and renewals
Get a free quote
A fixed price and available dates, sent by email.
Our service
Our taxi and private hire medical service
PCV Medicals carries out taxi and private hire driver medicals in Newcastle to the Group 2 standard most North East councils require. We complete your council's own medical form or the DVLA D4, whichever your licensing authority asks for.
What our taxi medical covers
We examine hackney carriage and private hire drivers for new licences and renewals, covering eyesight, blood pressure, medical history and any extra questions on your council's form.
How we deliver your taxi medical
Send your council's form, or tell us which council licenses you, with your quote request. We confirm we can complete it, email your fixed fee and appointment times, and a GMC-registered doctor completes the form at your appointment in Newcastle.
What you can expect
- Your council's form checked before you book
- A 20 to 30 minute appointment, eyesight test included
- The completed form handed to you for your licensing application
- A fixed fee confirmed in writing in advance
Which taxi medical form do you need?
Your council's licensing pages will tell you which form it accepts. Councils update their forms from time to time and some include extra questions, such as confirmation that the doctor has reviewed your medical records. Before you book with PCV Medicals:
- Download your council's current driver medical form, or note its name
- Attach the details to your quote request, or email the form to info@pcvmedicals.co.uk
- Wait for us to confirm we can complete it before you pay or attend
Checking the form first avoids the frustration of attending an appointment and finding the council wanted something different.
Taxi medicals for North East councils
Drivers come to PCV Medicals from across the region. Hackney carriage and private hire drivers in our area are licensed by councils including:
- Newcastle City Council
- Gateshead Council
- Sunderland City Council
- North Tyneside Council
- South Tyneside Council
- Durham County Council
- Northumberland County Council
Each council sets its own policy on which form to use and how often drivers need a medical. If you're unsure, include your council's name in the quote form and we'll check what's needed.
What the taxi medical involves
Eyesight
Your vision is tested against the Group 2 standard: at least 6/7.5 in the better eye and 6/60 in the other, with glasses or lenses if you use them, plus a field of vision check.
Health and medication
The doctor asks about conditions that can affect driving, such as diabetes, heart problems, seizures and sleep disorders, and measures your blood pressure. Bring a list of your medication and any specialist letters.
Council-specific questions
Some council forms ask for extra information. The doctor completes these sections as part of the same appointment.
Why taxi drivers book with PCV Medicals
The examination at PCV Medicals is built around what licensing authorities need to see. The eyesight test is included in the fixed fee, the price is agreed before you book, and you leave with the completed form in your hand. If something needs further information from your GP or a specialist, the doctor will explain that during the appointment so you can sort it out before submitting your application.
How often do taxi drivers need a medical?
Councils set their own intervals. Many require a medical with your first application and then at set ages or every few years, often more frequently once you reach 65. Your council's licensing policy will confirm the timetable, and we're happy to help if you're not sure.
What to bring to your taxi medical
Bring photo ID, the glasses or contact lenses you drive in and a list of any medication you take. If your council's form needs to be completed on paper, bring a printed copy, and check whether it asks you to fill in any sections yourself beforehand. Drivers with a condition that is monitored by a specialist should bring recent clinic letters, because they help the doctor answer the council's questions accurately. If the form asks the doctor to confirm they have seen your medical history, let us know in your quote request and PCV Medicals will explain what to arrange with your GP surgery before the appointment.
What does a taxi medical cost?
PCV Medicals charges a fixed fee for each taxi medical, confirmed in your quote before you book. Taxi firms booking several drivers can ask for a fleet quote.
Booking your taxi medical
Choose "Taxi / private hire medical" in the quote form, tell us your council and attach or describe the form you need completed. PCV Medicals will confirm the form, send your price and offer appointment times in Newcastle upon Tyne.
FAQs
Taxi medical questions
Is a taxi medical the same as a D4?
The medical standard is usually the same (DVLA Group 2), but the paperwork can differ. Some councils accept a D4, others use their own form.
Can you complete my council's own medical form?
In most cases, yes. Send us the form or a link to it with your quote request and we'll confirm before you book.
What if my council wants my medical records reviewed?
Some council forms ask the doctor to confirm this. Tell us when you request a quote and we'll explain what you need to bring.
How long does a taxi medical take?
Most taxi medicals at PCV Medicals take around 20 to 30 minutes. Council forms with extra questions can take a little longer, so allow some extra time if yours is a long form.
Do I need to bring glasses?
Yes, if you wear them to drive. Bring your contact lenses or glasses and your prescription if you have it.
Book your taxi medical in Newcastle
Tell us which medical you need and when. We'll come back with a fixed price and the next available appointments.