PCV Licence Medical Requirements: Group 2 Standards for Bus & Coach Drivers
Before you can apply for a PCV (Category D) provisional licence, you must pass a Group 2 DVLA medical examination. The Group 2 standard is stricter than the ordinary Group 1 standard that applies to car drivers, because bus and coach drivers carry passengers and drive for extended periods. This guide explains every medical requirement — vision, cardiovascular, diabetes, epilepsy, and other conditions — so you know exactly what to expect before you book your D4 examination.
What Is the Group 2 Medical Standard?
The DVLA divides driving licence holders into two groups. Group 1 covers cars and motorcycles. Group 2 covers lorries (Categories C and C+E), buses and coaches (Categories D and D+E), and the C1 and D1 sub-categories. PCV applicants fall under Group 2 because of the higher responsibility involved in carrying passengers commercially.
The Group 2 medical is conducted by a GP or occupational health doctor using the DVLA's D4 Medical Examination Report form. The examining doctor assesses your fitness against the standards set out in the DVLA's Assessing Fitness to Drive: A Guide for Medical Professionals. You pay for the medical yourself — typically £50–£120 depending on the practice.
Vision Standards for PCV Licence Holders
Vision requirements for Group 2 are more demanding than for car drivers. You must meet all of the following:
| Standard | Group 1 (Car) | Group 2 (PCV/HGV) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual acuity (better eye) | 6/12 with correction | 6/7.5 with correction |
| Visual acuity (worse eye) | 6/36 with correction | 6/60 with correction |
| Uncorrected acuity | Not specified | At least 3/60 in each eye |
| Visual field | 120° horizontal | 160° horizontal, 70° each side, 30° above/below |
| Monocular vision | Permitted with conditions | Not permitted for new applicants |
| Diplopia (double vision) | Permitted if controlled | Not permitted |
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you may drive with correction provided you also meet the uncorrected minimum. Colour vision deficiency does not bar you from a PCV licence, but you must be able to distinguish traffic signal colours.
Cardiovascular Requirements
Heart and circulatory conditions are assessed carefully for Group 2 drivers because a sudden incapacitating event at the wheel of a bus could have serious consequences for passengers.
Hypertension (high blood pressure): You may hold a PCV licence if your blood pressure is controlled below 180/100 mmHg. If it is above this level you must inform the DVLA and may need to cease driving until it is controlled.
Coronary artery disease: After a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or coronary angioplasty/stenting, you must stop driving for at least six weeks. You may resume only if you meet the DVLA's exercise tolerance criteria and have no significant left ventricular dysfunction, uncontrolled arrhythmia, or other disqualifying findings. After coronary artery bypass surgery, the minimum off-road period is three months.
Arrhythmias: Many cardiac rhythm disorders bar Group 2 driving until the condition is treated and stable. Pacemaker implantation requires a minimum six-week off-road period, after which you may apply to resume if the DVLA is satisfied with your cardiac function.
Heart failure: You must notify the DVLA. Driving may be permitted if your ejection fraction is above 40% and you are symptom-free on stable treatment.
Diabetes and PCV Licences
Diabetes management rules for Group 2 are significantly stricter than for car drivers.
Diet-controlled diabetes: No restriction. You may hold a PCV licence without notifying the DVLA, provided you have no relevant complications such as significant visual impairment.
Tablet-controlled diabetes (non-insulin-lowering medication): Generally permitted. You must notify the DVLA if you develop hypoglycaemia or relevant complications.
Insulin-treated diabetes: Since 2011 the DVLA has permitted insulin-treated drivers to hold Group 2 licences, subject to strict conditions. You must have no severe hypoglycaemic episodes in the preceding 12 months, have full hypoglycaemic awareness, check blood glucose no more than two hours before driving and every two hours during driving, carry a glucose meter in the vehicle, and be reviewed annually by a consultant diabetologist. A licence is issued for one to three years and must be renewed.
Hypoglycaemia: A single episode of severe hypoglycaemia requiring third-party assistance while driving results in immediate licence revocation. You must be free of such episodes for 12 months before reapplying.
Epilepsy and Seizures
The rules for epilepsy are considerably stricter for Group 2 than for car drivers.
First unprovoked seizure: You must stop driving and notify the DVLA. You may reapply for a Group 2 licence after five years free of any seizure, off all anti-epileptic medication, and with a satisfactory specialist report.
Established epilepsy: You must be seizure-free for ten years, off all anti-epileptic medication for the last ten years, and have a satisfactory specialist report.
Other Medical Conditions Affecting PCV Licences
| Condition | Group 2 Rule |
|---|---|
| Sleep apnoea (untreated) | Must not drive; licence revoked until treated and symptom-free |
| Sleep apnoea (CPAP-treated) | Permitted if compliant with treatment and no excessive daytime sleepiness |
| Neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s, MS) | Assessed individually; progressive conditions often bar Group 2 |
| Psychiatric conditions | Assessed individually; stable, well-controlled conditions may be permitted |
| Alcohol dependency | Must be free of dependency for at least one year with normal liver function |
| Drug misuse | Must be free of dependency for at least one year |
| Limb disabilities | Assessed individually; adaptations may be permitted |
The D4 Medical Examination: What to Expect
The D4 examination is carried out by a GP or doctor registered with the DVLA. You do not have to use your own GP — many occupational health clinics and private medical centres offer D4 medicals, often with shorter waiting times. The examination typically takes 30–45 minutes and covers blood pressure and heart rate measurement, vision test (Snellen chart and visual field assessment), urine test (for glucose and protein), review of your medical history and current medications, assessment of any declared conditions, and physical examination as required.
The doctor completes the D4 form and returns it to you. You then submit it with your D2 application form to the DVLA. The DVLA may request additional reports from specialists before issuing your provisional licence.
How Long Does a Group 2 PCV Licence Last?
PCV licences are issued for a maximum of five years up to age 45, then for shorter periods as you get older. From age 45 the licence is renewed every five years; from age 65 it is renewed annually. At each renewal you must pass a new D4 medical examination. This is more frequent than for car drivers, reflecting the higher medical standards required for passenger-carrying work.
Notifiable Conditions: Your Legal Obligation
You have a legal duty to notify the DVLA of any medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and can invalidate your insurance. If you develop a new condition or your existing condition worsens, you must inform the DVLA promptly — do not wait until your next licence renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a PCV licence if I wear glasses?
Yes, provided you meet the corrected visual acuity standards (6/7.5 in the better eye, 6/60 in the worse eye) and your uncorrected vision is at least 3/60 in each eye. You must wear your corrective lenses whenever driving.
I had a heart attack two years ago. Can I still get a PCV licence?
Possibly, but you must meet the DVLA's post-cardiac event criteria. You need to be at least six weeks post-event (or three months post-surgery), have satisfactory exercise tolerance, no significant left ventricular dysfunction, and no disqualifying arrhythmia. A specialist report will be required.
Can I drive a bus if I take insulin?
Yes, since 2011 insulin-treated drivers can hold Group 2 licences, but only if you meet all the strict conditions set by the DVLA (no severe hypos in 12 months, full hypo awareness, regular blood glucose monitoring, annual diabetologist review). Licences are issued for one to three years.
Do I need a new D4 medical every time I renew my PCV licence?
Yes. Every PCV licence renewal requires a new D4 medical examination. From age 45 this is every five years; from age 65 it is annually.
How much does the D4 medical cost?
The D4 medical is not available on the NHS — you pay privately. Costs typically range from £50 to £120 depending on the practice.
Next Steps
If you are ready to start your PCV training, the first step is booking your D4 Group 2 medical. GS Driver Training offers Category D PCV courses in Surrey with experienced instructors and on-site test facilities. For a complete guide to the process and costs, see our How to Get a PCV Licence guide and our PCV Licence Cost UK 2026 breakdown. For HGV medical requirements, see our HGV Medical D4 Form Guide. Call 01252 447808 or visit our PCV training course page to find out more.
