DRIVERS’ HEALTH STANDARDS – THE PROPOSALS
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● The proposals on eyesight, diabetes and epilepsy aim to bring the UK in line with the EU directive 2006/126/EC and are due to be implemented in 2013.
● Eyesight requirements have been lowered so that in future, applicants will only have to read a number plate from 17.5m away. Currently it is 20m. Group 2 drivers (bus and lorry) will be able to take vision tests wearing glasses or contact lenses, and the rules for drivers who have reduced sight in one eye have been relaxed.
● A definition of epilepsy is set out. The EU says drivers will have to surrender their licence if they have two or more epileptic seizures in five years and that they cannot reapply for their licence for another five years. The UK proposes that two attacks in 10 years will mean the loss of a licence and a driver cannot reapply for 10 years.
● Drivers who are being treated with insulin will be able to apply to drive any group 2 vehicles, provided strict medical monitoring is carried out. Previously they could only drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.
● It will remain the law that drivers must notify the DVLA of any health issues, including heart problems, that their doctor has warned could affect their ability to drive.