DVLA Medical: Contact Number, What to Expect & Complete Guide

Whether you are applying for an HGV licence, renewing your taxi badge, or have been asked by the DVLA to undergo a medical assessment, understanding the DVLA medical process is essential. In this guide, we cover everything — the DVLA medical contact number, what happens during the medical, which conditions can affect your licence, and how to book your medical quickly and affordably.

DVLA Medical Contact Number

If you need to speak to the DVLA about a medical enquiry, here are the key contact numbers:

• DVLA Drivers Medical Branch: 0300 790 6806 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm)
• DVLA General Enquiries: 0300 790 6801
• DVLA Textphone: 0300 123 1278 (for hearing impaired callers)

The DVLA medical contact number (0300 790 6806) is the direct line to the Drivers Medical Branch at Swansea. Use this number if you have questions about medical fitness to drive, notification of medical conditions, or the status of a medical application.

Important: The DVLA medical team can be very busy, and waiting times can be long. Before calling, check if your question is answered on the GOV.UK medical conditions and driving page.

What Is a DVLA Medical?

A DVLA medical is a health assessment required by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to confirm that a driver meets the medical standards for holding a driving licence. There are two main types:

Group 1 Medical (Cars and Motorcycles)

This applies to standard car and motorcycle licence holders. You may be asked to have a Group 1 medical if you have notified the DVLA of a medical condition, or if you are over 70 and renewing your licence.

Group 2 Medical / D4 Medical (Lorries, Buses, Taxis)

This is the more thorough medical required for professional drivers — including HGV, LGV, PCV, bus, taxi, and ambulance drivers. The Group 2 medical uses the D4 medical form and must be completed by a registered doctor. This is the type of medical that Simply Medicals specialises in.

What Happens During a DVLA Medical?

A DVLA medical examination (D4 medical) typically takes 15-20 minutes and includes:

• Eyesight test — Reading a number plate from 20 metres and a Snellen chart eye test
• Blood pressure check — Must meet the DVLA’s Group 2 standards (generally below 180/100 mmHg)
• Medical history questionnaire — Covering conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, sleep apnea, and mental health
• Urinalysis — Testing for sugar and protein in urine
• General physical assessment — BMI, hearing, mobility, and neurological function

The doctor will complete your D4 medical form based on the examination results. If you pass, you can submit the form to the DVLA with your licence application. At Simply Medicals, we offer D4 medicals from just £49.99 with appointments within 24 hours.

DVLA Medical Conditions That Can Affect Your Licence

The DVLA maintains a list of medical conditions that drivers must notify them about. These include:

Conditions You Must Report to the DVLA

• Diabetes (particularly insulin-treated) — You must notify the DVLA and may need regular medical checks
• Epilepsy and seizures — Strict rules on seizure-free periods before you can drive
• Heart conditions — Including heart attacks, angina, and heart surgery
• Sleep apnea — Must be treated and controlled before you can hold a Group 2 licence
• Stroke or TIA — Must be seizure-free for a specified period
• Vision problems — Including visual field defects and certain eye conditions
• Mental health conditions — Including severe anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders

Failing to notify the DVLA of a relevant medical condition can result in a £1,000 fine and may invalidate your insurance. If you are unsure whether your condition needs reporting, contact the DVLA medical team on 0300 790 6806 or check GOV.UK.

Can I Drive While Waiting for a DVLA Medical Decision?

This depends on your specific situation:

• If you have notified a medical condition and are waiting for a decision — You can usually continue driving unless the DVLA has told you to stop. This is covered under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988
• If your licence has been revoked — You must not drive until a new licence is issued
• If you are renewing an expiring licence — Section 88 may allow you to continue driving while your application is processed, provided certain conditions are met

The key requirement for Section 88 to apply is that you must have submitted your application before your current licence expired, and the DVLA must not have told you that you do not meet the medical standards.

How Much Does a DVLA Medical Cost?

The cost of a DVLA medical (D4 medical) varies:

• GP surgery: £80 – £150+ (with long waiting times, often 2-3 weeks)
• Private clinics: £50 – £120
• Simply Medicals: From £49.99 — the most affordable option in the UK

The DVLA does not charge for processing the medical form itself — the cost is for the doctor’s examination. If the DVLA requests additional medical tests or specialist reports, these may have additional costs.

Where to Get a DVLA Medical

You can get your DVLA medical at:

• Your GP surgery (often expensive and slow)
• A private medical clinic
• Simply Medicals — 30+ locations across England, from £49.99, appointments within 24 hours

Simply Medicals specialises in driver medicals for HGV drivers, taxi drivers, D4 medicals, and more. Our experienced GMC-registered doctors carry out thousands of driver medicals every year.

Book Your DVLA Medical Today

Need a D4 medical for your DVLA application? Simply Medicals makes it fast, affordable, and convenient. With prices from £49.99 and appointments available within 24 hours, you can get your medical sorted and submit your application without delay.

Book your DVLA medical online now or call 0808 188 9112.

Frequently Asked Questions