What is the HGV Medical Test or DVLA Medical Examination for drivers? Want to know the requirement for the medical assessment for HGV driving? Read on to find out more.
Embarking on a career as an HGV driver does hold plenty of benefits. It is a job that can lead to plenty of work and is future proof as well. To begin the job and get off to the smoothest possible start, there are some requirements you must meet.
One of these is the successful completion of the HGV driver medical. As you can likely appreciate, an HGV driver must have a certain standard of health. The law itself requires all HGV drivers to be of reasonably good health if they are going to be operating commercial vehicles in public areas.
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Medical Requirements for HGV Drivers
Before anyone can begin their work as an HGV driver, they must first complete an HGV medical check. Paperwork linked to this check (a D4 form) will then need to be submitted to the DVLA, this will be completed by the physician who performs the examination. It will be in the hands of the DVLA to ultimately decide if they deem someone fit to drive or not.
Every new driver must undergo an HGV medical exam, existing HGV drivers are required by the DVLA to have a medical test at 45 years old, then every 5 years thereafter until 65, after which it is then required to be done once a year.
During the first part of the process, a doctor and the candidate will need to discuss any existing medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely, and medical history is also looked at. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination to check the candidate’s vital signs, it should take around a half-hour.
This will include an HGV medical eye test to check for impaired eyesight. Neurological conditions will be checked for too, and mental health will be considered, as will any heart conditions, diabetes, sleep disorders and alcohol and/or drug usage. With regards to eyesight, if corrective lenses are required to pass the examination, those lenses must then be worn at all times whilst the driver is driving.
HGV Medical Renewal
A couple of extra points to note, firstly an HGV medical renewal will be required every time a licence is up for renewal. If someone is a licensed HGV driver, they must report any changes in their health to the DVLA if they develop any sort of medical condition that may mean they would be unable to continue to drive with their current condition.
After reporting a development, a driver may then be asked to undergo a new HGV driver medical to have the chance to continue driving. After passing a medical examination, the driver may then earn back their ability to drive fully on the roads as they were before, or they may instead be given a short-term license.
What to do if I fail my HGV Medical exam?
Sometimes, due to the development in a personal condition, a driver may fail their HGV medical test. Even if this does happen, the driver could still have their license restored by following a process which is in place for such a matter. It is a process that can take a few months or so to complete, but this is done to help ensure that the driver is fit enough to be back on the roads, for their sake as well as others.
Further to this, do not, under any circumstances feel tempted to lie about your medical information during any part of the above process. This is against the law and could land yourself or others in danger when on the roads, not to mention get yourself into legal issues. The HGV driver medical examination is in place to make sure that only people with suitable health are on the roads driving their large vehicles, and this is to help keep everyone safe.
HGV Medical Cost
How much does the HGV medical test cost? The cost of the HGV driver medical vary widely, some GP’s charge a nominal fee for the examination around £50, others may charge up to £100. With this in mind, it is best to check before going ahead with the process. It is often much cheaper to go to a private clinic that specialises in HGV medicals than going to your own GP.
Hopefully, you now have a good understanding of why your HGV driver medical is so important, what it will cost, and how you go about completing it. Remember, you do not have to be in perfect health to pass the examination, it is just making sure that you are in good enough health and fit for the roads.
We hope you enjoyed reading the post, if you want to find out more about the HGV Medical Examination, you can visit the Gov.UK website for more information. You can also download the D4 form here to complete before the medical examination.
If you are an experienced and professional driver looking for an HGV driving job, please get in touch with Optimum Driving Group on 01908 018072 and see how we can help you to earn more!
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FAQs
How do you pass a HGV test? ›
- Using the vehicle controls.
- Moving away at an angle (uphill and downhill).
- Doing a controlled stop.
- Using your mirrors.
- Giving appropriate signalling.
- Awareness and anticipation.
- Managing your progress and controlling your speed.
- Dealing with hazards.
- Good preparation is key on test.
- The Examiner is not there to fail you and wants you to do your best.
- Be positive going into the test.
- Don't put too much pressure on yourself and the result.
- Concentrate from start to finish.
- Don't worry if you make mistakes.
- Trust your LGV instructor.
A urine sample (or ask our reception for a sample pot on arrival).
What to expect on a HGV assessment? ›- Driving impact on fuel consumption.
- Safe handling and defensive driving.
- Ability to minimise wear and tear.
- Ability to recognise and perceive hazards.
- Performing daily walk around checks.
- General road sense and lane discipline.
- General manoeuvring ability.
- Observing speed limits and traffic regulations.
The current pass mark for the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test is 67 out of 100. People often find this part of the test more difficult than the multiple-choice because there are no right or wrong answers; it is simply a case of clicking as soon as you see the hazard developing.
How many questions can you get wrong in HGV theory test? ›The pass mark for the theory test is 86%. To pass the multiple-choice section, you need to answer 43 out of 50 questions correctly. There will be a time limit of 57 minutes.
What is the pass rate for the HGV test? ›The overall pass rate for all drivers taking a practical HGV test in 2021-2022 was 58.7 per cent.
How many questions are on the HGV? ›How many questions are there in the HGV theory test? This part of the test sees you have to answer 100 multiple choice questions. To pass you must get at least 85 out of 100 questions right.
What is the pass rate for HGV theory test? ›In fact, in the years between 2008 – 2020 it gradually fell from 65.7% to 47.1%. It jumped back up 55.7% in 2021, though. There've been quite a few changes to the driving theory test over the years that might have made it harder to pass.
What do insurance companies look for in urine test? ›Drug use: Life insurance drug tests can detect drugs like amphetamines/methamphetamines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, and marijuana.
What do they test your pee for in a DOT physical? ›
The medical examiner will obtain a urine sample. The DOT drug test will screen for cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, THC, marijuana, and PCP.
How do you transport urine for testing? ›Place the urine specimen in the biohazard transport bag with the absorbent pad and seal the bag. Wearing the dry ice glove, immediately place the sealed bag on dry ice in the transport cooler.
What are common HGV interview questions? ›- Question: How much experience do you have as a HGV Driver? ...
- Question: Have you ever been involved in an accident on the roads? ...
- Question: If you're running late for a delivery, should you speed up to get there quicker?
Good questions to ask at your HGV job interview:
Can you tell me about your operations, how many truck do you operate? What does a typical day look like? Can you tell me about the team – how many drivers do you have and how many people work in the transport office? What is the company culture?
- Vehicle Weights & Dimensions. Weight restrictions, speed limits and limiters, height and width signs. ...
- Drivers Hours & Rest Periods. ...
- Braking Systems. ...
- The Driver. ...
- The Road. ...
- Accident Handling. ...
- Vehicle Condition. ...
- Leaving the Vehicle.
- Japan. Learners in Japan are expected to attend a mandatory driving camp for 26 hours. ...
- China. In China, the theory test contains 100 questions and requires you to memorise 1,000 in total. ...
- Croatia. ...
- Montenegro. ...
- Ukraine.
The Theory Test has more multiple-choice questions now than it did when it was introduced back in 1996. Along with other factors, what is highly likely to be the reason that more people are failing a Theory Test is that candidates are turning up for their test unprepared.
Is the theory test harder than the practical? ›While theory tests are certainly getting harder, practical tests may be getting easier when we consider the significant increase in first time passes and first time passes with zero faults.
Can I pass my theory without revising? ›The theory test is split into two sections: multiple choice questions and hazard perception clips. You need to pass both sections in order to get your theory test pass certificate. So, don't count on being able to put all your eggs in one basket here: you'll need to revise both sections to perform well on the test!
How many answers do you need to get right on a theory test? ›The Theory Test pass mark is 86%, so you'll need to answer 43 out of 50 multiple choice questions correctly to pass. The questions will cover topics that include alertness, attitude, safety, road signs, and much more.
Where is the best pass rate for driving test? ›
The Ballincollig test centre in Cork had a pass rate of 75% last year — the highest in the country. Carnmore in Galway was next highest, at nearly 68%. Three other centres had rates above 64%: one in Birr, Co Offaly; Clifden, Co Galway; and O'Loughlin Gaels in Kilkenny.
How many HGV test Centres are there in the UK? ›There are about 380 driving test centres in the UK. Some operate part-time, but most operate full-time.
What is LGV case study test? ›The case studies are short stories based on situations that you're likely to come across in your working life. You'll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study. The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.
Is HGV driving stressful? ›Being a HGV driver can be a stressful job. But first, you have to get HGV Licence for being a HGV driver. Between tight load deadlines, truck parking issues, constantly changing regulations, and being away from home and family HGV drivers can get stressed and feel burned out.
How many HGV drivers are needed? ›The Road Haulage Association has reported a shortage of some 100,000 HGV drivers (though recent estimates place this figure closer to 70,000). The two factors usually cited as the root causes of the HGV driver shortage are Brexit and COVID-19.
Is HGV and PCV theory test the same? ›Theory test for LGV and PCV drivers
The multiple choice test and hazard perception test for LGV and PCV are two separate tests. Your theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date you passed the first part of the test.
It could certainly be said that the changes to the theory test format over the years have made it harder to pass. In fact, MoneySuperMarket compiled a study recently which involved 2,800 drivers being asked sample questions from the theory test. Only 11% of them were able to answer every question correctly!
How many attempts are there in a theory test? ›Most people pass within 2-3 attempts and, with the DVSA charging £23 for each test, your wallet will be rooting for you to pass in the fewest goes possible. But some people find the theory test very tricky and, as a result, have shelled out for several theory tests.
Can you do your theory test online? ›The quickest and easiest way to book your official Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) car, motorcycle, lorry or bus driving theory test is online. When you book using this service, you only pay the cost of the test – there's no extra booking fee.
What Cannot be detected in a urine test? ›Note: Alcohol, LSD, digoxin, lithium, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and some benzodiazepines, opiates, amphetamine-type stimulants, and most drugs of abuse are not detected by this procedure. For these drugs, the specific confirmation tests should be ordered.
What happens if you fail a drug test for insurance? ›
What happens if a person fails a drug test administered by an insurance company? Failing a drug test might mean loss of employment, loss of the policy, or raising of insurance premiums. There are usually no legal ramifications.
How long is cotinine detectable in urine test? ›In general, nicotine can only be detected in the body for a short time, with half eliminated around two hours after your last exposure. Cotinine levels remain elevated for longer, detectable in urine and blood samples for up to seven days.
What is the A1c limit for DOT physical? ›The DOT physical A1c guideline requirements are that you must have less than 10% to pass. However, if it is higher than 8%, your medical examiner may have some concerns about your ongoing health, and so may refer you for further testing and monitoring.
Do you have to drop your pants for a DOT physical? ›Though each exam is different, most drivers report that they are not asked to fully disrobe for the exam. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to your DOT physical to make things easier for both your and your examiner.
What drugs will make you fail a DOT drug test? ›- Marijuana.
- Cocaine.
- Opiates – opium and codeine derivatives.
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines.
- Phencyclidine – PCP.
A 24-hour urine collection is done by collecting your urine in a special container over a full 24-hour period. The container must be kept cool until the urine is returned to the lab. Urine is made up of water and dissolved chemicals, such as sodium and potassium.
What foods to avoid for 24 hour urine test? ›Patient must abstain from avocados, bananas, tomatoes, plums, eggplant, hickory nuts, walnuts, pineapple, coffee and mollusks. and during collection: aspirin, corticotropins, MAO inhibitors, phenacetin, catecholamines, reserpine and nicotine. Restrict caffeine, nicotine and alcohol 24 hours prior to collection.
How do you know if a urine sample is contaminated? ›A contaminated urine specimen can give a large amount of false data on a dipstick test. Greater than five epithelial cells on microscopic evaluation is likely a sign of contamination.
What are the 3 C's of interview questions? ›When it comes to interviewing, confidence, competence, and credibility are essential tools for success and often elude even the most experienced investigators.
What should I wear to a HGV interview? ›Smart attire You may be thinking that just because it is a driving job, you don't need to wear smart attire, but this is definitely not the case. No matter what type of job you are applying for, you should always aim to impress and this means a shirt, trousers and a smart jacket.
How do I prepare for my HGV theory test? ›
You can practice every licensed Theory Test revision question from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, sit unlimited mock tests and practise hundreds of Hazard Perception video clips. The award-winning Driving Test Success provides you with the closest experience to the real tests.
How do you pass the HGV theory? ›What's the pass mark? Out of the 100 marks available, you'll have to attain 85 in order to get a pass. Both the multiple-choice and hazard perception tests are carried out on screen.
What is the hardest driving test to pass? ›- Japan. Learners in Japan are expected to attend a mandatory driving camp for 26 hours. ...
- China. In China, the theory test contains 100 questions and requires you to memorise 1,000 in total. ...
- Croatia. ...
- Montenegro. ...
- Ukraine.
Along with other factors, what is highly likely to be the reason that more people are failing a Theory Test is that candidates are turning up for their test unprepared. As with anything in life, if you want to achieve a first-time pass, preparation is the key to success.