Driver Medicals

What is a Driver Medical?

Who should be medically assessed?

 Is it a legal requirement?

What does a medical assessment entail?

• A past medical history questionnaire
• Blood pressure check
• Vision screening for distance, near, peripheral and colour tests
• Full body movement assessment to demonstrate the required range of movement for driving-related tasks
• Urinalysis to ascertain any possible pathology resulting in risks to safety

How long does it take?

Normal screening takes 30 minutes.

Where there are communication difficulties, it may take longer.

What happens if abnormalities are detected?

Where abnormalities are detected, a risk assessment will be undertaken to determine whether:

• a temporary fitness certificate will be issued to allow the individual the opportunity to take action to manage the abnormality e.g. raised blood pressure readings may be investigated further by the GP and managed as clinically indicated.
• an ‘unfit’ certificate will be issued until evidence has been obtained that the individual has managed the abnormality e.g. vision screening identifies poor vision, which requires corrective lenses to be worn. The individual would not be fit until they have been prescribed and are wearing the corrective lenses.

Screening is repeated as recommended by the Occupational Health Adviser in light of the results of the medical.

What medical conditions will exclude me from operating a vehicle?

• Mobility – operators should have full movement of the trunk, neck and limbs and possess normal agility. Adjustments for individuals with disabilities should be considered where reasonably practicable.
• Drug/alcohol dependence – an individual who is dependent on alcohol or non-prescribed drugs should NOT be employed as a driver. Where there is a history of dependence DVLA guidance applies.
• Mental health – a history of previous mental illness should not necessarily preclude selection but where there is suspicion of, or knowledge of a psychiatric disorder which may be impacting on their behaviour or judgement, an operator should be barred from vehicle operation until medical assessment has been made and fitness judged against the relevant guidelines.
• Vision – the operator should have good judgement of space and distance – generally this requires effective use of both eyes, although monocular vision will not necessarily exclude an individual as certain kinds of driving work can be performed satisfactorily.Distance vision should be the same standard for driving a car on public roads.
• Hearing – the ability to hear instructions and warning signs is important but if the individual demonstrates on risk assessment that the deafness does not constitute a hazard it should not disqualify him/her.
• Epilepsy – if an operator has epilepsy but is eligible for a driving licence under the DVLA rules, then he/she should not be disqualified.
• Diabetes mellitus – usually causes no problems if well controlled by diet or tablets.
• Neurological or Cardiac problems – detailed guidance from the DVLA is used.
• Disorders of the balance – uncontrolled vertigo and disorders of balance will bar an individual from vehicle operation.Fitness to operate fork trucks may be impaired by the effects of medication whether prescribed or purchased over the counter. Operators should seek advice from the GP or pharmacist and inform their employer about any potential effects the medication may have on their ability to operate vehicles safely.