- Lorry and bus (Group 2) vision standard: at least 0.8 (6/7.5) in the better eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) in the other.
- Field of vision: at least 160 degrees horizontally, with at least 70 degrees to left and right and 30 degrees up and down.
- Glasses may not exceed +8 dioptres to reach that standard; contact lenses are allowed.
- Telling DVLA about a notifiable condition late can mean a fine of up to £1,000.
Why Group 2 is stricter
A car driver's standard is reading a number plate from 20 metres, plus a Snellen acuity of 0.5 (6/12). Lorry and bus drivers sit in Group 2, with the figures in the box above. That is why the D4 has a vision section that a doctor completes or hands to an optician or optometrist when they cannot answer every question.
The D4, step by step
- Get the D4 and the D2 application form. GOV.UK says both are available from a Post Office that offers DVLA services, and the D4 is also published on GOV.UK with a 12-page information guide.
- Book a doctor, an optician for the vision part if needed, or a private firm specialising in driver medicals. They can charge you.
- Take the D4 to the appointment so the doctor can complete it.
- Send the D2, the completed D4 and your photocard licence to DVLA at Swansea. The published address is on the application page.
- Expect the licence within 3 weeks of DVLA receiving the application, or longer if health or personal checks are needed.
Check who is signing it
DVLA publishes one explicit warning about the form: as of 20 June 2019 it no longer accepts D4 medical applications completed by Doctors on Wheels Ltd. That is a reason to use your own GP, or a firm you can look up, not a stranger who advertises "medical and licence in one visit". The D4 page was last updated on 29 May 2026; use the current version, not a copy.
Conditions you must declare
Separately from the medical, you must tell DVLA if you develop a notifiable condition or disability, or if an existing one gets worse. GOV.UK says the fine can be up to £1,000, and you could be prosecuted if you have an accident while not having told DVLA about a reportable condition. For bus, coach and lorry licence holders the report is made on a form or questionnaire sent to DVLA, not through the online service used for car licences.
| Question | Answer on GOV.UK |
|---|---|
| Who fills in the D4? | A doctor; an optician or optometrist for vision if the doctor cannot |
| Who pays? | You do; no fixed fee is given |
| Where does it go? | To DVLA with form D2 and your photocard licence |
| How long is the licence valid? | The overview says renewal every 5 years, and annually from age 65 |
Why a seller will not mention the medical
The medical is the part of the lawful route that can say no. A no-test, no-medical "licence" has no clinician behind it, and so nothing to confirm you can see well enough to drive an articulated vehicle. The rest of the costs are on HGV licence cost, and the fake-licence side is on fake driving licences.
Frequently asked questions
Who completes the D4 medical?
A doctor. If they cannot answer all the vision questions, an optician or optometrist completes that part, according to GOV.UK.
What vision do I need for a lorry or bus licence?
At least 0.8 (6/7.5) on the Snellen scale in your best eye and 0.1 (6/60) in the other, with glasses no stronger than +8 dioptres or contact lenses, and a 160-degree horizontal field of vision.
Do I pay for the HGV medical?
Yes. Your doctor, optician or private firm can charge you, and GOV.UK gives no fixed price. Ask for the fee before you book.
Do I have to renew an HGV licence?
GOV.UK's overview says the licence is renewed every 5 years, and every year from age 65. The medical is part of that process; check the current renewal page.
Do I have to report a medical condition?
Yes, if it is notifiable or an existing one worsens. GOV.UK says you could be fined up to £1,000, and bus, coach and lorry licence holders report by form or questionnaire.