Consultation on amendments to driver medical standards on eyesight, epilepsy and diabetes
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has published proposed amendments to minimum medical standards for drivers in relation to eyesight, epilepsy and diabetes.


The measures are contained in a consultation on the implementation of European minimum medical standards for drivers. While UK standards must be at least at the level of a minimum standard, the UK is not required to relax existing domestic standards where these are justifiably higher than the EU standards. However, where the secretary of state's medical advisory panel has advised that a relaxation in standards is consistent with road safety, the recommendation is that this is adopted as the UK standard.


Road safety minister, Mike Penning, said: "We have taken expert advice on the latest evidence on eyesight, epilepsy and diabetes and believe these proposals strike the right balance in allowing as many people as possible to drive, without compromising safety. We would welcome views from anyone affected by the changes and will consider all representations before setting out our final decisions."


The consultation period will run until 28 April 2011. To find out more and to have your say, go to: dft.gov.uk/dvla/consultations/currentconsultations.aspx


The main aspects of the new standards are:
Eyesight
Group 1 - Cars and Motorcycles


A reduction in the distance that a number plate can be read from to test visual acuity, from 20 to 17.5 metres.


Group 2 - Buses and Lorries


A change for those who wear spectacles in how they are assessed. The eyesight test will concentrate on vision standards with the driver wearing their glasses.


Epilepsy
Group 1 - Cars and Motorcycles


Drivers who only suffer seizures whilst asleep would be considered for a licence after one year instead of the current requirement of three years.


Drivers who suffer seizures that have no impact on consciousness or the ability to act could, for the first time, be considered for a licence after one year.


Group 2 - Buses and Lorries


For the first time, there will be a definition of epilepsy. The new EU Directives provide a definition as being "two or more epileptic seizures less than five years apart".


Diabetes
Group 1 - Cars and Motorcycles

Under the proposals, licences will not be issued or renewed for drivers with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia and/or impaired hypoglycaemic awareness.


Group 2 - Buses and Lorries


Drivers who are treated with insulin would be considered for all Group 2 driver licensing, providing strict medical monitoring is met. Currently, Group 2 drivers treated with insulin are restricted to certain categories of vehicle.

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