HGV Medical Requirements & The D4 Form

Before you can apply for an HGV provisional licence, you must pass a medical examination to the DVLA's Group 2 standard — a stricter set of health requirements than those applied to ordinary car drivers. This is a legal requirement under UK road traffic law, designed to ensure that drivers of large goods vehicles are fit to operate safely on public roads. The medical is not a test you can fail through nerves; it is a straightforward health assessment conducted by a registered GP or occupational health practitioner.

The examination is recorded on the DVLA's D4 medical examination report form, which your doctor completes and signs. The D4 covers a range of health categories including vision, cardiovascular fitness, neurological history, and general physical health. Once completed, it is submitted alongside your D2 application form to the DVLA. The medical is valid for a period determined by your age — typically up to five years for drivers under 45, and annually for those over 65.

At LGV Training Bristol, we make the medical process as straightforward as possible. We will advise you on exactly what to expect, recommend approved local medical providers in the Bristol area who are familiar with HGV D4 requirements, and ensure your paperwork is submitted correctly to the DVLA so there are no delays to your training start date. Many of our candidates complete their medical within the first week of contacting us.