HGV Medical Exam Guidelines for HGV Drivers

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HGV MEDICAL EXAM GUIDELINES FOR HGV DRIVERS
S P E C I A L I S E D H G V T R A I N I N G
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Here is a list of some of the things a physician
is required to check
in during the HGV medical
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EYESIGHT
The eyesight requirement for HGV drivers is a bit
more stringent than it is for car drivers. You
will need to be able to see adequately out of
each eye individually, with or without
corrective lenses. If you have a complete loss of
vision in one eye, you may still be eligible to
drive professionally if you can pass the vision
test.
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NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Neurological problems can have serious
consequences for any driver. A physician will
examine the HGV student and ask questions
relating to things such as epilepsy, seizures,
blackouts, memory problems, Parkinsons or
Alzheimers disease, narcolepsy and cataplexy,
stroke, prior brain surgery, or any chronic
neurological condition such as multiple
sclerosis.
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MENTAL HEALTH
HGV drivers must also be in good mental health.
Doctors will want to discuss all sorts of mental
health issues including depression,
hospitalisation for psychiatric issues, dementia,
cognitive impairment, etc.
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ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
It is illegal to operate an HGV with drugs or
alcohol in the system. Knowing that it is almost
impossible for a chronic alcoholic or drug user
to hold an HGV driving job. During the HGV
medical, a doctor will look for any signs of
chronic drug and alcohol use.
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DIABETES
There may be concerns with drivers who need
regular insulin to control diabetes. The
condition will not automatically disqualify a
student from becoming a professional driver, but
his or her diabetes must be well-managed in order
to proceed.
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HEART CONDITIONS
Even the most benign heart condition can lead to
serious problems in the future. Therefore,
doctors check students for any potential heart
conditions including murmurs, peripheral
arterial disease (PAD), aneurysms, and the like.
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SLEEP DISORDERS
A leading cause of serious accidents among HGV
drivers is a lack of sleep. Therefore, the HGV
medical exam includes looking for signs and
symptoms of sleep disorders. This is one area in
which candidates must be especially honest. A
sleep disorder does not necessarily mean
automatic disqualification. As long as the
disorder can be managed, the candidate should be
able to proceed.
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This list of conditions may make it seem as if a
candidate must be a perfect physical specimen in
order to be licenced as an HGV driver. By
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