Andrew Eburne, director of Leicester-based Doctors on Wheels Ltd, was convicted of fraud following a Swansea Trading Standards investigation conducted in coordination with agencies across the UK. Sentencing took place at Swansea Crown Court.
The case began after DVLA identified anomalies in D4 certificates submitted with Group 2 licence applications — the category covering lorry and bus drivers. Swansea Council said the company is thought to have processed thousands of such certificates. The BBC has reported that some assessments were carried out in mobile units.
DVLA has not accepted D4 applications completed by Doctors on Wheels Ltd since 20 June 2019.
A D4 medical form assesses whether an applicant meets the medical standards required to drive larger vehicles, covering eyesight, blood pressure, and conditions that could affect fitness to drive. Under GOV.UK guidance, the report must be completed by a doctor, with any vision assessment that the doctor cannot complete handled by an optician or optometrist.
Five other defendants who worked for the company were found not guilty during the same proceedings. A defence chambers account also records that one doctor accused of fraudulent trading was unanimously acquitted after a seven-week trial. The conviction of Eburne does not imply wrongdoing by drivers who used the service.
Rhys Harries, Swansea Council Trading Standards Team Leader, said officers demonstrated in court that certificates were submitted to DVLA with the intention of supporting HGV licence applications, and that DVLA’s ability to spot anomalies had prevented the matter from becoming significantly more serious.
For operators, the case is a reminder that D4 reports obtained from private providers — often marketed on speed or price — must meet DVLA requirements. Where certificates are incomplete, improperly completed, or submitted by a provider the agency does not accept, licence applications can be delayed or refused, with knock-on consequences for driver availability.
Drivers applying for or renewing a lorry or bus licence should verify DVLA’s current accepted provider guidance before booking a medical examination.
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