Anyone who will be driving any vehicle inside the perimeter of an airport will require an airside driving medical. This medical exam assesses the health and fitness of the individual and therefore their suitability to drive within the airport environment. Medical standards will vary from airport to airport within the UK and depending on the individual’s role, with some requiring additional medical checks. In general, however, most airports will require an airside driving medical certificate in line with the Civil Aviation Authority CAP790 requirements. 

Occupational health providers and the Department for Transport (DfT) have put together a set of medical standards that need to be met in order for someone to be declared fit to drive in the airside environment. Airside driving medicals therefore will assess the individual’s health and fitness to meet these standards, together with their medical history and any current medication, to determine whether or not to issue the certificate. 

Undergoing an airside driving medical will tell the individual’s employer whether they are fit or unfit to work, whether they need a referral to a medical specialist and if any further testing is required. 

Typically, an airside driver medical will include the following elements: 

• Pre-medical questionnaire  
• Height and weight measurements 
• Hearing test 
• Visual assessment including testing for colour blindness 
• Cardiovascular assessment – including blood pressure 
• Urine test – to check for the presence of blood or protein, as well as kidney function 
• Musculoskeletal assessment 
• Respiratory assessment 

Airside driving medical renewals 

In general, airside driving medicals need to be renewed every 3 years. There may, however, be additional occupational health standards or more frequent testing required, as this can vary from operator to operator. The frequency of medical assessments required for each individual will also depend upon the occupational age limits of the vehicle being driven, their current state of health and whether they have previously had an accident or injury whilst driving at work. 

Aviation medical providers 

It is important that airside driving medicals are carried out by experienced occupational health providers who will adhere to the requirements set down by the Civil Aviation Authority CAP 790 requirements for the Airside Driving Permits Scheme. 

Heathrow Medical is a specialist medical provider, offering a range of aviation medical assessments from their base adjacent to Heathrow Airport in London. More information on airside driving medicals can be found on their website.