AD. Anyone who wants to get licensed by TfL as a private hire driver will need to first prove that they meet certain medical standards. It’s pretty straightforward, but it is important that you get it right the first time around to avoid any delays. Below, we go through some of the main things to keep in mind, from the standards that need to be met to how frequently these tests need to be carried out.
What Standards Do You Have To Meet?
To work as a taxi or private hire driver, you need to show that you meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards. These are the same standards that apply to lorry and bus drivers, and are there to minimise the chances that you have a medical-related incident while driving for work.
During the assessment, one of the things you will have to do is complete an eyesight test, showing that you have at least 6/7.5 vision in your better eye, and at least 6/60 in the other.
You will also have your blood pressure and cardiac health assessed, and will have to meet certain diabetic and epileptic standards. Any health condition that could affect your ability to drive safely could potentially be an issue.
Where Can You Get the Test Done?
The medical test will need to be completed by a medical practitioner who has full access to your medical records, which might be your GP. However, while GPs are technically able to do your test, it is not strictly part of their contracted work, and will need to be booked as a separate, private appointment.
As a result, many GPs don’t offer these services; if they do, you will need to book it in a long time in advance. There are separate, specialised medical services that can provide these services as well, which may very well be worth it if your GP has a long waitlist or doesn’t offer the medical assessment at all.
Once you’ve taken care of your medical tests, and other language and topographical exams, you can start to look for vehicle hire from companies like Westgate Hire.
Renewal Frequency
How frequently you need to renew your medical tests will depend on your age.
If you are under the age of 45 years old, you just have to have your initial test done when you first complete your license application, so long as you don’t develop any new or notifiable health conditions.
Once you reach 45 years old, you will then have to complete a new medical assessment every three years, which will be submitted at the same time that you renew your license.
By the time you reach the age of 65 and above, you will need to start doing a medical examination every year, not just when you renew your licence.
Sorting out your medical assessment should be a priority when applying to work as a private hire driver, and it’s important to get the timing right. You’ll need to book it in advance, especially if you’re going to use your GP surgery, but you don’t want to do it so early that the assessment has expired by the time your application is processed.
