A D1 medical is a health assessment required by the DVLA for anyone applying for or renewing a Category D1 minibus licence. It ensures drivers are medically fit to safely operate a minibus carrying passengers.

A registered medical professional must complete the D4 form, assessing:

• Vision & eyesight standards
• Blood pressure
• Heart health
• Neurological conditions
• Medication use
• Diabetes & general mobility
• Any medical issues affecting driving ability

Without this assessment, you cannot be granted or continue to hold your D1 entitlement.

You will need a D4/D1 medical if you are:

• Applying for a D1 minibus licence for the first time
• Renewing an existing D1 minibus entitlement
• Driving for a school, college / university care home, charity or transport organisation
• Becoming a community transport or volunteer driver
• Driving a minibus for hire or reward
• Applying for any professional role involving passenger-carrying minibuses

If you passed your test before 1997 and have D1 on your licence, you still need a medical every 5 years from age 70 onwards.

Most medicals take 20–30 minutes and include:

• Vision test
• BP & physical health checks
• Medical history review
• Neurological & cardiovascular assessment
• Completion of your D4 form ready for DVLA submission

We guide you through every step so your form is completed correctly the first time.

Once you pass your D1 medical:

• Submit your D4 form to the DVLA with your licence application.
• Once processed, you can begin D1 minibus driver training with Kent Training.
• If driving professionally, we can also arrange CPC, First Aid or compliance courses.

We support hundreds of minibus drivers every year – from school drivers to community transport teams.