Things to know before applying for Taxi Drivers Medicals
Things to know before applying for Taxi Drivers Medicals
What is a taxi driver medical?
A taxi medical is a legal medical examination carried out by a registered doctor for anyone looking to drive vehicles and obtain a taxi licence, be it a taxi or a private hire vehicle that is open to the public prior to granting their licence or permit.
However, if the driver has endured any organ-related problems in the past, a taxi driver medical test is a must before they’re permitted to drive a taxi or private-hire vehicle again. You need to complete a taxi medical form for your examiner prior to the test.
What is involved in your taxi driver medical?
Your medical consists of a vision eyesight test using a Snellen chart, a blood pressure/BP test to make sure your blood pressure data is normal or meets the specified range and a medical questionnaire to know your medical history.
The medical professional will review your medical records based on the driver and vehicle licensing agency (DVLA) Group 2 medical standards.
Why is taxi driver medical done?
The taxi driver medical test ensures the safety of the drivers, the passengers and the public on the road.
Most medical conditions observed in the drivers are heart-related problems. Major symptoms of heart disease include feeling faint, and blackouts. These symptoms can cause the driver to lose control or balance of the vehicle and that puts the public as well as the self in danger.
The taxi driver medical reduces these risks. The doctor monitors the heart health of the driver and approves with a medical fitness certificate if the driver is healthy enough to drive a vehicle.
What to expect during the medical test?
These medical tests normally include the collection of samples like urine to check for diabetes or any infection. If the test results are positive for diabetes, the doctor would recommend further tests as listed below.
- Blood pressure (BP) test
- Auditory (hearing) test
- Vision (eyesight) test
- Basic heart test and pulse test
- Movement test including muscle power and control
- Treadmill Test
If the driver has experienced a heart problem in the past, then the doctor might suggest additional tests, including:
- Electrocardiogram (HGV) – is a non-invasive test to monitor the electrical activity of the heart rhythm. The driver might be asked to lie on the bed or walk on a treadmill to closely monitor blood pressure and heartbeat as it contracts and check body reaction to stress.
- An echocardiogram – is a test based on ultrasound to detect other related heart diseases including problems in the valves and chambers of the heart and to determine the pumping action.
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure/hypertension monitoring test – is a test carried out on a continuous basis, even during sleep to monitor the blood pressure. The test is suggested to evaluate the heart activity over 24-hour if the driver has had a heart stroke or has had a cardiac pacemaker implanted in the past.
- The test includes wearing a machine on the waistline over a 24-hour period which records the data even while asleep.
After the completion of the test
If the test results are normal, the doctor will provide a medical form fitness certificate to confirm to the driver and vehicle licensing agency (DVLA) that the driver is fit to drive a taxi or a private-hire vehicle.
If the test results are not normal, or if the test is not successful, the doctor is obliged to report to the DVLA that the driver does not fit the medical requirements.
It is quintessential that the taxi drivers take good care of their health even after the completion of medical assessment.
What are the other requirements for your taxi license?
The medical requirements for taxi drivers are generally the same as those with a class 2 driving licence.
Below are other requirements listed:
- Minimum of 18 years of age and a valid car driving licence is mandatory
- Approve a medical test
- Pass a theory exam of driving rules and regulations
- Right to live and work in the UK
- English language proficiency
- Vehicle adaptations
However, some areas may require additional tests based on the local authority while applying for your license.
When do I renew my taxi driver license and taxi driver medical?
The local authority that issues your taxi driver license will also determine how often you would need to have a health check-up. If you are older, or if you are diagnosed with certain medical conditions, you might require frequent taxi driver medicals.
However, if you are renewing your license more than two years after the expiry of the issued date, you might be asked to meet additional requirements including a taxi driver practical test and must have completed the mandatory periodic training.
And the authority might suggest an annual medical if you are considered to be at high risk.
What if I am diagnosed with a health condition that could affect taxi driving?
If you are diagnosed with any health issues that could impact your ability to drive safely, you must report the same to the DVLA and licensing authority.
Your doctor might ask you to stop driving for a period of time until your condition is under control.
However, you will have to meet additional requirements in your future taxi driver medicals.
For instance, if you have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia you might be asked to wear a portable HGV for a period of 24 hours, even upon successful treatment.
We at Barnetby, deliver a high standard medical service and are approved, medical providers. All of our registered doctor hold full registration with the GMC (General Medical Council). For further information please contact us.
Why do I need a Medical to Drive a Taxi?
A question we get asked a lot is ‘Why do I need a taxi driver medical?’
If you are driving a taxi, you are transporting members of the public and have a duty of care to ensure you are safe to drive the vehicle you are driving them in.
It is important you complete a medical assessment in order to gain your licence.
What do local authorities require for my taxi licence?
Most local authorities have similar requirements in order for you to gain your taxi driver licence. The majority of councils allow their drivers to go to any registered doctor but it is important that you check with your licensing department before you come to us because some councils say that drivers have to go to their own GP. Check you local authorities website for more information on their requirements. We have listed a few local to us below.
Check List Of What To Bring to your medical
Taxi Driver Medical
- Photo ID eg Passport or Driving Licence.
- The appropriate paperwork. We have a copy of some forms on the useful links page
- Details of any hospital doctors you may be under.
- Details of your GP.
- List of any medication you are on.
- Be prepared to give a urine sample.
- Bring any glasses you wear and be prepared to remove contact lenses
- Bring in your last opticians eye test form (within last 2 years). You can ring opticians and ask them to send you a copy or send it direct to us via our email.
- Cash Payment.
- Please arrive on time, or let us know if you are running late.
- On arrival you will need to show us identification. We will get you to fill in a small form so that we can obtain details about you so and are able to start a computer record. This is totally confidential and allows us to look up your details if you enquire again.
- Please be prepared to give a urine sample. Please DO NOT bring one with you.
- The doctor will see you followed by the nurse if needed.
- All medical forms or certificates will be signed on the day. However if blood tests are needed than we can only complete the forms after the results arrive. This can be around a week.
- On leaving you will be asked to pay for the medical unless prior arrangements have been made with your company.
- May need to bring in a medical summary in the case of Taxi medicals.
- We do not take credit/debit cards.