South Wales Driver Medicals

Taxi Medical

Group 2 medical assessment for taxi and private hire drivers meeting enhanced licensing standards.

£95· 10 minutesSame-day certificates5.0· 258 reviewsGMC-registered doctors

Taxi and private hire drivers must meet Group 2 medical standards — significantly more stringent than ordinary car driving requirements. These enhanced standards reflect the responsibility of transporting fare-paying passengers and the extended hours typical of professional taxi work. Our taxi medical examinations are carried out by GMC-registered doctors from £95.

Group 2 Medical Standards

Group 2 standards recognise that taxi drivers spend considerably more time on the road than average motorists, often working 10–12 hour shifts in demanding urban environments. The assessment covers your physical fitness, sensory function, and overall health to ensure you can safely carry passengers throughout your working day.

What the Examination Covers

Your taxi medical includes a detailed medical history review, cardiovascular evaluation with blood pressure monitoring, neurological testing covering reflexes, coordination, and cognitive function, and a thorough physical examination. We assess all aspects of your health according to current Group 2 standards for professional passenger transport.

Vision and Hearing Requirements

Visual standards for taxi drivers are among the most demanding in professional transport. We test distance and near visual acuity, peripheral vision, colour vision, and night vision. If you wear corrective lenses, we ensure your vision meets required standards and verify you carry spare glasses while driving.

Managing Health Conditions

Drivers with diabetes need adequate glucose control and hypoglycaemia awareness — bring your HbA1c results and monitoring records. Heart conditions require stability and may need specialist reports. We coordinate with your existing healthcare providers to ensure proper medical management and licensing compliance.

Council Licensing and Certification

Our Group 2 medical certificates are accepted by licensing authorities across England, Scotland, and Wales for both hackney carriage and private hire licensing. Certificates are typically valid for three years for drivers under 45, with shorter validity for older drivers. Some councils have specific requirements — we maintain current knowledge of local authority variations.

What to bring to your Taxi Medical

  • Your council medical form (varies by council — check with your licensing authority)
  • Your current driving licence (photocard)
  • Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
  • A list of any medications you currently take
  • Confirmation of any medical conditions and their treatment

How long does the Taxi Medical take?

Your medical takes around 20–30 minutes from arrival to walking out with a completed D4 form. We deliberately schedule longer than the typical 10-minute slot competitors offer because thorough D4 examinations and meticulous form completion are what our customers consistently praise in their reviews.

What happens at your Taxi Medical

  1. 1We greet you and confirm which council you are licensed under
  2. 2Eyesight test — including reading a number plate at distance and a Snellen chart
  3. 3Cardiovascular check — blood pressure, pulse, heart sounds
  4. 4Neurological check — reflexes, balance, coordination
  5. 5General health questions covering medications, conditions, and history
  6. 6Form completion — every section filled in, double-checked, signed and stamped
  7. 7We complete the council-specific medical form and you receive it ready to submit

Frequently Asked Questions about Taxi Medical

What's the difference between a taxi medical and a regular driving medical?
Taxi medicals follow Group 2 standards, which are more stringent than regular car driving medicals. They include enhanced vision tests, stricter cardiovascular requirements, and more detailed neurological assessments due to the responsibility of carrying fare-paying passengers.
How often do taxi drivers need medical examinations?
Generally every 3 years for drivers under 45, every 5 years for ages 45-64, and annually for drivers over 65. Some councils may have different requirements, so check with your local licensing authority.
Can I use this medical for both hackney carriage and private hire licences?
Yes, the same Group 2 medical certificate is typically accepted for both hackney carriage (black cab) and private hire vehicle licensing, though individual councils may have specific requirements.
What happens if I have diabetes?
Diabetic drivers can hold taxi licences if their condition is well-controlled. You'll need additional documentation from your GP or diabetes specialist, and may require more frequent medical reviews.
Do I need different medicals for different council areas?
The medical certificate is generally transferable between councils, but each licensing authority may have specific requirements or forms. Check with your target council before booking.
What if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
This is usually acceptable provided your vision meets the required standards with correction. Bring your glasses or contact lenses to the examination, and ensure you have a spare pair available while driving.

Your Doctor

Our Medical Team

GMC-registered, DVLA-approved examiner

Our GMC-registered doctors are experienced DVLA-approved examiners at South Wales Driver Medicals. They have performed thousands of DVLA D4 medicals for HGV, PCV, LGV, and taxi drivers, and are known by patients for being thorough, unhurried, and putting people at ease.

What drivers say about our Taxi Medical

5.0 · 258 reviews

"Had my medical for a taxi licence. Seen on time, form completed on the day, very professional."

Mark D. · Cardiff · taxi-medical

Book Your Taxi Medical Today

From £95. Book online in under 60 seconds at any of our 7 locations.