7 Main Aspects That Are Checked During An HGV Medical Exam. HGV drivers need to be fit and healthy to operate heavy goods vehicles on roads. They need to have a Category C License which is provided to them by DVLA after paperwork. HGV drivers must take a medical examination for renewing their license every time. The medical exam is done by a doctor who could be a general practitioner or a private doctor. However, it is the DVLA who decides whether the driver is fit to drive an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) or not. The paperwork – D4 form is sent to the DVLA by the doctors. After which they can drive a bus or a lorry.
The D4 medical certificate is valid for 16 weeks to clear the HGV driving test. If you are renewing your license, you would get it within three weeks of sending your D4 form to the DVLA.
7 Main Aspects That Are Checked During An HGV Medical Exam.
HVG Medical Exam Can Be Divided Into Two Parts:
The first step of the exam starts with an interview during which the doctor talks to the applicant regarding their medical problems. The doctors also examine the applicant’s medical history to check if he can drive safely.
After the interview, the candidate goes through 20 – 30 minutes of physical examination in which his crucial signs are examined by the doctor. An official DVLA form is filled and submitted to the concerned authorities to assess and the candidate to be on the road as an HGV driver.
There are no special qualifications to conduct the medical exams of HGV drivers; hence, any doctor can do it. An applicant can visit NHS GP as well as a private doctor. While specific things are examined by the doctor, one doesn’t need to be stressed if he is fit and fine. If someone is suffering from some chronic condition, he shouldn’t apply HVG driving.
Conditions Checked During The Medical Examination.
Some of the things that are checked by doctors include:
Eyesight.
An HGV driver needs sharp eyesight. The eyesight requirements for large vehicle drivers are more stringent than that of car drivers. The eyes need to have adequate sight with no corrective lenses. An applicant with impaired vision will most likely fail the exam.
Heart Conditions.
The heart is an important organ. Even a mild heart condition or disease can turn dangerous for such jobs. Hence, it is important to understand and examine the condition of the heart. The medical exam checks for issues including aneurisms, murmurs, and PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) among others.
Neurological Issues.
Neurological conditions such as blackouts, fits, seizures, memory issues, and epilepsy can have severe repercussions to HGV drivers. Hence, the doctors examine the brain and nerves for neurological health.
Psychiatric Issues.
A person needs to be in good mental health to be an HGV driver. The doctor might talk about mental health issues such as cognitive impairment, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety issues, and depression among others.
Diabetes.
An applicant with diabetes can still be an HGV driver provided he manages his condition well. If the sugar levels are maintained well and the person is otherwise fit; he may still apply for this job.
Insomnia.
An insomniac person remains tired and sleeps during the day; hence, applying for the HGV driver position might not be a great idea. Lack of sleep is a major reason for HGV accidents. Such statistics force doctors to check for signs of sleep disorders during medical exams. However, it doesn’t mean that a sleep disorder can automatically disqualify you from the position. You may still get a job if you are found to manage the disorder, have a good sleep at night, and are energetic during the day.
Alcohol And Drugs.
An alcoholic can never be a driver. It is illegal and unsafe to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Habitual alcoholics are not eligible to drive HGVs. The physician might conduct various medical exams that will help to check the signs of alcohol or drug use.
These were some of the basic conditions that are checked by the physicians. The DVLA is checked by the doctors. There’s no reason to worry as the tests are generally less time-consuming.
Besides the license, you need to be responsible, organized, and adaptable. The driver needs to have basic mechanical knowledge and good time management skills as he will have the responsibility to reach the goods in time.
Just like any other sector, professionalism is an important trait to be a successful HGV driver. You need to follow road rules and regulations. Maintaining decorum is important for everyone and the driver is not an exception. Apart from good road leadership and behavior, an HGV driver should have the right attitude and comprehend other drivers. The driver should professionally drive HGV, and take pride in his job.