The Drivers Medical Group of the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is responsible for ensuring that drivers with medical issues are able to meet the medical requirements necessary for safe driving in Essex and the surrounding areas. To support the application of the medical standards through a taxi driver medical test, the DVLA uses specialised medical consultants, such as the team here at The London Heart.
Those who have a medical condition that is likely to cause a sudden disabling incident behind the wheel, or who are unable to safely control their car for any other reason, should not drive or have control of any vehicle, for the sake of road safety.
The initial medical for the licence is normally performed by a GP. The GP will conduct a routine medical examination in accordance with DVLA requirements.
When a cardiac condition is diagnosed, any taxi driver who has a heart problem should hand in their licence. After treatment, the taxi driver must undergo a cardiac evaluation within 1-3 months to ensure that they are safe to drive. Following that, the taxi driver must be evaluated every three years or so, depending on the cardiac problem.
If you are found to have any cardiac problems during your initial medical examination, or if you have a known cardiac condition that necessitates a cardiac evaluation, the experienced and skilled team at The London Heart would be happy to perform the evaluation. We understand the DVLA requirements and understand how important it is for you to get your licence revalidated so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
Transport for London or the local authority where you are applying for your taxi licence will determine the standards for your taxi driver medical. You can inquire about the medical requirements with the licencing department, which can also provide you with the necessary medical paperwork.
- Exercise Treadmill ECG to check the response of your heartbeat, blood pressure and blood flow to your arteries on exercise
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to assess the function of your heart muscles and valves.
If you have a fast or slow heart rate, have had a TIA/Stroke, have an implantation pacemaker/ICD, or have had an ablation, you will need either a 24-hour ambulatory ECG to monitor your heart rate and rhythm.
If you have high blood pressure, you may need a 24-hour ambulatory BP to see how your blood pressure changes over time 24 hour period.
You should bring your form to your appointment and then return it with your application once your doctor has completed and signed it.
The exact requirements for taxi driver medicals in Essex vary per authority, however, they are generally similar to the DVLA's requirements for holders of a group 2 bus or lorry driving licence. These requirements are slightly greater than those for a conventional driver's licence. During your taxi driver medical in Essex, you will be asked questions about your health and medical history.
If you continue to drive a taxi, you will need to renew your taxi driver medical certification at some point in the future. Each licencing authority determines its own renewal schedule, but most require older drivers to have more frequent medical exams. If you have had certain types of health problems in the past, you may be required to have a medical exam more frequently.
Drivers who have had a cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or angina, may be required to have a regular Exercise ECG (Treadmill) and/or echocardiography every 3 years or so to confirm they are still fit to drive.