A driver medical examination in Latvia is required before obtaining a driving qualification for the first time and at prescribed intervals thereafter. It checks whether a person’s health permits safe driving. The doctor enters the result in the national register, so a paper certificate normally does not have to be submitted to CSDD.

If your previous examination is about to expire, first check its validity in e-CSDD. You can then choose a family doctor who provides this service or a medical commission at a healthcare institution. Appointments and current prices are available on the Presto medical certificate page.

When is a driver medical examination required?

CSDD explains that initial and regular examinations are required for drivers and people seeking a driving qualification, except cyclists. There are three distinct situations:

• Initial examination before obtaining a driving qualification.
• Regular examination when the previous medical opinion is nearing expiry.
• Early examination in special circumstances, for example where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a medical condition affecting fitness to drive or when restoring a licence withdrawn for drink or drug driving. Its procedure and authorised provider may differ from those for a regular examination.

If you are replacing a driving licence because the card has expired, check the medical opinion separately. The two expiry dates do not necessarily coincide. Replacing the card does not automatically require a new examination, but a valid card does not allow you to drive after the medical examination has expired.

Where can you have the examination?

For an initial or regular examination, you may choose a medical commission at a healthcare institution or a family doctor who offers the service and reports the result to the CSDD register. Healthcare professionals assess fitness to drive; CSDD itself does not issue the medical opinion. Before booking, confirm the appointment process, identification requirements and the type of examination you need.

The Presto service page lists available locations and appointment times. These may change, so check them immediately before booking. If you are unsure whether the quoted service includes the necessary psychiatrist and addiction specialist assessments, ask the provider before paying.

What happens during the examination?

The assessment depends on your licence categories, medical history and the clinician’s judgement. The medical professional determines whether any condition prevents safe driving. Additional tests or a specialist’s opinion may be needed. It would be misleading to promise the same list of specialists or the same appointment length to everyone.

Bring an identity document. If you use glasses, contact lenses or a hearing aid, or have relevant medical records, ask the provider what to bring. Be ready to give accurate information about your health and medicines. Where additional tests are requested, the medical opinion may only be completed after their results are available.

How long is the medical opinion valid?

The general CSDD examination intervals are:

• every 10 years for AM, A1, A, B1, B and BE categories;
• every 5 years for C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E and DE categories;
• at least every 3 years for drivers over 60.

A doctor can set a shorter period for medical reasons. The general interval for a category therefore does not guarantee the validity of your own opinion. Check your actual expiry date in e-CSDD, particularly if you hold several categories or have previously been given a shorter interval.

Do you need to take a paper certificate to CSDD?

No. After the examination, the doctor or head of the medical commission has two working days to enter the opinion in the national register of vehicles and drivers. CSDD says a paper certificate is not required. If the result is still not visible in e-CSDD after that period, contact the provider and ask them to check the registration.

What if your medical examination has expired?

Under the Road Traffic Law, driving rights may not be exercised when the required regular or early medical examination has not been completed on time. This restriction lasts until the examination is completed. If your examination has expired, do not drive; arrange a new one as soon as possible.

This is legally different from driving without ever having obtained the relevant category of licence. Nor does a physically valid licence card cancel the medical examination requirement. Check both dates separately and avoid leaving the appointment until the last day.

When do you need an early examination instead?

Where driving rights were withdrawn for driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, or for refusing the relevant test, CSDD requires an early examination by a specialised medical commission. A routine medical examination is not enough. A favourable medical opinion also does not remove the ban period or other requirements concerning driving tests.

If an early examination has been ordered for health reasons, follow the instructions in the specific decision. Before booking, make sure the healthcare institution is authorised to perform the required type of examination.

How much does the examination cost?

The price depends on the type of service and which assessments it includes. The published Presto price list shows €38 for an initial or regular commission including psychiatrist and addiction specialist assessments, €28.50 without those assessments, and €100 for an early commission. Check the current price and the examination required in your case before booking; the cheapest option is not suitable for everyone.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have the examination before my previous opinion expires?

Yes. Planning ahead helps avoid a gap during which you cannot exercise your driving rights. Check the current date in e-CSDD and ask the provider how the new validity period will be determined.

Does the examination take place at CSDD?

It is performed by a medical commission at a healthcare institution or by a family doctor who offers the service. A provider located near or inside a CSDD building is still a separate healthcare provider.

Will I receive a paper certificate?

You do not need one for CSDD. The opinion is entered in the register within two working days; check that it is visible before a driving test or licence replacement.

Must drivers over 60 be examined every year?

Not necessarily. The general maximum interval is three years, though a doctor may set a shorter period for medical reasons.

Is a regular commission sufficient after drink or drug driving?

No. If driving rights were withdrawn for that reason, an early examination by a specialised commission is required, along with the other applicable restoration requirements.

If you need an initial or regular examination, review the Presto booking options, choose a suitable appointment and confirm the conditions of the service before your visit.