In the UK, to drive a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), you are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure that you are medically fit to drive a vehicle of this class. The medical examination is conducted by a registered medical practitioner who will assess your overall health and determine whether you meet the medical standards required to drive an HGV safely. Here is a detailed guide on what is checked during a HGV medical examination.
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General Health: During the HGV medical, the doctor will assess your overall health to determine if you have any conditions that may affect your ability to drive. They will ask you questions about your medical history, including any past or current medical conditions, medications you are taking, and any surgeries you have undergone. HGV Medical
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Vision: The doctor will check your vision to ensure that it meets the required standard for driving an HGV. You will be required to read a number plate from a distance of 20 meters, and you may also need to take a visual acuity test to check your visual sharpness.
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Hearing: The doctor will also check your hearing to ensure that it meets the required standard for driving an HGV. You may be required to take a hearing test to check your ability to hear sounds and distinguish different frequencies.
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Blood Pressure: The doctor will check your blood pressure to ensure that it is within the normal range. High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, which can affect your ability to drive safely.
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Diabetes: If you have diabetes, the doctor will check your blood sugar levels and may ask you questions about how you manage your diabetes. This is to ensure that you can manage your diabetes while driving and that it does not affect your ability to drive safely.
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Heart Conditions: The doctor will check your heart to ensure that it is healthy and functioning normally. If you have a history of heart disease, the doctor may conduct additional tests to determine if it is safe for you to drive an HGV.
