New driving licence standards for drivers with epilepsy or eyesight problems
Did you know that drivers with epilepsy or eyesight problems may be affected by new minimum driving licence standards that came into place from 8th March?
Stephen Hammond, Road Safety Minister, announced that new minimum medical standards will apply to bus and lorry driving licence holders.
The main changes are:
EYESIGHT
Group 2 – Buses & Lorries
For these drivers, there will be a new relaxed visual acuity standard for the “weaker eye” when each eye is separately examined. Generally eyesight can be weaker in one eye than the other.
EPILEPSY
Group 1 – Cars and Motorcycles
For the first time, drivers who have only ever suffered seizures while asleep may now be considered for a licence after one year, instead of the current requirement of three years.
Additionally, the new rules will allow drivers who have only ever suffered seizures that have no impact on consciousness or the ability to act to apply for a driving licence one year from the date of their first seizure. Currently these drivers can only be licensed if they are free from these seizures for a period of 12 months.
In the wake of these changes and coinciding with World Glaucoma Week also running from 10th March, road safety organisation and breakdown cover company GEM Motoring Assist is prompting drivers about the importance of monitoring and maintaining their own eyesight.
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, comments, “Looking at things from a road safety perspective, poor vision is a significant factor and, for drivers both young and old, regular eyesight tests are extremely important. By DVLA regulation, photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years and this should also act as a reminder for motorists to get their eyes checked against the required standards."
World Glaucoma Week aims to increase awareness of the group of eye diseases known as ‘glaucoma’ that progressively deteriorate, and often eventually eradicate, a person’s eyesight. Often going undetected, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the world.
If you would like more details on World Glaucoma Week please visit www.wgweek.net
Stephen Hammond, Road Safety Minister, announced that new minimum medical standards will apply to bus and lorry driving licence holders.
The main changes are:
EYESIGHT
Group 2 – Buses & Lorries
For these drivers, there will be a new relaxed visual acuity standard for the “weaker eye” when each eye is separately examined. Generally eyesight can be weaker in one eye than the other.
EPILEPSY
Group 1 – Cars and Motorcycles
For the first time, drivers who have only ever suffered seizures while asleep may now be considered for a licence after one year, instead of the current requirement of three years.
Additionally, the new rules will allow drivers who have only ever suffered seizures that have no impact on consciousness or the ability to act to apply for a driving licence one year from the date of their first seizure. Currently these drivers can only be licensed if they are free from these seizures for a period of 12 months.
In the wake of these changes and coinciding with World Glaucoma Week also running from 10th March, road safety organisation and breakdown cover company GEM Motoring Assist is prompting drivers about the importance of monitoring and maintaining their own eyesight.
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, comments, “Looking at things from a road safety perspective, poor vision is a significant factor and, for drivers both young and old, regular eyesight tests are extremely important. By DVLA regulation, photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years and this should also act as a reminder for motorists to get their eyes checked against the required standards."
World Glaucoma Week aims to increase awareness of the group of eye diseases known as ‘glaucoma’ that progressively deteriorate, and often eventually eradicate, a person’s eyesight. Often going undetected, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the world.
If you would like more details on World Glaucoma Week please visit www.wgweek.net
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