If you’ve been told you need to book a DVLA medical test, you may be wondering what that actually involves, whether it’s urgent, and what your options are for getting it done locally.
As someone who sees patients referred for DVLA-related heart and blood pressure assessments regularly, I’ve put together this guide to explain exactly what you need to know. Whether it's due to a health condition, medication, or age-related checks, a DVLA medical test is a key step in ensuring you’re safe and legal to drive.
What Is a DVLA Medical Test?
A DVLA medical test is an official health assessment that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) may request to determine whether you are medically fit to drive. These tests are required when:
You’ve declared a medical condition to the DVLA
Your GP or consultant has informed the DVLA of a health issue
You’re applying for or renewing a Group 2 licence (e.g. HGV or bus drivers)
A routine check has raised concerns about your health and driving ability
The test is not just about passing or failing it’s designed to help keep you and others safe on the road. Depending on your condition, the DVLA may allow you to continue driving, pause your licence, or request further tests.
What Does the Test Involve?
The test itself depends on why the DVLA needs a medical assessment. For drivers with heart or blood pressure concerns, common assessments may include:
Blood tests or urine tests
Vision checks
Medical history review
These assessments help determine whether your condition poses a risk while driving, particularly for those who operate larger vehicles or drive for long periods.
For example, if you have uncontrolled hypertension or a history of arrhythmia, the DVLA needs to know that your condition is under control and won’t cause sudden symptoms behind the wheel.
Can I Do This Through the NHS?
In some cases, yes. If the DVLA requests information from your NHS consultant or GP, they may refer you for tests within the NHS. However, this often involves long waiting times, especially for more specialised cardiac assessments.
If you’re under time pressure such as needing to renew your HGV licence you may prefer to book a private DVLA medical test to avoid delays.
Private vs NHS What’s the Difference?
Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
Feature | NHS | Private Clinic |
Cost | Free (if referred) | £50–£500+, depending on tests |
Waiting time | 2–12 weeks, varies by region | Often same-week appointments |
Test availability | Limited to medical urgency | Full cardiac and fitness suite |
DVLA reporting | Indirect, via your NHS doctor | Often direct-to-patient copy |
Private testing can be particularly helpful if you're close to a licence renewal deadline or need a fast turnaround. At Heartsure, we frequently support patients who’ve received DVLA letters asking for medical clearance.
When Should I Book One?
If you’ve received a letter or email from the DVLA stating you need to complete a medical assessment, you should act as soon as possible. These assessments often have deadlines, and delays could result in your licence being temporarily revoked.
You may also want to book proactively if:
You’re applying for a Group 2 licence for the first time
You’ve recently been diagnosed with a heart condition
You’ve had a blackout, stroke, or other serious health issue
You’re over 70 and need to renew your licence with a declared condition
How Long Does a DVLA Medical Test Take?
Most basic assessments take 30–60 minutes. More complex tests like a echocardiogram or exercise tolerance test can take slightly longer, especially if multiple tests are needed in one session. If your DVLA assessment includes multiple checks, your clinic will usually arrange them on the same day to minimise hassle (we do this at Heartsure).
What Conditions Require a DVLA Test?
The DVLA lists dozens of medical conditions that may impact driving, including:
Heart disease (including arrhythmias and heart failure)
Stroke or TIA
Blackouts or fainting
Epilepsy
Diabetes treated with insulin
Sleep apnoea
Vision problems
For heart-related assessments, the DVLA often requests specialist input from a cardiologist, which is where clinics like ours can assist.
What Happens If I Fail?
If the DVLA determines that your condition is currently unsafe for driving, they may:
Revoke your licence temporarily (until the condition is managed)
Issue a short-term licence (1–3 years, subject to review)
Request further medical evidence before making a final decision
This doesn’t always mean you’ll lose your licence forever. Many drivers return to the road after successful treatment or reassessment.
Can I Appeal a DVLA Decision?
Yes. If your licence is revoked or restricted, and you disagree with the decision, you can:
Request a review by supplying new medical evidence
Appeal to a Magistrate’s Court within six months of the decision
However, it’s crucial to provide thorough and up-to-date clinical information. That’s why many patients choose to have a private cardiologist or specialist support their case with detailed reports and test results.
Do I Need a Referral?
For NHS assessments, a GP or consultant referral is usually required. For private assessments, you can self-refer. This means you can book your DVLA-related tests directly with a private clinic without needing to go through your GP ideal for quicker access. We have a self referral page on our website here.
Is the DVLA Medical Test the Same for All Drivers?
No. The requirements vary depending on your licence type:
Group 1 (cars, motorbikes): Less strict, but still assessed for high-risk conditions
Group 2 (lorries, buses): Stricter rules due to passenger and public safety
Group 2 drivers are more likely to need regular reassessments, especially over the age of 45.
Can Healthy Drivers Be Asked to Take a DVLA Medical Test?
Yes, especially if applying for a Group 2 licence or if they’ve disclosed something in a routine medical or licence renewal. Even those without symptoms may need a test if there is a family history of heart problems or an abnormal ECG on file.
What About Drivers With Disabilities?
If you have limited mobility and cannot complete a treadmill-based exercise tolerance test, alternatives are available. Pharmacological stress tests, imaging-based heart scans, or tailored assessments can be used depending on your needs.
The goal is to ensure that all drivers are assessed fairly and given suitable options to demonstrate their fitness to drive.
Summary
A DVLA medical test may feel like a hurdle, but it’s a safeguard for everyone on the road. If you’ve been asked to complete one, the best thing you can do is act promptly and seek reliable clinical support.
For those with heart-related conditions, clinics like ours offer accessible and thorough testing to help meet DVLA requirements efficiently whether through ECGs, heart scans, or full cardiovascular assessments. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by checking your letter from the DVLA and consider whether NHS or private testing is most suitable for your needs.
