Risk Update: DVLA Medical Condition Disclosure – On Ongoing Duty

HGV Medical just a snapshot

As every HGV driver knows, a HGV Medical, also known as LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) Medical, is mandated by the DVLA for UK HGV drivers. Passing the Medical provides evidence that a driver is fit and well enough to drive an HGV.

A HGV Medical isn’t just required when a driver first embarks on an HGV driving career. It’s also required when an HGV licence comes up for renewal. If a driver has a medical condition that has had to be disclosed to the DVLA, then that will need to be disclosed to the insurer and questions will be asked by the insurer about what the medical says about fitness to drive.

Not only is the HGV Medical a prerequisite for obtaining an HGV licence, but it is also a requirement for renewals. As drivers age, the frequency of these medical checks increases to help identify any health concerns that may develop over time.

• Drivers under 45 must renew their licence every five years. Only if there’s a medical condition is a further medical examination required.
• Once over 45, a further HGV medical becomes mandatory when an HGV licence is being renewed.
• Over 65 and an HGV Medical is required annually as part of the requirement to apply to renew the licence every year.

New or deteriorating medical condition - DVLA disclosure

Just because a driver passes their HGV Medical when first taking out, or renewing, their licence, doesn’t mean they don’t need to tell the DVLA about subsequent medical conditions, or deterioration of an existing medical condition, during the intervening period.

DVLA requirements relating to the disclosure of medical conditions are more onerous for bus, coach and lorry drivers. For example, you must notify the DVLA if you have high blood pressure.

Regardless of the medical condition, as soon as a condition becomes apparent, or there is a deterioration in an already disclosed condition, a driver needs to check the DVLA requirements which can be found here:

Check if a health condition affects your driving: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Scrolling down that link takes you to the section relating to bus, coach and lorry licence holders.

Find out more

To find out more about haulage vehicle insurance, be that for a single truck or a fleet, talk to your usual Towergate advisor.

Towergate and Towergate Insurance are trading names of Advisory Insurance Brokers Limited. Registered in England Company No. 4043759, Registered Office: 2 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7PD. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

About the author

Chris North FCII is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is currently Technical Manager for Towergate's motor division, providing expertise on all matters relating to motor fleet insurance, in particular haulage and self-drive hire fleets.