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What can make you fail a D4 medical?

Posted
Updated
Written BySari Khaled

You can fail a D4 medical or have your licence application delayed or refused if the findings show that you do not currently meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards, or if a condition presents a safety risk that has not yet been treated, stabilised, or investigated.

Situations most likely to trigger refusal, suspension, or DVLA review include:

  • uncontrolled or persistently high blood pressure
  • unexplained blackouts, seizures or loss of consciousness
  • untreated or symptomatic sleep apnoea with daytime sleepiness
  • recent or unstable heart conditions (heart attack, stent, rhythm problems)
  • significant vision problems affecting Group 2 visual standards
  • neurological conditions under investigation or poorly controlled
  • alcohol or substance misuse concerns
  • serious psychiatric illness affecting judgement, alertness or reliability

In these cases, the DVLA may:

  • delay the application
  • request specialist reports
  • impose a temporary driving suspension
  • reinstate entitlement once the condition is controlled

The outcome depends on risk, stability and medical evidence, not the diagnosis alone.

Learn more in our DVLA D4 medical assessment guide.