Health checks for drivers and operators
What affects safe driving.
The conditions licensing rules focus on are worth checking for at work too.
Eyesight
Lorry and bus drivers must meet higher eyesight standards than car drivers.
Fatigue and sleep
Poor sleep affects alertness. A driver with moderate or severe sleep apnoea that causes excessive sleepiness must stop driving and tell DVLA.
Heart and blood sugar
Blood pressure and diabetes both have specific licensing rules for lorry and bus drivers.
Long hours at the wheel
Long sitting, loading and climbing in and out of cabs strain backs. On yard plant and forklifts, whole-body vibration adds to it.
The checks we recommend.
These are workplace health checks. They don't replace licence medicals such as the D4 in Great Britain or the DLM1 in Northern Ireland, and only DVLA or DVA can decide whether someone can hold a licence.
Vision screening
Helps spot drivers who may fall short of the licensing eyesight standards, so they can see an optometrist.
When it applies
- Quick screening at work
- Advice where results fall short
- Doesn't replace the licence eyesight check
Blood pressure and heart health
Raised blood pressure has a specific threshold for lorry and bus drivers, so it's worth knowing early.
When it applies
- Blood pressure and heart rate
- BMI and cholesterol
- Resting ECG in our Gold package
Blood glucose and urinalysis
Picks up signs of undiagnosed diabetes so drivers can get advice from their GP.
When it applies
- Finger-prick glucose
- Urinalysis
- Summary report with guidance
Fatigue and wellbeing
Fatigue and poor sleep affect alertness. A review helps you see who may need further advice.
When it applies
- Stress and fatigue risk review
- Mental health screening questionnaire
Drug and alcohol testing
For safety-critical drivers and operators, where your policy calls for it.
When it applies
- Carried out by our clinicians
- Needs the employee's consent
- Results included in your report
Pre-employment and lift-truck operator medicals
Confirm drivers and forklift operators are fit for the role. HSE suggests DVLA driving standards as a guide for lift-truck operators.
When it applies
- A clear fitness outcome
- Musculoskeletal assessment and grip strength
- Return-to-work medicals after absence
Your duties as an employer.
Licensing rules decide who can drive; health and safety law covers how you manage driving at work. This is a summary to help you plan, not legal advice.
Great Britain
- DVLA: assessing fitness to drive(opens in a new tab)
Licence holders must tell DVLA about relevant medical conditions. DVLA decides fitness to drive.
- D4 medical for lorry and bus licences(opens in a new tab)
Needed for a first lorry or bus licence, then every five years from 45 and every year from 65.
- HSE: driving for work(opens in a new tab)
Health and safety law applies on the road in the same way as on a fixed site.
Northern Ireland
- DVA vocational licence renewal (DLM1)(opens in a new tab)
A DLM1 medical is needed for a first application and, from 45, at each renewal: every five years until 65, then yearly.
- HSENI: driving and riding safely for work(opens in a new tab)
Health and safety law covers work-related driving.
- Drug driving in Northern Ireland(opens in a new tab)
It's an offence to drive while unfit through drugs.
Republic of Ireland
- RSA: medical fitness to drive(opens in a new tab)
A medical report from a registered Irish doctor is needed to apply for, renew or add truck and bus categories.
- HSA: Driving for Work guide(opens in a new tab)
Employers should check at least once a year that drivers are medically fit to drive.
- HSA Code of Practice: industrial trucks(opens in a new tab)
Medical fitness should be considered for every lift-truck operator.
Straightforward to arrange, from one starter to every site.
- Step 1
Tell us what you need
Share your workforce size, locations and screening requirements. We'll recommend the right checks.
- Step 2
We organise the checks
We arrange appointments at your workplace or in clinic and carry out the assessments.
- Step 3
Access your results
View fitness outcomes and download your documents from the employer portal.
Roles we commonly screen
- HGV drivers
- Bus and coach drivers
- Van and delivery drivers
- Forklift and lift-truck operators
- Yard and plant operators
- Depot and warehouse staff
Common questions
Questions employers in logistics and transport often ask us.
Still have a question?
Our team can help with anything specific to your workforce.
Let’s plan checks for your drivers.
Tell us about the roles and sites in your team and we'll recommend the right checks with a clear price.