Monthly Archives: June 2025

Along with your driving licence, a completed medical assessment is also a legal requirement to become a professional bus driver or HGV driver, or if you wish to drive any other people-carrying vehicle vocationally.

Keep reading as the experts at HGV Training Network break down everything you need to know about the PCV medical examination.

What do you need to know about the PCV medical test?

If you wish to pursue a career in PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) driving, it’s a mandatory requirement under UK law to complete your PCV medical test to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Driving while medically unfit and not notifying the DVLA can incur penalties, including huge fines.

PCV medical tests help to massively improve road safety by minimising the risks of avoidable accidents.

What a driver’s medical involves

Discussing your medical history

During this portion of the assessment, you’ll have to discuss any previous medical conditions that you’ve suffered from, as this may affect PCV work.

You’ll also have to fill out a D4 medical form, which contains a questionnaire which will ask about any preexisting medical records that may interfere with your ability to drive.

Your PCV blood pressure – the medical examination report

Here, you’ll undergo a physical assessment, such as a blood pressure check.

The doctor will also ask questions about your health, including whether you’ve ever suffered from addiction, epilepsy, or diabetes.

This part of the assessment is extremely important, as high blood pressure or hypertension can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks, which, of course, would pose huge risks on the road.

Your eye test

Good vision is crucial for driving safely, and people-carrying vehicles are no different.

When you pursue a career on the road, you need to be able to read signs, registration plates, and road markings proficiently. You should also be able to clearly see other drivers and any potential hazards on the road.

During your appointment, make sure you bring any recent prescription glasses or contact lenses along so your eyesight is ready to be tested to the best of its abilities.

How long does a PCV medical last?

The medical test is a pretty quick and straightforward process, and typically only lasts around 15 minutes. Of course, this can vary on a case-by-case basis.

When is your PCV medical due?

A PCV medical assessment typically lasts for 5 years and will need to be redone after this.

After the age of 65, annual PCV medical tests are required to keep drivers, passengers, and roads as safe as possible.

How much does a PCV medical cost? 

There isn’t a fixed cost for a driver’s medical, so it can vary depending on where you go for your assessment. Many clinics offer competitive rates, so it’s often worth shopping around and considering your options.

Where to get a PCV medical examination 

These exams are often conducted by doctors in private practices or even by your own GP. The best place to visit for your assessment often varies depending on your location.

If you’re unsure as to where your closest PCV medical clinic is, get in touch with a member of our HGV Training Network team, who can help you accordingly.

What happens if you fail a PCV medical test? 

If you fail a PCV medical test, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor to see if there’s a fixable solution to the reason you failed the assessment. They may have helpful advice on how to ameliorate your symptoms.

You can also speak to one of our experts at HGV Training Network regarding career advice or more information on the PCV medical.

HGV Training Network

Ready to take the leap into your new career as a PCV driver? Our comprehensive PCV training equips you with everything you need to begin a fruitful career on the road.

Or, if you want to learn what it takes to pass a HGV medical, check out our blog, “Why do drivers need an HGV medical?”

With independence, varied job opportunities and lucrative salaries, it’s no wonder so many are seeking out HGV training and CPC training to make a serious career shift!

However, it’s well known that HGV drivers must pass an HGV medical to ensure they’re fit to drive professionally, without causing a safety concern to themselves or drivers around them.

For those with a certain medical condition, specifically diabetes, this immediately raises questions. But don’t worry, if you’re a diabetic and are wondering whether HGV driving is still a valid career for you, the experts at HGV Training Network are here to offer all the knowledge you need.

Speak to our HGV experts today, or keep reading to learn more.

Driving an HGV with type 2 diabetes

Yes, you can still drive an HGV if you have type 2 diabetes. So if you’re one of the many people afflicted with this condition and would love to explore HGV driving as a career, hope is not lost!

However, it is important to note that if you choose to drive with type 2 diabetes, there are several precautions you must follow (beyond the usual finger-prick testing) to ensure your condition does not become a problem while you’re behind the wheel. Similar rules exist if driving emergency vehicles is something you’d like to explore.

It is also a legal requirement that you inform the DVLA of your condition because, depending on the severity of your diabetes or how it has affected you in the past, they may choose to only offer you a restricted licence that must be renewed more frequently (1-3 years).

Did You Know: We have over 300 5-star reviews on Google from former students who’ve gone on to become exceptional HGV drivers? Get in touch with our instructors today to find out why we’re so well-liked! 

Driving an HGV with type 1 diabetes

Although very different, virtually the same rules apply to type 1 diabetics as type 2 diabetics, if training to become an HGV driver is the end goal.

But, as discussed, there are certain parameters that must be met by all diabetics if they wish to drive these vehicles for a living…

HGV licence and diabetes – what are the rules?

To earn your HGV licence and become an HGV driver as a diabetic, here are some of the specifics you need to be aware of.

You are allowed to drive an HGV as a diabetic as long as:

Disabling hypoglycaemia doesn’t affect you – You’re not permitted to drive such vehicles if you’ve had more than one instance of disabling hypoglycaemia or severe hypos in the previous 12 months, as you may pose a risk to other drivers.

You practice regular blood sugar monitoring – If you take insulin (or similar), you need to perform a blood glucose level check at least two hours before you plan to drive, then every two hours while driving longer shifts. Without stable blood sugar control, diabetics experiencing a bout of very low blood sugar may have their vision and reaction times impaired.

You have a medical and speak to a diabetes consultant at least once a year – Think of this as an extra medical report, just to make sure you’re not expected to develop complications.

You inform the DVLA – As we mentioned previously, you have a legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency of your condition before they issue a vocational driving licence.

If you’re not willing to meet any of the above conditions or regularly test, or if diabetes seriously impacts your quality of life to the point where driving a large vehicle may be unsafe, you will not be granted an HGV licence or be allowed to drive HGVs professionally.

HGV licence and diabetes – what are the rules?

To earn your HGV licence and become an HGV driver as a diabetic, here are some of the specifics you need to be aware of.

You are allowed to drive an HGV as a diabetic as long as:

Disabling hypoglycaemia doesn’t affect you – You’re not permitted to drive such vehicles if you’ve had more than one instance of disabling hypoglycaemia or severe hypos in the previous 12 months, as you may pose a risk to other drivers.

You practice regular blood sugar monitoring – If you take insulin (or similar), you need to perform a blood glucose level check at least two hours before you plan to drive, then every two hours while driving longer shifts. Without stable blood sugar control, diabetics experiencing a bout of very low blood sugar may have their vision and reaction times impaired.

You have a medical and speak to a diabetes consultant at least once a year – Think of this as an extra medical report, just to make sure you’re not expected to develop complications.

You inform the DVLA – As we mentioned previously, you have a legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency of your condition before they issue a vocational driving licence.

If you’re not willing to meet any of the above conditions or regularly test, or if diabetes seriously impacts your quality of life to the point where driving a large vehicle may be unsafe, you will not be granted an HGV licence or be allowed to drive HGVs professionally.

Will you pass the HGV medical with diabetes?

Yes, you’re perfectly capable of passing the HGV medical if you have diabetes, as long as you can manage your condition effectively – and following the above advice is a great place to start.

For more information on what’s involved in the HGV medical – and how it may differ if you’re a diabetic – speak to HGVTN team today.

How often is an HGV medical as a diabetic?

This depends on how your diabetes is treated.

If it’s insulin-treated diabetes, whether you’re a type 1 or type 2 diabetic, you’ll need to have a new HGV medical every year, as well as see a diabetes specialist, as mentioned above.

However, if you’re a type 2 diabetic controlling your condition with tablets or diet alone, you may only need to have a medical every 3 years, though this will be at the DVLAs discretion.

Explore HGV training with HGV Training Network

If you’re confident you can manage your condition with proper diabetes treatment, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a full and exciting career as an HGV driver. Diabetes and driving HGVs can easily co-exist with effective blood sugar readings, insulin treatment or other diabetes medication.Get in touch with HGV Training Network today to begin your journey towards earning your HGV licence.