Learn everything about private hire driver medical requirements in the UK. Understand DVLA rules, D4 medicals, vision tests, and how Precision Driver Medicals makes the process quick, affordable, and DVLA-compliant.
Overview
If you’re planning to become a private hire driver in the UK, one of the most important steps is meeting the private hire driver medical requirements set by your local licensing authority and the DVLA. These assessments ensure that all drivers operating taxis or private hire vehicles are medically fit and safe to drive passengers.
At Precision Driver Medicals, we specialize in delivering fast, affordable, and professional medical assessments for taxi and private hire drivers across the UK. Whether you’re applying for a new license or renewing your existing one, our GMC-registered doctors make the process simple, compliant, and stress-free.
What Are the Private Hire Driver Medical Requirements?
The private hire driver medical requirements are based on the DVLA Group 2 medical standards, which apply to professional drivers who operate large or passenger-carrying vehicles. These standards are more detailed than the basic car driver (Group 1) requirements and assess your overall health, eyesight, and fitness to drive safely.
The main areas covered include
- Vision test—Ensures your eyesight meets DVLA standards (with or without corrective lenses).
- Blood pressure check—Confirms your blood pressure is within a safe range.
- Medical history review—Identifies any past or ongoing conditions that may affect driving.
- Diabetes screening—Checks for conditions requiring insulin or other management.
- Cardiac health – Evaluates heart conditions or circulatory problems.
- Neurological conditions—Checks for epilepsy, seizures, or other neurological disorders.
- Mental health and substance use—Ensures you are mentally fit and free from substance misuse.
Your local council may also require additional checks, but most follow the DVLA’s D4 medical form process.
Why You Need a Medical for a Private Hire License
Every private hire driver in the UK must pass a medical examination to confirm they are fit to carry passengers safely. Councils like Transport for London (TfL), Manchester City Council, and Birmingham City Council require this as part of the application or renewal process.
The private hire driver medical requirements help ensure:
- Road safety for passengers and other drivers.
- That drivers are physically and mentally capable of long driving hours.
- That any medical conditions are identified early and managed appropriately.
Failing to meet these requirements can delay or even prevent your private hire license from being issued or renewed.
What to Expect During a Private Hire Medical at Precision Driver Medicals
At Precision Driver Medicals, our process is quick, professional, and fully compliant with DVLA standards. The entire exam usually takes around 15 minutes and includes everything required for your council application.
Your appointment includes:
- DVLA D4 medical form completion by a GMC-registered doctor
- Vision test (no need to visit an optician separately)
- Blood pressure and general health checks
- Discussion of your medical history and any medications
- All paperwork completed on-site, ready for submission to your council
You can easily book online through our website for a date and location convenient to you. We have clinics across Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Croydon, Peterborough, and other major UK cities.
Who Can Complete a Private Hire Driver Medical?
Only a GMC-registered doctor can carry out your private hire driver medical. At Precision Driver Medicals, all our doctors are fully registered and experienced in completing D4 and taxi medical forms.
Unlike GP surgeries that may have long waiting times, our clinics offer same-day or next-day appointments, including evenings and weekends—ideal for busy drivers.
Documents to Bring to Your Appointment
To make your medical go smoothly, please bring the following:
- Photo ID (such as a driving license or passport)
- D4 medical form (if required by your council)
- Current prescription or glasses/contact lenses (if you wear them)
- List of medications (if any)
- Previous medical reports (if you have a relevant condition)
Our doctors will guide you through every step, ensuring your paperwork is correctly completed for your local licensing authority.
Common Health Conditions Checked During the Medical
Some health issues can affect your ability to meet private hire driver medical requirements. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes (especially if treated with insulin)
- Heart disease or previous cardiac surgery
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Vision or eye disorders
- Sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea)
- Substance or alcohol misuse
If you have any of these, don’t worry—in many cases, you can still pass your medical with proper management and supporting documents. Our doctors can advise on the best steps to take.
How Often Do You Need a Private Hire Driver Medical?
- Initial application: When you first apply for your private hire license.
- License renewal: Usually every 3–5 years, depending on your local council.
- After age 45: More frequent medicals may be required—often every year after age 65.
Check your local council’s specific guidelines, but rest assured—we keep up to date with all licensing authority rules across the UK to ensure compliance.
Why Choose Precision Driver Medicals?
We understand that your time is valuable. That’s why we make the process for meeting private hire driver medical requirements as fast and convenient as possible.
Our advantages include
- GMC-registered doctors with years of experience
- DVLA-compliant medicals for taxi, HGV, PCV, and private hire drivers
- Quick appointments—often available the same day
- Affordable prices with no hidden fees
- • Nationwide clinic locations
- Free eye test included
- 15-minute complete service
With Precision Driver Medicals, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your private hire driver medical is completed correctly the first time.
Book Your Private Hire Driver Medical Today
Meeting your private hire driver medical requirements doesn’t have to be stressful. At Precision Driver Medicals, we make it easy, affordable, and fully compliant with DVLA and council standards.
Book your appointment online today and get your medical done in just 15 minutes—helping you get back on the road quickly and safely.
Top Services
- Driver Medical
- HGV/Lorry Drivers (HGV medical)
- Taxi Drivers (Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Medical)
- Private Hire
- PCV/Bus Drivers (PCV medical)
- PCO Medical
- Bus Medical Service
- Motorhome Medical
- Ambulance Medical
- Forklift Driver Medical
- TFL Medical
Top Links
10 Important Links for Driver Medicals UK
- DVLA – D4 Medical Examination Report
→ Official D4 form for HGV/PCV drivers. - DVLA – Driving Licences for Lorry, Bus and Coach Drivers
→ Requirements for becoming a lorry or bus driver. - TfL – Private Hire and Taxi Driver Medical Requirements
→ TfL’s official medical guidelines for PCO/private hire drivers. - DVLA – Eyesight Rules for Drivers
→ Legal eyesight standards for all UK drivers. - DVLA – Medical Conditions and Driving
→ Guidance on how medical conditions affect driving eligibility. - NHS – Medical Exams for Professional Drivers
→ NHS overview of driver medical exams. - Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
→ Regulator for driving and vehicle safety standards in the UK. - General Medical Council (GMC)
→ Authority for registered medical professionals in the UK. - Gov.uk – Renew Driving Licence
→ Process for renewing a UK driving licence. - National Register of LGV Instructors (NRI)
→ Training and standards for LGV/HGV instructors.
