At HGVC, we inform our readers about the latest goings on in the UK’s HGV industry and today we bring you news about a potential future licensing change. The DVLA has called for evidence to be provided on driver licensing for people with medical conditions. This is with the aim of striking a balance between the needs of mobility needs of the driver and road safety risks.
It’s the job of the DVLA to assess an individual’s fitness to drive when they have a medical condition and ensure that licences are only issued to people who meet the necessary medical standards. However, at present, it’s the responsibility of drivers to tell the DVLA of medical conditions that may impair their ability to drive safely.
Longstanding Concerns About the Current System
There has been a longstanding concern about the current system surrounding the declaration of medical conditions in the UK. For instance, in other nations, doctors have a legal obligation to inform the driver licensing authorities when someone has a medical condition that could make them an unfit driver, whereas in the UK, they don’t.
The DVLA states that it’s vital that decisions made in this regard are based on up-to-date and correct information. Open until the 22nd of October, the new consultation is asking for external viewpoints on how legislative or policy changes may improve outcomes for the drivers involved and other road users.
Making the Most of the Rule Change While Maintaining Road Safety
The potential rule changes represent an opportunity for transport managers and companies experiencing driver shortages to recruit back drivers who may have previously been rejected. At the same time, an updated system would also do more to ensure that the UK’s roads are kept safer for all motorists by ensuring no one is driving when they shouldn’t be.
At present, the notifiable conditions that may impact a person’s ability to drive safely include the following:
- Heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation & pacemakers)
- Neurological conditions such as epilepsy
- Diabetes or having to take insulin
- Syncope (fainting)
- Sleep apnoea
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Strokes
Applying in England, Scotland and Wales only, anyone wanting to apply to provide input for the consultation should follow this link. The information provided as part of this early-stage request will help formulate a proposal that could support future changes to the existing legislative framework.
Teaching Students the Safe Way to Operate
At HGVC, we have a keen focus on road safety, and it plays a central role in the HGV training instruction we provide. We welcome any change to the licensing system that results in the UK’s roads being safer for everyone, and we look forward to the outcome of the consultation.
We encourage you to provide your input before it closes on 22 October 2023. In the meantime, our team will continue to promote road safety through our industry-leading driver training programs via our national network of training centres.
If you’d like to find out more about us and how we do things, take a look around our website or get in touch by calling 0330 818 8888 or clicking on ‘contact us’ today.
