Examining driving fitness rules with DVLA's call for evidence

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has launched a call for evidence on driver licensing for individuals with medical conditions. The DVLA is responsible for assessing the fitness to drive of individuals with medical conditions and ensuring that driving licenses are only issued to those who meet the required medical standards.

The call for evidence provides an overview of the current driver licensing framework and also explores the medical licensing processes in other countries. It does not propose any specific changes to the system but rather seeks input to help formulate potential future changes to the legislative framework.

In the forward to the call for evidence, Richard Holden, the minister for roads and local transport, emphasizes the importance of considering the health and fitness of drivers for road safety. He acknowledges that various medical conditions, disabilities, and treatments can impact an individual's ability to safely control a vehicle.

The aim of the call for evidence is to gather a wide range of experience, views, and research to identify areas where policy or legislative changes could improve outcomes for drivers and other road users. The AA Charitable Trust and independent road safety campaigner Meera Naran have welcomed the call for evidence.

Naran, who tragically lost her son in a traffic collision, is advocating for an update in policies regarding the referral of drivers with neurocognitive disorders to the DVLA. She believes that there should be a more joined-up approach between healthcare professionals and the DVLA to ensure that information about drivers with certain medical conditions is effectively transferred.

By 2035, there will be a significant increase in the number of older drivers on the UK's roads, with a projected two million individuals with dementia by 2051. Despite this, there are no precise figures on the number of older drivers with neurocognitive disorders who currently hold licenses.

Under current legislation, drivers over the age of 70 are required to apply for a new license every three years, but there are no mandatory medical checks to confirm their fitness to drive. The responsibility lies with the individual to notify the DVLA of any medical conditions that may affect their driving.

Having conversations with older relatives or friends about their ability to drive safely can be challenging. A recent survey by the AA revealed that only a third of drivers had broached the subject with their older loved ones. Naran emphasizes the need for updated policies, better communication between medical and licensing teams, and guidance on how to discuss these matters.

The AA Charitable Trust supports the call for evidence, recognizing the importance of supporting older drivers to stay on the road safely. However, they also acknowledge the risk posed by medically unfit drivers, particularly among older age groups. The trust emphasizes the importance of awareness and conversations about driving fitness.

Currently, the law requires drivers to inform the DVLA if they develop a new medical condition or if an existing condition worsens. While there is no legal obligation for doctors in Great Britain to inform the DVLA of a patient's medical condition, they are encouraged to do so by the General Medical Council if they believe the patient poses a risk to themselves and others.

Overall, the call for evidence aims to gather insights and opinions to potentially improve the driver licensing framework for individuals with medical conditions and ensure the safety of all road users.

FutureCar Staff