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What is a Taxi Medical?
To obtain a taxi license from your local authority or council, you must successfully complete a medical assessment conducted by a GMC-registered doctor in accordance with DVLA Group 2 standards. This assessment includes completing a medical questionnaire, undergoing a physical examination where the doctor listens to your heart and checks your musculoskeletal function, and performing basic health tests such as blood pressure and pulse checks, along with a vision test. Successfully passing this medical assessment is essential for your application to be considered for a taxi license
Why do I need to have a taxi medical for driving?
Private hire taxi drivers have a responsibility to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety and well-being of their passengers while providing services. Passengers expect a reliable and safe experience when using taxi services. Additionally, taxi driving is a demanding profession that requires both physical and mental strength, particularly due to the long hours and the need to assist passengers, including those with disabilities or those requiring help with luggage. Completing a taxi medical is essential to confirm that you are fit to meet these expectations and responsibilities.
What is the Origin of the Taxi Medical Assessment?
The origin of the taxi medical assessment dates back to 1995 when the House of Commons Select Committee released a report recommending that taxi and private hire vehicle drivers undergo periodic clinical assessments by a doctor. Following this report, the Medical Commission for Accident Prevention endorsed the findings and advised that these medical assessments adhere to Group 2 medical standards. This framework was established to ensure that drivers are fit for the demanding nature of their profession and can provide safe services to passengers.
What is Meant by Group 2 Medical Standards?
In the UK, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) serves as the licensing authority and classifies licenses based on the type and weight of vehicles. There are two primary classifications: Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 includes licenses for cars and motorbikes, while Group 2 pertains to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or those that carry more than eight passengers. It is important to note that Group 1 drivers are not required to pass a medical exam. However, if you choose to drive a vehicle that exceeds 3.5 tonnes or transports more than eight passengers, you must undergo a medical assessment known as the D4 medical exam.
This assessment ensures that you meet the health standards required for driving larger vehicles and providing safe transport for passengers.
Does not a taxi vehicle considered to be a Group 1 based on the above information?
You are correct that the majority, if not all, taxis fall under Group 1 licensing. However, as previously mentioned, the taxi medical assessment is necessary due to the physical demands of the job and the responsibility to ensure that fare-paying passengers are not exposed to unnecessary risks. This assessment helps to confirm that drivers are physically fit to handle the challenges of the profession, ultimately prioritising passenger safety and well-being.
Are Taxi Medical Assessments Managed by the DVLA?
No, taxi medical assessments are not managed by the DVLA. The DVLA focuses on licensing drivers according to the size and weight of their vehicles.From the DVLA’s perspective, the minimum requirement to drive a taxi vehicle is possessing the appropriate standard group A driving license.
Then, Who Deals with My Taxi Medical Examination Report?
Since the release of the House of Commons report and the Medical Commission for Accident Prevention report in 1995, local authorities, meaning councils, have adopted Group 2 medical standards for taxi drivers. Whether you are in Wolverhampton, Knowsley, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Manchester, Trafford, Sefton, Stockport, or London, all relevant councils require their applicants to undergo a taxi medical examination that meets these standards. The examination report will typically be submitted to the local authority, which will review it as part of your licensing application process.
What Does the Private Hire Taxi Medical Assessment Involve?
Whether you drive for Uber, a local company, or operate a hackney carriage, the private hire taxi medical assessment is generally the same across the board. This assessment involves reviewing your medical records, typically in the form of your GP medical summary. However, some councils, such as Sefton and London Boroughs, may require a review of your complete medical history. During the assessment, the doctor will complete the relevant council medical form, focusing on several key areas including vision, neurological function, cardiovascular health, mental health, musculoskeletal fitness, as well as any medications and their side effects.
The examination will also include measuring your blood pressure, checking your pulse, and listening to your heart sounds.
References:
1- Carter, T. (2006) Fitness to drive: a guide for health professionals. London: Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd. p. 65.
2- Carter, T. (2006) Fitness to drive: a guide for health professionals. London: Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd. p. 65.
3-Department for Transport (2024) Assessing fitness to drive: a guide for medical professionals. Available at:
https://assets.publishing.
(Accessed: 03/11/2024). p. 8-9.
