Driver Medicals
What is a TFL Medical?
A TFL medical examination (also known as a PCO medical or taxi driver medical) is a mandatory health assessment required by Transport for London for all private hire and taxi drivers. This examination ensures that drivers meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards necessary to operate safely on London's roads.
All applicants seeking or renewing a TFL licence must undergo this assessment, which evaluates your fitness to drive passengers professionally. The medical must be completed by a qualified GP or medical examiner who will certify that you meet the stringent health criteria set by Transport for London.
Who Needs a TFL Medical?
You require a TFL medical if you are applying for a new private hire or taxi driver licence, renewing your existing TFL licence, or returning to driving after a medical suspension.
Medical frequency depends on your age. At age 45, you need your first medical. Between ages 45 and 65, medicals are required every 5 years. From age 65 onwards, you must complete a medical every year.
What Does the Examination Include?
Our comprehensive TFL medical assessment includes a detailed eyesight test covering visual acuity and peripheral vision, blood pressure measurement and cardiovascular assessment, BMI and physical health evaluation, plus urinalysis for glucose to screen for diabetes.
We also conduct a thorough medical history review covering cardiovascular conditions including heart disease and hypertension, endocrine disorders such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, musculoskeletal problems like back pain, neurological conditions including epilepsy and strokes, psychiatric health such as depression and anxiety disorders, and alcohol or drug use history.
Preparing for Your TFL Medical
To ensure your examination runs smoothly, please bring the following items to your appointment:
Valid photo ID such as a passport or driving licence. Your current driving glasses or contact lenses prescription.
A complete list of current medications you are taking. Any recent hospital letters or consultant reports. The TFL medical form provided by Transport for London.
We recommend bringing a urine sample if possible, or arriving early to provide one. Please take your regular medications as normal on the day. If you wear glasses for driving, bring them with you but do not wear contact lenses for the eye test. Allow approximately 30 minutes for the complete examination.
TFL Medicals
At The Heart Clinic, we provide professional Taxi (TFL) medical examinations for drivers applying for or renewing their Transport for London licence. Our goal is to deliver a straightforward, efficient service while ensuring every driver feels fully informed and supported throughout the process. Our experienced medical professionals carry out thorough assessments in line with TFL medical requirements, helping you complete your application with confidence.
Medical only = £100
Cardiac Examinations (Stress ECG & Echocardiogram) = £555
Medical + Cardiac Examinations = £600
The Heart Clinic provides Consultant Cardiologist oversight on all abnormal studies. A Cardiologist report is available on request, subject to an additional fee. Self-referring patients may have a pre-investigation GP consultation through our affiliated GP to ensure the test is clinically appropriate - At no extra cost !
Driver Medicals
What is a Motorsport UK Medical?
A Motorsport UK medical examination (formerly known as MSA medical) is a mandatory health assessment for competitors seeking racing licences. This thorough evaluation ensures that drivers are medically fit to participate in competitive motorsport activities safely.
The examination requirements vary depending on the grade of licence you are applying for and your age. Our clinic provides both Standard National and International Motorsport UK medicals with additional cardiac testing available for higher-grade licences.
Who Needs a Motorsport Medical?
You require a Motorsport UK medical if you are applying for your first Motorsport UK competition licence of any grade, renewing a National Licence and aged 45 or over, or applying for an International Competition Licence which requires annual medicals regardless of age.
Certain medical conditions also require annual clearance regardless of age, including if you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, have had surgery within the last 2 years, have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, severe dizziness, significant head injury, or psychiatric conditions.
Medical Requirements by Licence Type
Standard Motorsport UK Medicals are required for National Licence holders and first-time applicants. This includes blood pressure measurement and cardiac auscultation, eyesight testing with and without driving glasses, urinalysis for glucose screening, and a comprehensive medical history questionnaire.
International Motorsport UK Medicals require additional testing. Drivers under 50 need a resting ECG every two years. Drivers aged 50 and over require a stress or exercise ECG every two years with a Cardiologist report. International licences require annual examination regardless of previous medical history.
Preparing for Your Motorsport Medical
Please bring the following to your appointment:
Your Motorsport UK medical form downloaded from the Motorsport UK website. Valid driving licence or passport. Driving glasses if you use them, but do not wear contact lenses for the eye test. A urine sample or arrive early to provide one. A complete list of current medications. Any relevant hospital letters or consultant details.
Standard medicals take up to 30 minutes. Medicals including a resting ECG take 45 minutes. Medicals including a stress ECG take 90 minutes.
The Examination Process
Step 1: Pre-Assessment Consultation Upon arrival, you will complete registration paperwork and discuss your medical history with our doctor. We will review any existing conditions, medications, and previous surgeries.
Step 2: Physical Examination We conduct vision testing for visual acuity and peripheral vision, blood pressure and heart rate measurement, cardiac auscultation listening to your heart and lungs, urinalysis for glucose screening, plus BMI and general physical assessment.
Step 3: Medical Form Completion Our doctor will complete the official TFL or Motorsport UK medical form based on your examination results, medical history, and current medications.
Step 4: Certification and Next Steps If you meet the required standards, you will receive immediate certification. Any concerns requiring follow-up will be explained clearly, with options for additional cardiac testing available on-site if needed.
Why Choose The Heart Clinic for Driver Medicals?
Consultant Cardiologist Oversight Unlike standard GP clinics, all our driver medicals include Consultant Cardiologist oversight on abnormal findings. If we detect any cardiac irregularities, a specialist cardiologist reviews your results immediately, providing peace of mind that goes beyond basic medical certification.
DVLA and Transport for London Compliance Our examinations strictly follow DVLA Group 2 medical standards and Transport for London requirements. We stay current with all regulatory changes to ensure your medical certificate meets the exact specifications required for your licensing application.
Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment Driver safety relies heavily on cardiovascular health. Our clinic offers advanced cardiac testing including Stress ECGs and Echocardiograms that go beyond standard medical requirements, ideal for drivers who want thorough cardiac evaluation or have a history of heart conditions.
Efficient Professional Service We understand that time off the road means lost earnings. Our streamlined process ensures minimal waiting times, efficient examinations, and prompt completion of all paperwork. Most medicals are completed within 30 minutes.
Free GP Consultation Available Self-referring patients can access a pre-investigation GP consultation through our affiliated network at no additional cost. This ensures your medical is clinically appropriate and any concerns are addressed before your official examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a driver medical take?
Standard TFL and Motorsport medicals take approximately 30 minutes. If you are combining with cardiac tests such as an ECG, allow 45 to 90 minutes depending on the complexity.
What happens if I do not pass the medical?
Not passing simply means we cannot certify you fit to drive at this time. We will explain any concerns clearly and advise on treatment or further tests required. Many conditions are manageable once properly treated, and we can guide you on the next steps.
Can I wear contact lenses for the eye test?
No. You must bring driving glasses if you require vision correction. Contact lenses must be removed for the eyesight examination.
Do I need to bring my own medical form?
Yes. For TFL medicals, obtain the form from Transport for London. For Motorsport medicals, download the form from the Motorsport UK website and bring the completed medical section to your appointment.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We offer flexible scheduling with same-day and next-day appointments often available. Call our clinic or book online
.
Will the doctor sign my form during the appointment?
Yes, assuming you meet the medical standards, your form will be completed and signed during your appointment.
What if I have high blood pressure?
Minor hypertension controlled by medication usually will not prevent certification. However, significantly elevated readings may require follow-up with your GP before we can certify you.
Do you offer corporate rates for taxi firms?
Yes, we offer discounted rates for taxi companies requiring multiple driver medicals. Contact our admin team for fleet pricing.
Motorsport Medicals
At The Heart Clinic, we provide professional motorsport medical examinations for drivers who require medical clearance to participate in competitive racing. Our aim is to offer a straightforward and efficient assessment while ensuring every driver feels informed and supported throughout the process. Our experienced clinicians conduct thorough medical evaluations in line with motorsport governing body requirements, helping you obtain the necessary certification to compete safely and confidently
Medical only = £120
Medical + Resting ECG = £150
Medical + Resting ECG + Stress ECG = £450
The Heart Clinic provides Consultant Cardiologist oversight on all abnormal studies. A Cardiologist report is available on request, subject to an additional fee. Self-referring patients may have a pre-investigation GP consultation through our affiliated GP to ensure the test is clinically appropriate - At no extra cost !