Not every driver in the UK needs a D4 medical. It applies specifically to Group 2 licences, which cover larger vehicles and passenger-carrying roles where the safety risks are higher.
The D4 medical exists to confirm that drivers operating these vehicles meet stricter medical standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. These standards focus on conditions that could increase the risk of serious harm due to vehicle size, weight, or responsibility for passengers.
If you hold or are applying for a Group 2 licence, a D4 medical is required at set points during your driving career.
What Are DVLA Group 2 Licences?
DVLA licences are split into two main groups:
- Group 1 – cars and motorcycles
- Group 2 – large goods vehicles (LGVs/HGVs) and passenger-carrying vehicles (PCVs)
This guide focuses only on Group 2, as these are the licences that trigger D4 medical requirements.
Group 2 Licence Categories (Simple Breakdown)
The table below explains each DVLA Group 2 licence category and the types of vehicles you’re permitted to drive.
DVLA Group 2 Licence Categories Table
| Licence Category | Vehicle Type | What You Can Drive |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Medium goods vehicle | Vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes (with or without a small trailer up to 750kg) |
| C1+E | Medium goods + trailer | Vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes with a larger trailer |
| C | Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) | Rigid lorries over 3.5 tonnes |
| C+E | Articulated lorry | Large HGVs with trailers (artic lorries) |
| D1 | Minibus | Passenger vehicles with 9–16 seats (excluding the driver) |
| D1+E | Minibus + trailer | Minibus with a larger trailer |
| D | Bus / coach | Passenger vehicles with more than 16 seats |
| D+E | Bus / coach + trailer | Bus or coach with a trailer |
Why These Categories Require a D4 Medical
All Group 2 vehicles share at least one of the following risk factors:
- Greater vehicle mass (longer stopping distances)
- Higher passenger responsibility
- Extended driving hours
- Increased consequences of medical events (e.g. blackouts, reduced alertness)
Because of this, Group 2 drivers must meet higher medical standards than regular car drivers. The D4 medical is the tool used to assess this.
Important Clarification for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers
Taxi and private hire drivers are not automatically Group 2 licence holders.
However:
- Many councils apply Group 2 medical standards
- Councils often require their own medical form, not a DVLA D4
This means a driver may meet Group 2 standards without holding a Group 2 licence.
Always check local council requirements before booking a medical.
