What Does A Medical Driving Licence Look Like: Codes And Why
I’ve held over 500 medical licences from Burnley drivers in my hands — and I’ll show you exactly how to decode yours in 90 seconds. No jargon. No guesswork. Just the three spots that reveal everything: your expiry date, your hidden codes, and whether you’re still legal to drive. Miss one, and you risk fines or worse — let’s fix that now.
Key Takeaways
- Look at field 4b. If the validity is less than ten years, your licence is medically restricted.
- Check columns 9–12 for two‑digit codes like
01(glasses) or79(automatic only). - A medical licence is legal to drive with as long as you follow every restriction printed on the card and on the reverse.
- Always renew at least six weeks before expiry to avoid a gap in entitlement.
- Revocation is different. You receive a letter, not a card. Driving after revocation is a criminal offence.
Table of Contents
What Does A Medical Driving Licence Look Like
A UK medical driving licence looks almost identical to a standard photocard—same pink/purple gradient, same photo on the left, same DVLA logo. The differences are in the details.
Three visual clues tell you it’s a medical licence:
- Validity date (field 4b) – always shorter than ten years. Common periods: 1, 2, 3, or 5 years.
- Medical codes (columns 9–12) – one or more two‑digit numbers such as
01or79. - Additional markings – a red‑bordered “Medical Enquiry” sticker on the front, or a printed restriction on the reverse (e.g., “Must wear corrective lenses”).
Table 1: Standard Licence vs Medical Licence – Quick Visual Comparison
| Feature | Standard Licence | Medical Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Validity (field 4b) | 10 years | 1, 2, 3, or 5 years |
| Codes in cols 9–12 | None or 70 (exchangeable) | 01, 02, 79, etc. |
| “Medical Enquiry” sticker | Never | Sometimes present |
| Reverse side notes | None | “Must wear glasses”, “Automatic only” |
What Is A Driver Medical And When Do You Need One?
A driver medical is a health check arranged by the DVLA. You need one when the DVLA asks you to fill out a medical questionnaire (form DR1 or a condition‑specific form). Common triggers: insulin‑treated diabetes, epilepsy, sleep apnoea, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and certain heart conditions.
The doctor reviews your records, sometimes performs tests (e.g., visual field), and sends a report to the DVLA. Based on that report, the DVLA decides whether to issue a licence and what restrictions to set.
I always tell clients: gather your medication list and recent hospital letters before the appointment. It speeds everything up.
Understanding Medical Driving Licence Types And Categories
The DVLA issues three main medical licence types. Here is how they appear on the card:
Table 2: Medical Licence Types and Their Visual Indicators
| Type | Typical Validity | Code Examples | How to Spot It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short‑term medical | 1–3 years | 01, 79 | Very short validity + code |
| Medical review licence | 1–5 years | 79, 04 | Code + note on reverse |
| Standard (unrestricted) | 10 years | None | Long validity |
Decode Your Licence in 90 Seconds
Confused by the expiry date, hidden codes, and restriction notes on your medical licence? Spot the three visual clues—short validity, two‑digit codes, and reverse restrictions—in under a minute to avoid fines or illegal driving.
What Is A Short Term Medical Driving Licence?
A short‑term licence is exactly what it sounds like: a licence that expires in one, two, or three years. It looks like any other card except for the expiry date. Conditions that lead to short‑term licences include insulin‑treated diabetes, epilepsy (after a seizure‑free period), and sleep apnoea (after treatment).
Checklist: What to Do When You Receive a Short‑Term Medical Licence
- Note the expiry date in your calendar with a reminder 6 months before.
- Read all codes on the front and restrictions on the reverse.
- Set a recurring reminder to renew every year/2 years.
- Inform your insurer if restrictions change (e.g., automatic only).
What Is A Medical Review Licence And Can You Drive With It?
Yes, you can drive with a medical review licence. The term “medical review” simply means the DVLA is monitoring your condition. The licence itself looks the same as any other medical licence – short validity and codes.
I have seen drivers mistakenly think they cannot drive until the review is complete. That is wrong. As long as your licence is valid and you follow the restrictions, you are fully legal.
DVLA Medical Licence Codes And What They Mean
Codes are printed in columns 9–12. Here is a table of the most common ones:
Table 3: Common DVLA Medical Codes (Source: GOV.UK)
| Code | Restriction |
|---|---|
| 01 | Must wear corrective lenses |
| 02 | Must wear hearing aid |
| 03 | Prosthesis (artificial limb) |
| 04 | Adapted vehicle (e.g., hand controls) |
| 05 | Special controls (e.g., left‑foot accelerator) |
| 10 | Modified transmission |
| 15 | Modified steering |
| 20 | Modified braking |
| 40 | Limited to certain vehicle types |
| 70 | Exchangeable licence (non‑UK) |
| 79 | Restricted to automatic transmission |
| 80 | Restricted to vehicles with certain adaptations |
How to read multiple codes: They appear in order. 01 79 means “wear glasses AND drive an automatic car.”
As Used by 500+ Burnley Drivers
Over 500 medical licences have been checked and decoded by DVLA expert Chris Benstead—using the exact three‑spot method (field 4b, cols 9–12, reverse notes). Join drivers who now drive legally with zero guesswork.
How To Identify A Medical Driving Licence At First Glance
I use a three‑second check:
- Field 4b – if less than 10 years, it’s medical.
- Columns 9–12 – look for any two‑digit number.
- Reverse side – read the plain‑English restrictions.
Employers can use the DVLA online licence checker (view‑driving‑licence.service.gov.uk) with the driver’s consent.
Why Is My Driving Licence Only Valid For Seven Years Or Less?
The DVLA shortens the validity when your condition needs periodic reassessment. According to official DVLA policy: “Drivers with notifiable medical conditions are issued short‑term licences so their fitness to drive can be reviewed regularly.” (source: GOV.UK medical guidance). The reduced period is printed in field 4b. There is no standard “seven‑year” rule – it depends entirely on the condition.
DVLA Licence Revoked For Medical Reasons What It Looks Like
Revocation is different from a medical licence. You receive a formal letter titled “Notice of Revocation.” You must return your photocard. Do not drive. The letter will state the medical reason, the legal section (usually Section 94 of the Road Traffic Act), and your appeal rights.
Checklist – What to Do If Your Licence Is Revoked:
- Read the letter carefully. Note the date of revocation.
- Return your photocard immediately.
- Decide whether to appeal (within 28 days) or reapply once your condition improves.
- Contact a driving licence advisory service if needed.
DVLA Medical Code Reference Guide
Download the free, official‑aligned cheat sheet listing every common DVLA medical code—01 (glasses), 79 (automatic only), 04 (hand controls), 02 (hearing aid), etc.—with plain‑English explanations so you never misread a restriction again.
Medical Driving Licence Renewal Progress And Timeline
Table 4: Medical Licence Renewal Timeline
| Time Before Expiry | Action |
|---|---|
| 6 months | DVLA sends reminder (form D46P) |
| 4 months | Complete medical questionnaire and submit |
| 3 months | DVLA may request GP report |
| 2 months | If no reply, call DVLA |
| 6 weeks | Last safe window to apply before expiry |
| After expiry if unprocessed | You receive temporary entitlement letter (D750) |
During renewal, you can keep driving if you applied before expiry and meet all conditions. Need assistance with your medical driving licence renewal? Our expert team can guide you through the entire process, ensuring all documentation is completed correctly and submitted promptly for faster processing.
Elderly Driver Assessment And Medical Licence Requirements
For drivers over 70, the standard licence expires at age 70. Renewal is every three years. If you have a medical condition, the licence may be valid for one year instead. There is no separate “elderly driver test” unless a condition is reported. Many older drivers voluntarily take a driving assessment with RoSPA or the AA.
Myth vs Fact – Medical Licence Myths
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Medical licences have a red stripe. | No stripe – only codes and shorter validity. |
| Over‑70 drivers automatically get a medical licence. | No – only if a condition is reported. |
| You cannot drive abroad with a medical licence. | You can, but check local rules (e.g., EU requires international driving permit). |
Digital Versus Physical Medical Driving Licences
The DVLA online service displays the same information: photo, categories, validity, codes. Employers and insurers can use it with your consent. The digital version does not show any sticker. For legal purposes, the physical card is primary, but the digital record is considered accurate.
Common Questions About Medical Driving Licence Appearance
One question I hear often: “Does the licence say ‘Medical’ on it?” No. The only way to tell is by the short validity and the codes. Another: “Can I remove the sticker?” No – the sticker is part of the official document. Tampering could invalidate it.
Freqently Asked Questions About What Does A Medical Driving Licence Look Like
What Does A Medical Driving Licence Look Like In The UK?
A medical licence in the UK looks exactly like a standard photocard except for the shorter validity (field 4b) and medical codes (columns 9–12). Some cards have a “Medical Enquiry” sticker.
How Do DVLA Medical Licence Codes Work And What Do They Mean?
Codes are two‑digit numbers printed on the front. They set conditions you must follow while driving. For example, code 01 = wear glasses, code 79 = automatic only. You can look up any code on the GOV.UK website.
