When am I required to have a medical?

• It is your legal responsibility as a licence-holder or applicant to inform the Department of any disability or illness that could affect your ability to drive safely.  This includes mental as well as physical disability.  You will be asked to sign a declaration concerning your health when you apply for your new licence.  However, if you become subject to a relevant illness or disability that could affect your driving AT ANY TIME before your current licence expires, then you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing section of the Environment Department.  Upon informing the Department of your medical situation you will usually be asked to submit a doctor's report.
• If you have a relevant medical condition you will need to submit a medical report to renew your licence at least every five years.  When your medical report is assessed you will be informed in writing of the renewal period.  You will also be sent a reminder notice when your next medical report is required.
• For Group 2 categories of licence, that is C, D & D1, a medical is required at the age of 45.  After this time, you will require a medical report at least every five years to renew your licence.  On reaching the age of 65 you will be required to undertake a medical on a yearly basis if you wish to retain a Group 2 licence.
• If you reach the age of 45 and do not wish to undergo a medical then you can opt to relinquish your group 2 entitlements.  For a period of 5 years following, you have the option of picking them up again on consent to and subject to passing a medical.  After 5 years has passed you would need to pass a driving test to regain previously relinquished categories.
• Medical requirements for a Group 2 licence are higher because of the greater size and weight of the vehicle and the likelihood of spending longer at the wheel in an employment capacity.

What constitutes an illness or disability that could affect driving?

The Driving Licences (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1995, as amended, details specific disabilities for which the Department must refuse a licence.  Your doctor will usually tell you if you need to inform the Department of a disability or illness.  If unsure then you should contact the Medical Department of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing division to find out whether you need a medical assessment for driving.  Any disability or illness that could make driving a vehicle a source of danger to the public should be reported to the Medical Department.

If you have a disability or illness that may not cause driving difficulties at present but may be progressive or intermittent, causing problems in the future, this must also be reported and a medical assessment will be required.

What if i've had surgery?

Unless the medical condition is going to affect you for a period longer than 3 months, there is no need to inform the Department.  It is best to discuss with your doctor when it will be safe to resume driving after surgery.

How do I go about getting a medical done?

• On informing the Department of your disability or illness you will be given a medical report form.
• Take this form to your doctor who will complete it for you, this should then be submitted to the Department, along with your application form if you are applying for or renewing a licence.
• You are responsible for the fee charged by your doctor for completing the form.

How will my application be processed?

• The information provided by your doctor is used to assess the application for a driving licence in accordance with the provisions of the Driving Licences (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1995, as amended.  The assessment follows the UK government's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's medical guidelines, which the States of Guernsey has previously agreed should be adopted in the Islands for driver medical purposes.
• Your doctor's report will be sent to an Independent Medical Advisor for assessment.  The decision about your licence is made by the Environment Department based on the recommendation of the Independent Medical Advisor once he has considered your doctor's report in the light of the medical guidelines.  Your doctor should be aware of the medical guidelines that will be considered in your assessment and may be able to advise you on the probable outcome.  However, please note that the decision on your licence entitlement is not made by your doctor.
• You have the right to appeal if you disagree with the Department's decision.
• Once the relevant paperwork is completed, you will receive confirmation in writing of whether your licence can be renewed and for what time period.
• Refusal to undergo a medical test does give the Department power to refuse or revoke a licence.

How long will it take?

There will be a waiting period while your medical report is considered by the Independent Medical Advisor, who may occasionally need to make further enquiries.

It is recommended that you apply one month in advance to renew your licence if you know that a medical report is required.