In most cases, yes. GOV.UK’s guidance on fitness to drive states that all initial Group 2 licence applications require a medical assessment by a registered medical practitioner, recorded on the D4 form. Group 2 covers higher vehicle categories such as lorries and buses, including C1, C and CE.
That means if you are applying for a higher category for the first time, you should expect a medical to be part of the process. This is not unusual or something to worry about; it is simply a standard requirement to confirm you meet the higher medical standards associated with larger commercial vehicles.
The medical normally comes before you move too far into the rest of the process, because there is little point spending money on theory and practical training if you have not got the medical side sorted. Many training providers can help arrange this or point you in the right direction so the process feels much easier and more joined up. GOV.UK also notes that higher-category licences need renewing periodically, including medical renewal rules as drivers get older.
