Medical standards of fitness to drive
We use Group 2 Entitlement as set out in the DVLA publication 'Assessing fitness to drive – a guide for medical professionals’ as our policy on medical fitness.
This standard is relevant for vocational drivers and is applied to HGV drivers and bus drivers. You will need to take and pass a medical examination before becoming licensed. The medical must be carried out by your own General Practitioner (GP) or one who has access to your full medical history.
The initial medical will remain valid until you are 45 years old when a further examination will be required, then at five yearly intervals until the age of 65 when a medical is required annually. The medical certificate may be returned to us by post by the G.P. before or after you submit your application for a licence. If you have any concerns about your medical fitness you are advised to consult your G.P. prior to submitting your application or contact us for advice
In certain cases, where a licence has been issued to an applicant with a medical condition which would not prevent him/her becoming a driver, but which requires monitoring, we may insist on a letter from the driver’s GP or consultant at each licence renewal confirming he/she continues to meet our policy on medical fitness.
We can't process an application until we receive a signed medical form and/or letter from your GP or consultant.
Existing drivers must tell us about any medical condition that may affect the ability to drive and meet the Group 2 standard.
If you have suffered from any of the following medical disorders your application may be refused. The list is not exhaustive and may be subject to change.
- neurological disorders (epilepsy, seizures or strokes, blackouts, narcolepsy and sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis/Parkinsons disease, cerebrovascular disease)
- cardiovascular disorders (angina, heart conditions, high blood pressure)
- diabetes - including insulin dependant and non-insulin dependant diabetes (managed by diet and/or tablets)
- psychiatric disorders (neuroses, psychosis, dementia)
- drug and alcohol misuse and dependency (drink/drive offender, related seizures/disorders)
- visual disorders (poor vision, lack of peripheral vision, monocular vision *)
- renal disorders (renal failure)
- miscellaneous conditions (e.g. AIDS, elderly driver, deafness, short stature)
To discuss the effects a medical condition might have on your application, email taxi.licensing@northtyneside.gov.uk or call 0191 6432165 for confidential advice.