Health guidelines for drivers updated

Bus and truck drivers can continue to drive with well-managed health conditions under new guidelines developed by the Road Safety Authority and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

The ‘Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines’ provide health professionals and drivers with a much clearer understanding of their obligations.

Guidelines for cars and motorcycle drivers have also been updated to reflect recent developments in medicine, such as improvements in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

The main aim of the document is to help doctors assess drivers with medical conditions that might affect their fitness to drive.

Bus and truck drivers are required to have a higher standard of physical and mental fitness because of the time they spend behind the wheel and the weight of their vehicles. However, the new guidelines allow drivers with well-managed health conditions to continue to drive.

Under the guidelines, bus and truck drivers, known as group 2 drivers, will still be required to submit a medical report with their application for a driving licence, whether it is a first time, renewal or exchange application.

All licensed drivers will be required to notify the National Driver Licence Service should their health deteriorate or change in a way that would impact on their ability to drive for a period of time longer than six months.

The RCPI’s national programme director for traffic medicine, Prof Desmond O’Neill, said drivers, unsure about whether they should report a medical condition, should get advice from their doctor or health professional.

“It is important to remember that if you report your condition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose your licence,” said Prof O’Neill.

“It might mean that you have to see your doctor more often to check that your condition is well-managed, or it might mean there are some restrictions placed on your driving.”

The RSA’s director of driver testing and licensing, Declan Naughton, said the guidelines set out clear protocols as to how any medical issues can be better managed to ensure a driver’s livelihood and safety on Irish roads.

The guidelines were developed by the National Programme Office for Traffic medicine in consultation with the RCPI’s working group on traffic medicine representing 36 organisations, including medical professionals,patient organisations, driver licensing authority, industry and drivers.