Are medical fitness to drive procedures fit for purpose?

This report examines the current state of play in PIN countries regarding the assessment of medical fitness to drive, with reference to the 2006 EU Directive on Driving Licences which states that driving licences shall be issued only to applicants “who meet medical standards”. The EU is currently reviewing the Directive and a revised legal proposal is expected in 2022. This report focuses exclusively on Category B driving licences, i.e. the licence required to drive a car, small van or minibus that can carry up to eight passengers. Studies have concluded that specific medical conditions, substance abuse, mental disorders, epilepsy and diabetes are more important factors than age when it comes to medical fitness to drive. Mandatory age-based screening of older drivers has not been shown to be effective in preventing severe collisions. It may even have a negative safety impact, as older drivers become vulnerable road users. Medical checks performed when obtaining a licence, renewing a licence or re-licensing can be useful for identifying medical conditions which may affect fitness to drive. It is recommended that a standardised screening process be considered across all Member States when assessing a driver’s fitness to drive. The process should be based on international best practice and ideally, consistent across all jurisdictions.

• Record URL:
  https://etsc.eu/wp-content/uploads/PIN-Flash-40_Final.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  European Transport Safety Council (ETSC)

  Brussels,    
• Authors:
  • Carson, J
  • Jost, G
  • Adminaité-Fodor, D
• Publication Date: 2021-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 40p
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 40

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged drivers; Driver licenses; Driving tests; Evaluation; Impaired drivers
• Uncontrolled Terms: International comparison
• Geographic Terms: Europe
• ATRI Terms: Aged driver; Drivers licence; Driving test; Evaluation; Fitness to drive; International comparison; Medical aspects

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01771275
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB Group Limited
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: May 5 2021 3:36PM