Q1: What is the Harmonised Medical Examination Report (HMER)?
A1: HMER is the harmonised medical examination report introduced by the Traffic Police (TP) and Land Transport Authority (LTA), where both agencies' medical forms have been combined into a single form. Medical practitioners will conduct examinations according to the medical standard assigned to each class of licence using this form. There are two groups – Those who hold Class 2/3 driving licences will be classified as Group 1, whilst those holding Class 4/5 driving licences and vocational licences will be classified Group 2, and will have higher medical standards applied to them.
Q2: Why is the streamlined digital medical assessment process with HMER being implemented?
A2: The new process aims to address the confusion when VL holders aged 65 years old and above receive two separate medical forms from TP and LTA respectively, as well as the challenges faced by those who may be less familiar in using digital portals to submit their medical reports online through both agencies' portals.
Under the new process, TP will serve as the sole agency responsible for sending medical notification letters to VL holders who require medical examinations for both TP and LTA purposes. Additionally, the medical practitioner who conducts the medical examination – for DL or VL holders – will submit the results directly to both TP and LTA.
This streamlined process will make it more convenient for elderly drivers to submit their medical assessment reports to both agencies.
Q3: What should the DL or VL holders do when they visit a clinic for the medical examination?
A3: DL or VL holders should bring their notification letter and show it to the clinic staff during registration. Prior to the medical examination, they should inform the medical practitioner of the class of licence for which they are required to undergo medical examination. The medical practitioner will conduct the medical examination using the medical standards for the licence type as informed by the examinee and submit the medical result to TP and LTA on the examinee's behalf.
Q4: What happens if I have pre-existing medical conditions?
A4: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you should bring any existing specialist medical reports to your medical check-up.
During the medical examination, if your medical practitioner determines that you require further specialist assessment, you should obtain the specialist's evaluation before returning to your original medical practitioner, who will complete the final assessment and submit the medical result on your behalf.
Q5: How will I know if my medical examination has been approved?
A5: You will receive an SMS notification upon successful submission of your medical examination report by your medical practitioner.
Another SMS will be sent by the respective authorities to inform you on the receipt of your medical examination and any follow-up actions, if required.
Q6: What happens if the digital system experiences technical issues? Will there be an alternative submission process if it is unavailable?
A6: In the event of technical problems with FormSG, medical practitioners will conduct the medical examination and email the medical results to the authorities via the designated email address.
Q7: How will drivers be informed about this change, particularly for those who may not regularly check government communications?
A7: DL holders and VL holders/applicants will be informed of the change through notification letters when they are required to undergo medical examination.
Q8: Which medical practitioners are authorised to conduct these examinations?
A8: Medical examinations can only be conducted by Singapore registered medical practitioners. This refers to a doctor who is registered to practise medicine in Singapore, as defined under the Medical Registration Act 1997. Examinees are encouraged to call the clinic beforehand to confirm if the service is available before visiting.
Q9: What happens if I fail my medical examination?
A9: You will not be permitted to drive on the road if you fail your medical examination for your DL, and you will not be able to hold a VL if you fail your medical examination for your VL.
Q10: Will the notification letter come attached with the HMER?
A10: No, the HMER is digital and can be accessed by the medical practitioner through a QR code in the notification letter.
Q11: I have received a notification letter with an attached medical form from TP and LTA after 2 February 2026 but the notification letter was sent before the digital HMER launch. What should I do? Is the medical form still valid?
A11: There will be a transition period after the launch of the digital HMER. DL holders or VL holders/applicants can still bring the medical form to a clinic to complete the medical examination, scan it, and submit it to the agencies' portals. Alternatively, you can request the medical practitioner to conduct the medical examination using the digital HMER
Q12: I have an upcoming medical examination due before 2 February 2026. What should I do?
A12: DL and VL holders with medical examinations due before 2 February 2026 can continue to follow the current process using the existing medical forms and submission methods. VL holders only need to undergo one examination using LTA’s form, which can then be submitted to both agencies.
Q13: How long does it take to process the HMER after submission?
A13: For DL medical submission, DL holders will receive an SMS on the submission outcome and driving licence status within 3 working days.
For VL medical submission, VL holders will receive an SMS on the submission outcome and follow-up action, if required, within 3 working days.
Q14: Will the cost of medical examinations change under the new system?
A14: The cost of medical examinations is determined by individual clinics. You may wish to check with your preferred clinic directly.
