Before you use this guide
This is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from a clinician who knows your medical history. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
D4 or DLM1: which form applies?
A D4 is the DVLA medical examination report used for Group 2 lorry and bus licence applications in Great Britain. If the licence is handled by the Driver & Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland, the equivalent medical report is normally the DLM1. Taxi and private-hire authorities may issue different forms again.
Do not assume a form downloaded for another authority will be accepted. Check the application pack or ask the relevant licensing authority. Jace serves drivers on both sides of the border, so tell the booking team where the licence is issued and whether this is a first application, renewal or medical review.
When is a Group 2 medical needed?
A medical report is required at defined stages of a vocational licence and may also be requested because of age, renewal or a health condition. In Great Britain, DVLA sends D4 paperwork with the renewal pack for lorry and bus drivers aged 45 or over. Northern Ireland has its own DVA process and DLM1 requirements.
Requirements can change, and a medically restricted licence may follow a different timetable. Use the instructions sent with your application as the definitive guide rather than relying only on a previous renewal experience.
What happens during the medical?
The appointment covers the medical history and examination areas required by the current form. This commonly includes vision, blood pressure and questions about neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, psychiatric and sleep-related conditions, as well as medication and substance use where relevant.
The aim is not to provide a general health check or guarantee a licence. It is to supply accurate medical information against the higher standards applied to professional drivers. The licensing authority may request further evidence from a GP, consultant or optometrist before deciding.
What to bring to your appointment
- The correct, current D4, DLM1 or licensing-authority form.
- Your driving licence and photographic identification.
- Glasses or contact lenses used for driving and an optician prescription if requested.
- An up-to-date list of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines.
- Details of significant conditions, operations and specialist care.
- Any GP summary, test result or specialist letter requested when you booked.
How to reduce avoidable delays
Book early enough to allow for missing information or further evidence. Complete your sections of the form, but do not mark areas reserved for the doctor or optometrist. If you have a complex medical history, ask what records are needed before attending.
A completed form has a limited acceptance period. Northern Ireland guidance states that DVA can only accept a DLM1 completed no more than four months before the application is submitted. Always check the current notes for your own form, as editions and rules are updated.
Common questions
Questions about this topic.
The form must be completed by an appropriately registered doctor, subject to the current form instructions. Parts of the vision section may need an optician or optometrist if the doctor cannot complete them.
Sources and further reading
We use authoritative UK guidance and patient information. External sources may be updated after this guide is published.
