Cardiac Tests for Professional Drivers

Private Heart Tests for Professional Drivers in London

If your professional driver’s application has identified a need for further heart tests to determine your medical fitness, Northway Clinic Cardiologists in East London can help. We provide comprehensive cardiac assessments tailored to meet the requirements of various licensing authorities.

Our cardiac and general assessments are suitable for:

• Private Hire Drivers (TFL – Transport For London)
• Licenced London Taxi Drivers (TFL – Transport For London)
• HGV & PHV Drivers (DVLA – Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)
• Train Drivers (ORR – Office of Rail and Road)
• Pilots (CAA – Civil Aviation Authority)
• Other professionals who are required medical assessment for work purposes.

We understand the importance of these assessments for your career and aim to provide a smooth and efficient service.

Ensuring Medical Fitness for Duty

Licensing authorities (TFL, DVLA, ORR, CAA) have a duty to protect drivers and members of the public by ensuring that anyone applying for a vocational license meets the criteria for medical fitness. Usually, they will require a medical declaration and initial assessment by a GP.

Depending on your personal history, they may ask for further information and tests. People with known heart conditions will often have to repeat these tests at least every 3 years to meet the DVLA Group 2 criteria for licensing.

Common Conditions Requiring Further Tests

If you have a history of the following conditions, further cardiac investigation is often required:

• Angina
• Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
• Chest Pain of Uncertain Origin
• Heart Valve Disease
• Ischaemic Heart Disease
• Previous Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
• History of Heart Failure

Cardiac Tests We Offer:

The exact requirements for tests can vary. You will be informed by TFL, DVLA, ORR, CAA and/or the Local Authority after your initial medical declaration and assessment (usually performed by a GP) what specific tests you need. Northway Clinic provides the following common tests to the required standards:

Exercise Tolerance Test (Stress ECG / Stress Bike ECG / Exercise ECG) £300

This test, performed at Northway Clinic on a stationary bicycle according to DVLA/TFL guidelines, involves cycling for approximately 10 minutes while remaining free of signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. The Cardiologist will monitor your heart with an ECG throughout the procedure, looking for any signs of blockages in the blood vessels or changes in the heart rhythm.

This type of test is often preferred by individuals who have difficulty walking or running on a treadmill, such as those with joint problems or balance issues.

Stress Echocardiogram (Stress Bike ECHO) £400

Sometimes the DVLA or other authorities will ask for a Stress Echocardiogram to look at how well the heart muscle works under increased stress. This test is similar to the Exercise Tolerance Test but also involves an ultrasound scan of your heart at intervals throughout the procedure.

Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound) £200

This is an ultrasound scan of the heart which is done at rest to look at how well the heart, valves, and surrounding blood vessels are functioning.

Important Note:

All of these tests are performed to the standards set by TFL and/or the Local Authority where you are applying for your license. The Doctor will complete the required form with the results of your tests and affix an official Northway Clinic stamp. Please bring all letters and forms required for your license submission to your appointment.

Our Fees

• Cardiologist’s Consultation (mandatory): £160
• Exercise Tolerance Test (Stress Bike ECG): £300
• Stress Echocardiography (Stress Bike ECHO): £400
• Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography): £200

If your professional driver’s application has identified a need for further heart tests to determine your medical fitness, Northway Clinic Cardiologists in London can help. 

If you would like to book an appointment, please call us on 020 3405 0860 or send a request.

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