If you’re pursuing a career in driving within the UK—whether it’s operating an HGV, driving a taxi, or working
with private hire services—chances are you’ll need to undergo a medical examination. But which one
exactly? Should you book a D4 Medical, a Taxi Medical, or a Private Hire Medical? This guide will help you
understand the differences, requirements, and which one suits your professional needs best.
Understanding the Medicals: A Quick Overview
| Medical Type | Purpose | Required For | Key Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| D4 Medical | LGV, HGV, PCV licence applications paramedic/ambulance, motorhome, bus, coach | Drivers of Large Vehicles nd some taxi councilss | D4 Form |
| Taxi Medical | Local council fitness-to-drive approval | Taxi (Hackney Carriage) drivers | Varies by council |
| Private Hire Medical | Fitness-to-drive check for private hire drivers | Uber, Bolt, minicabs | Varies by council |
1. What Is a D4 Medical?
The D4 Medical Examination is required by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for drivers applying for or renewing a Group 2 licence, which includes:
• HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles)
• LGV (Large Goods Vehicles)
• PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicles)
D4 Medical Includes:
• Eye test
• Blood pressure check
• Neurological, cardiovascular & musculoskeletal screening
• Review of medical history
When is it required?
• When applying for your first Group 2 licence
• Every 5 years after the age of 45
• Annually after the age of 65
2. What Is a Taxi Medical?
A Taxi Medical is a council-specific requirement for those who wish to work as a public hire taxi driver
(Hackney Carriage driver).
Each council (e.g., Wolverhampton, Leicester, Charnwood) may have slightly different requirements, but
Generally, the Taxi Medical will assess:
• Eyesight
• Blood pressure
• Mental health status
• General physical fitness
Some councils require your GP or a registered GP to complete this exam. Others accept any
GMC-registered doctor.
Pro tip: Always check your specific council’s requirements before booking.
• Medical history review
• Height, weight, and BMI check
• Vision test (distance and peripheral)
• Blood pressure check
• Urine test (for diabetes)
• Heart and neurological exam
• Review of current medications and treatments
3. What Is a Private Hire Medical?
This medical exam is for those who want to drive a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV)—like minicabs or app-based
services such as:
• Uber
• Bolt
• Ola
Like Taxi Medicals, these exams are also governed by local councils, meaning the standards may differ. You
may need to:
• Provide your full medical history
• Meet Group 2 DVLA medical standards (especially for certain councils)
• Submit to a GP-conducted examination
Some councils even accept a valid D4 Medical in place of a Taxi/PHV medical — so check with your licensing authority or contact us if you are not sure
D4 vs. Taxi vs. Private Hire: Key Differences
| Feature | D4 Medical | Taxi Medical | Private Hire Medical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | DVLA | Local Council | Local Council |
| Frequency | Every 5 yrs / yearly | Depends on age/council | Depends on age/council |
| Acceptable Doctors | GMC-Registered GP | Council Approved | Council Approved |
| Who Needs It | HGV, PCV Drivers | Hackney Taxi Drivers | Uber, Bolt, Minicab Drivers |
| Typical Duration | 15–20 minutes | 15–20 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Cost (Estimated) | £50–£80 | £50–£70 | £50–£70 |
Which One Should You Choose?
• Driving a lorry or bus? → D4 Medical
• Want to drive a council-licensed black cab? → Taxi Medical Or contact us if you are not sure
• Looking to work for Uber or Bolt? → Private Hire Medical
Some councils accept D4 Medicals for taxi/private hire applications—so check your local
licensing authority’s rules before booking.
Final Checklist Before You Book:
• Confirm which type of licence you need
• Visit your local council’s website
• Check age-related requirements
• Bring glasses or contact lenses (if worn)
• Bring medical records if required
• Book with a GMC-registered doctor
Book Your Medical Examination Today
Looking to get your D4, Taxi, or Private Hire Medical done quickly and affordably? At Driver Medical Test UK,
we offer:
• Same-day appointments
• GMC-registered doctors
• DVLA-compliant forms
• Affordable pricing
• Free Re-test twice, if you fail
