A change in the rules for DVLA medical assessments means more healthcare professionals can now carry them out. These assessments are required whenever the DVLA is notified about a medical condition that could affect someone’s driving.

The questionnaires will still be sent to GPs and hospitals first, but doctors can now refer them on to other medical professionals to complete on their behalf. This includes chiropractors, osteopaths, nurses, midwives and opticians.

The aim is to reduce the administrative burden on doctors and speed up the licensing process – something that is particularly important right now, as there was a 65% increase in the number of applications waiting for a decision between March 2021 and March 2022.

However, it’s important to note that the D4 Medical Examination Report, which applies to lorry and bus drivers, must still be completed by doctors or consultants registered with the General Medical Council. More information can be found on the Gov.uk website 

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