Complete Guide to Private Hire and Taxi Medicals Across UK Councils

Why Do Taxi and Private Hire Drivers Need a Medical?

Across the UK, local councils require medical assessments for individuals applying for or renewing a taxi or private hire licence. These medicals are based on DVLA Group 2 standards, designed to ensure drivers are physically and mentally fit to transport passengers safely.

While the DVLA sets the general standard, each council may have its own specific requirements, forms, and frequency of testing.

Who Needs a Taxi or Private Hire Medical?

You’ll likely need a medical if you are:

• Applying for your first taxi or private hire licence

• Renewing your licence (typically every 3–5 years, depending on age)

• Over 45 years old (meaning more frequent checks)

• Over 65 years old (requiring annual medicals)

These rules apply to drivers of:

• Hackney carriages (taxis)

• Private hire vehicles (PHVs)

• Ride-share platforms (e.g., Uber, Bolt, Ola, etc.)

• Council-licensed chauffeurs

What Does the Medical Involve?

Taxi medicals are designed to check your fitness to drive passengers safely. Generally the examination includes:

1. Vision Assessment

• Distance vision

• Peripheral vision

• Glasses/contact lenses assessment

2. Medical Questionnaire

• Your general health history

• Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease

• Mental health and medications

3. Blood Pressure & General Exam

• Blood pressure test

• Heart and lung health

• Neurological checks (reflexes, balance, etc.)

At Driver Medical Test, our GMC-registered doctors complete these assessments efficiently, and efficiently, and we provide the correct council form for your location.

Taxi Medical Frequency by Age

Age Medical Frequency
• Under 45 Every 5 years (or at licence renewal)
• 45–65 Every 5 years
• 65+ Every year

Note: Some councils may have different timelines or may require a full medical summary from your GP.

Council-Specific Taxi Medical Requirements

Wolverhampton City Council

• Requires a full medical based on DVLA Group 2 standards

• Medical must be conducted by a GMC-registered doctor

• Full medical record is necessary to bring. You can either get this from your GP or access it from the NHS app on your phone. For more information

BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole)

• Full Group 2 standard exam required

• Medical frequency: every 5 years or sooner, based on age

• Must use council-specific form

South Kesteven & South Holland Councils

• Taxi medicals required at the licence application and renewal

• GP record sometimes neededYou can get this from your GP or access it from the NHS app on your phone.
For more information

• Additionally, it can be done at our clinics approved by the council

Bristol City Council

• Mandatory medical based on Group 2

• Yearly testing after 65

• Prefer drivers to submit forms completed by their own GP, however, but allow private clinics

Always check with your local licensing authority before your appointment to confirm form and requirements.

Can You Use a Private Clinic?

Yes! Most councils accept taxi medicals done at private clinics—as long as the doctor is GMC-registered.

Choosing a clinic like Driver Medical Test offers:

• Shorter waiting times

• Lower costs than many GPs

• Doctors familiar with multiple council forms

• Fast turnaround on documentation

What Documents Should You Bring?

To your taxi or private hire medical exam, bring:

• Valid photo ID (e.g. driving licence or passport)

• Any medications you’re currently taking

• Glasses/contact lenses (if worn for driving) and a recent prescription

• Your council medical form (we also provide this if needed)

• A GP medical summary (only if your council requires it) Please check at our council page

Tips to Pass Your Medical Easily

1. Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine before your blood pressure check

2. Bring all documents, especially glasses and prescriptions

3. Inform the doctor of any past or current medical issues honestly

4. Bring your GP summary if your council has asked for one

5. Choose a doctor who understands council-specific requirements

FAQs About Taxi Medicals Across UK Councils

Do all councils require the same medical?

No. While most follow DVLA Group 2 standards, each council may have its own form, rules, or frequency.

Can I book my taxi medical online?

Yes. You can easily book your taxi medical online through Driver Medical Test. of our booking page

What if I fail the medical?

If an issue is found (e.g., high BP, vision below standard), our dedicated GP doctors
will guide you through how to get them corrected and will book Free Re-test in 1-2
weeks’ time.

How long does the medical take?

About 15–25 minutes on an average.

Why Choose Driver Medical Test?

We offer medicals for taxi and private hire drivers across dozens of UK councils, including:

• Wolverhampton

• South Holland

• Charnwood

• BCP Council

• South Kesteven

• Bristol

• And many more…The full list of the council we cover can be found here of our council page

You get:

• GMC-registered doctors

• Council-specific forms provided

• Affordable pricing

• Same-day & weekend slots

• Quick turnaround for council submissions

• Free Re-test Twice, if you fail.

Book Your Taxi or Private Hire Medical Today

Wherever you are in the UK, Driver Medical Test makes your taxi medical easy, fast, and council-compliant.

Book your appointment now and get one step closer to your taxi or private hire licence our Booking page.

Complete Guide to Private Hire and Taxi Medicals Across UK Councils

Why Do Taxi and Private Hire Drivers Need a Medical?

Who Needs a Taxi or Private Hire Medical?