United Kingdom · Theory testWho can do the HGV medical test?
Your GP can do it, or a private firm that specialises in drivers’ medical exams. An optician or optometrist may need to fill in the vision part, if the doctor can’t fully answer it. So check when you book that they can measure down to the 6/7.5 line of a Snellen chart.
DVLA doesn’t set the price, and it won’t refund what you paid if your application is refused.
What to take to the medical
- At least 2 identity documents, such as a passport, driving licence, birth certificate or paid utility bill
- Your driving glasses and your prescription, if you wear glasses to meet the eyesight standard
- A copy of your prescription, if the doctor isn’t your own GP
- The INF4D notes that come with the D4, which hold information for the doctor and optician
The HGV eye test standards
Lorry and bus drivers have a higher standard than car drivers. On the Snellen chart, with or without glasses or contact lenses, you need:
- at least 6/7.5 (0.8) in your better eye
- at least 6/60 (0.1) in your other eye
- readings with no plus or minus, so 6/6‑2 doesn’t count
- glasses of no more than +8 dioptres, with no limit for contact lenses
- a horizontal field of vision of at least 160 degrees, with no defects in the central 30 degrees
You also need to read a number plate from 20 metres. At the start of a practical test you’ll read one on a parked vehicle. If you can’t, you fail, the test ends and your licence is revoked. Different rules can apply if you held a lorry or bus licence before 1 January 1997, and the INF4D notes set them out.
Other medical standards
The notes give standards for neurological disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, psychiatric illness, substance misuse and sleep disorders. They’re higher than for a car licence, so read them before you pay for an appointment.
On drugs and alcohol, you’re likely to be refused a licence with persistent alcohol misuse in the past 3 years, unless you’ve had at least 1 year of controlled drinking or abstinence. The notes have similar limits for alcohol dependence and for drug misuse and dependence. They don’t describe a urine test or a drug test as part of the medical.
If you develop a condition that could affect safe driving, you must tell DVLA immediately.
Getting your provisional licence
- Get the D2 and D4 forms from a Post Office that offers DVLA services.
- Have the D4 filled in by a doctor, and an optician if needed.
- Choose a category on the D2. C or C1+E also gives you C1, C1+E, C and C+E. D or D1 gives you D1, D1+E, D and D+E. C1 gives you C1 only.
- Send both forms and your photocard licence to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR. With a paper licence, add a passport-style colour photo and original identity documents. An incomplete D4 gets returned.
You should get your licence within 3 weeks of DVLA getting your application, or longer if your health or details need checking. If you lose your car licence, you automatically lose your lorry or bus licence too.
When you need another D4
- When you apply to renew your entitlement at 45
- Every 5 years from 45 until you’re 65, then every year
- When you apply for new provisional entitlement, and no D4 went in during the last 12 months
- Every 3 years from 70, if you keep C1 and D1 on a car licence
Sources: DVLA · GOV.UK and 2 more. Checked November 2026.
- DVLA: Medical examination report for a lorry or bus driving licence (D4) ↗
- DVLA: INF4D information and useful notes, April 2026 ↗
- GOV.UK: Applying for a provisional HGV or bus licence ↗
- GOV.UK: Driving eyesight rules ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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