HGV, LGV and PCV drivers’ medicals explained

What are the D2 and D4 forms?

The D2 form is the licence application form you complete to get the provisional entitlement to drive the vehicle of your choice as a learner and the D4 is the medical application form which must accompany the D2 form when you send it to the DVLA.

Tick both C and D category as this will save you time and money in the future if you ever change your mind. You will also need a Large Class Stamp on the envelope!

What is the D2 licence application form?

The D2 form is the licence application form you complete to get the provisional entitlement to drive the vehicle of your choice as a learner.

Tick both C and D category as this will save you time and money in the future if you ever change your mind.

What is the D4 medical form?

The D4 medical form is a form obtained from the DVLA which you give to the doctor examining you. They will complete the form stating whether or not you are fit and well to drive a LGV or PCV vehicle.

How much does it cost to apply for D2 and D4 forms?

Nothing. It’s FREE! Search https://forms.dft.gov.uk/order-dvla-forms/

Why do I need an HGV driver’s medical to drive a lorry or a PCV Driver’s medical to drive a bus?

It is the law that you are medically fit to drive a bus or a lorry. The medical lasts until you are 45 years of age and then another is required every five years until you get to 65 years when it then becomes yearly.

Everyone has to have the medical in order to get the provisional entitlement to drive the category of vehicle of their choice. You may be driving a 44 tonne vehicle or have 55 passengers on your bus so it is only right that the person driving is physically and mentally fit to do so.

What is the difference between an LGV medical, HGV medical, PCV medical and Bus medical?

Nothing! The medical you take is exactly the same for any category of ‘large vehicle’. However, it is good practice to tick the ‘C’ and ‘D’ category boxes on the D2 licence application form so you can have both entitlements on your licence should you ever want them at a later date.

What happens at an HGV medical?

You must have an HGV medical examination with a doctor to declare that you meet the higher HGV medical requirements to drive either an HGV lorry or a PCV bus.

The doctor with will examine in areas of:

• Medical history
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Blood pressure
• Cardiac/heart disorders
• Eyesight test
• Neurological disorders
• Psychiatric disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Urine test for diabetes

How long does a D4 medical last?

The medical should take no longer than 30 minutes during which you will be asked questions about your health and lifestyle. It is important that you tell the truth as it may have a bearing later if it can be proved you have lied to get your licence.

What is the D4 eyesight test?

Generally speaking you must be able to read a standard car number plate in clear daylight at a distance of 20.5 metres with or without corrective measures. There are other conditions and these can be found at www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

How do I find an LGV PCV medical doctor?

The best way to get a doctor for your D4 medical examination is to search online for ‘hgv medicals’, ‘lgv medicals’ or ‘pcv medicals’ where there are numerous companies specialising in this. They use local doctors that can be a third of the price of your own GP for doing exactly the same job!