DVLA REVIEWS MEDICAL LICENSING POLICY FOR DRIVERS
14 March 2005 - DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is undertaking an independent review of the way medical conditions are assessed, their effect on an individual’s fitness to drive and associated road safety implications.

The review is being conducted by independent researchers, Risk Solutions, and will involve consultation with a wide range of interested parties, including medical, driving and other groups. The review will also compare UK licensing arrangements with how licences are issued in other European Countries.

The current arrangements have been in place since 1974 and mainly rely on self-declaration. Drivers are required by law to inform DVLA about the onset or worsening of any medical condition that may affect their safe driving. All drivers must renew their car driving licence at the age of 70, and every 3 years after.

DVLA Chief Executive Clive Bennett said:

“There are 20 million more drivers on the roads today than when the current arrangements were set up 30 years ago. The ageing population, together with medical advances means that drivers’ expectations regarding the continuation of driving have increased over the period. We have therefore commissioned this independent review to examine the current system and identify if there are any areas that may require changes.”

The review is currently underway, and workshops with key interest groups are planned over the next few months. The research should be completed by November 2005. Consideration of the recommendations will then take place.

www.dvla.gov.uk

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