DLM1 Medical Form for Northern Ireland

If you are applying for or renewing a vocational driving licence in Northern Ireland, you may need a DLM1 medical form. This is the medical examination report used by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) for Group 2 lorry and bus licence applications and renewals.

Download the current DLM1 form from the official nidirect source below, complete the applicant sections and bring it to your appointment. The page also sets out who needs DLM1, how it differs from D4 and what the doctor records.

Important: DVA forms can be updated. Before printing, check the official DLM1 publication page on nidirect to make sure you are using the latest version.

What is a DLM1 medical form?

The DLM1 is a medical examination report for Northern Ireland Group 2 driving licences. Group 2 medical standards apply to drivers of larger goods vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles because of the size of the vehicle, the time drivers may spend on the road and the potential consequences of a medical event while driving.

The form records relevant information about your eyesight, medical history, medication and current health. A doctor completes the medical assessment so DVA can consider whether you meet the required medical standards. The examining doctor supplies medical information but does not issue or renew the licence; the final licensing decision belongs to DVA.

Who needs a DLM1 form in Northern Ireland?

You may need a DLM1 medical form if you are applying for or renewing a Northern Ireland vocational licence. This can include:

• HGV and LGV drivers applying for or renewing relevant goods vehicle entitlements
• Lorry drivers applying for category C or C+E entitlement
• PCV, bus and coach drivers applying for category D or D+E entitlement
• Minibus drivers who need relevant D1 or D1E entitlement
• C1 drivers who need to obtain or retain relevant C1 or C1E entitlement
• Drivers asked by DVA to provide updated medical information

If you are arranging an HGV or LGV examination, you can also read about Skyemont Health’s HGV and LGV medicals in Northern Ireland.

Do taxi drivers need a DLM1?

Northern Ireland taxi licensing has its own medical-report process. First-time applicants and some renewing taxi drivers may be sent a medical report by DVA. If DVA sends you a taxi medical form, bring that exact form to your appointment.

A taxi driver should use the DLM1 only when DVA has specifically requested it or when the driver also needs the form for a relevant Group 2 entitlement. If you are unsure, check your application correspondence before booking. You can find separate information about taxi driver medical appointments on our service page.

When is a DLM1 medical required?

You will normally need a DLM1 medical examination report when making your first application for a Northern Ireland Group 2 goods vehicle or passenger-carrying vehicle entitlement.

For vocational licence renewals, drivers under 45 will usually make a medical declaration. From age 45, a completed DLM1 is normally required at each renewal. DVA may request medical evidence at another time if you report a health condition that could affect safe driving.

DLM1 versus D4: what is the difference?

DLM1 and D4 forms serve a similar purpose, but they are used by different licensing agencies.

• DLM1: used for relevant licences issued by DVA in Northern Ireland
• D4: used for relevant licences issued by DVLA in England, Scotland and Wales

Check the agency responsible for your licence and the instructions supplied with your application. A Northern Ireland DVA licence normally requires DLM1 for Group 2 entitlement; a DVLA licence in Great Britain normally requires D4. The forms are not interchangeable, and bringing the wrong one can delay your application.

What should I complete before the appointment?

Download and print the complete DLM1 form from the official government source. Read the guidance carefully and complete only the sections clearly marked for the applicant. Leave the medical assessment and professional declarations for the doctor. Do not detach any pages.

Before attending your DLM1 medical, bring:

• Your printed DLM1 medical form
• Your driving licence or another valid form of photo identification
• Your glasses or contact lenses if you use them for driving
• Your latest optician prescription, if available
• A complete list of your current medication and doses
• Relevant GP summaries, consultant letters or hospital reports
• Details of significant medical conditions, treatment and specialist follow-up

What does the doctor complete on the DLM1 form?

During a DLM1 medical, the doctor reviews your medical history, current health and medication. The appointment normally includes a blood pressure measurement, a relevant physical assessment and completion of the medical sections of the form.

The DLM1 also contains a vision assessment. This may be completed by a doctor, optician or optometrist as the form permits. If the examining doctor cannot fully complete the eyesight section, you may need an optician or optometrist to provide the required information.

How long is a completed DLM1 valid?

DVA states that it can only accept a DLM1 form when it was completed by the doctor no more than four months before the application is submitted. Arrange your driver medical close enough to your planned submission date and avoid completing it too early.

Before leaving the clinic, check that the relevant sections have been answered, signed and dated. Make sure your name and date of birth appear wherever the form requests them. Incomplete paperwork can delay an application.

How much does a DLM1 medical cost?

A DLM1 medical with Skyemont Health costs £50. The appointment includes the medical assessment and completion of the relevant sections where the required information is available. Most straightforward appointments take around 15 minutes.

You can confirm current service prices on our driver medical prices page.

Where can I book a DLM1 medical?

Skyemont Health offers DLM1 medical appointments at two convenient Northern Ireland locations:

• Stiles Community Centre: 11 Fountain Hill, Antrim, BT41 1LZ
• Brownlow Community Hub: 1 Hamiltonsbawn Road, Craigavon, BT63 5AW

Both locations offer free on-site parking and wheelchair access. Visit our clinic locations page for directions and help choosing the most convenient clinic.

What happens after the DLM1 appointment?

You are responsible for sending the completed DLM1 medical form to DVA with the correct licence application or renewal documents. Read the instructions supplied with your application and consider keeping a copy of the completed report for your records before posting the original.

Frequently asked questions about the DLM1 form

Can I download a DLM1 form online?

Yes. Use the official DLM1 form download near the top of this page. It opens the PDF hosted by nidirect.

Will I receive the completed form on the day?

In most straightforward cases, the relevant doctor sections can be completed during the appointment. Further evidence may be required when your medical history or eyesight needs additional assessment.

Does the doctor decide whether I can keep my licence?

No. The doctor provides the medical findings requested on the form. DVA makes the final decision about issuing or renewing vocational entitlement.