Taxi License
Heart tests for private hire drivers
At Birmingham Cardiology we offer heart tests for the purposes of taxi re-licensing for all local authorities including Transport for London (TFL).
If you hold a taxi licence and have a pre-existing or new heart condition your local authority usually requires a medical assessment and heart tests by a cardiologist before your licence can be reinstated. This usually applies if you have had a heart attack, angina or heart failure. We appreciate that tests can be expensive but we are confident that we offer the most competitive rates for drivers with reports usually available within a few days of testing.
DVLA Group 2 requirements by licensing authorities
Following a heart attack, the taxi licensing renewal guidelines require drivers to have an exercise ECG using a standard Bruce protocol. These are the same standards that apply to bus and HGV drivers by the DVLA. This test may also apply to new drivers with a heart condition who need to prove their fitness to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle.
Standards required for drivers with a history of heart disease
Drivers who have heart problems will need to pass one or more of the tests specified below in order to continue to drive. The types of heart problems that commonly require testing of this sort are:
- Heart attack, angina with or without coronary stent insertion
- Heart failure (weakness of the heart muscle)
- Heart valve problems
The requirements for testing following a heart attack are:
- Testing must take place a minimum of 6 weeks after the heart attack
- Drivers must be free of angina for 6 weeks
- Pass a 9 minute Bruce protocol treadmill exercise test (see below)
- An echocardiogram may also be required to assess left ventricular function
We are now offering video consultations.
For drivers who have had an angioplasty or coronary stent procedure:
- Testing can take place a minimum of 6 weeks after the procedure
- Drivers must be free of angina for 6 weeks
- Pass a 9 minute Bruce protocol treadmill exercise test (see below)
For drivers who have had coronary bypass surgery (CABG)
- Testing can take place a minimum of 3 months after the operation
- Drivers must be free of angina for 6 weeks
- Pass a 9 minute Bruce protocol treadmill exercise test (see below)
- Have an echocardiogram to demonstrate that the ejection fraction (pumping efficiency) is at least 40%
Bruce Protocol Exercise ECG test
This heart test involves walking on a treadmill for three 3-minute stages at a progressively steeper incline. Your ECG and blood pressure are monitored throughout the test. You will need to complete all 3 stages for a total of 9 minutes in order to pass the test with no symptoms or ECG changes during or after the test. For most people, this is easily done because the speed and incline of the treadmill is equivalent to that of a brisk walk up a slight hill. Immediately after the test your heart rate and blood pressure are closely monitored until it returns to normal.
Test fee: £280
(inclusive of consultation fee)
Stress echocardiogram
For some drivers, an exercise stress echocardiogram is required. This is a combination of an exercise ECG and an echocardiogram. The 9 minutes of a standard Bruce protocol is not applicable here because an ultrasound is used to examine the heart and to determine if the blood supply to the heart is compromised in any way. Drivers must walk on a treadmill until they reach their peak exercise capacity. The treadmill is then stopped and the driver is placed on an examination couch in order to scan the heart. If a driver has failed a Bruce Protocol treadmill test then an exercise stress echocardiogram is a possible alternative test in order to regain a licence. In addition, this test may be required if a driver’s ECG shows a bundle branch block pattern.
Test fee: £550
(inclusive of consultation fee)
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound study of the heart function and valves and involves a probe pressed onto the chest wall. If you have had a heart attack it is a useful test to determine how much damage the heart has sustained. If you have heart failure an echocardiogram may be required (but not in most cases) to ensure your ejection fraction (a measure of heart function) is at least 40% or greater. An echocardiogram is required for all drivers after coronary bypass surgery (CABG).
Test fee: £270
(inclusive of consultation fee)
Here at Birmingham Cardiology, we offer competitive prices for all of our heart tests with results and reports usually available within 1week. All patients must have a preliminary assessment before undergoing testing and this inclusive of the fee. The preliminary assessment involves a review of your medical history, current symptoms and a physical examination (checking pulse, blood pressure and listening to the heart). *Please note the medical report cannot be completed without a prior assessment*
For further enquiries or to book an appointment please call 0121 396 1216 or complete the online booking form. If you are unsure about what test your require we can make an assessment over the telephone and let you know.
Private Taxi Medical
For taxi re-licensing for all local authorities including TfL (Transport for London) customary fees are:
Echocardiogram & Exercise ECG£500
| Fee | |
| Exercise ECG (Bruce protocol) | £280 |
| Echocardiogram | £270 |
| Echocardiogram & Exercise ECG | £500 |
| Exercise stress echocardiogram | £550 |
We are now offering video consultations.
Why see a specialist privately?
You may already have been referred to see a specialist at your local NHS hospital. However, you may be waiting several weeks for your appointment and that is several weeks of worry that can be avoided by seeking a private consultation. A private appointment can be made within a few days and you can avoid weeks of unnecessary waiting. You can also pick a day and time for your appointment that suits you without having to take a day off work.
Another advantage of seeing a specialist privately is that you get to see the consultant you want to and not a trainee or junior doctor.
Disclaimer/privacy policy
This website and content are meant for guidance and not a replacement for a clinical consultation. If you are worried about any aspect of your health or are concerned you have a heart condition please see a doctor without delay.
Any queries submitted through this website are secure and patient confidentiality is respected at all times.
