As Roads Minister, the safety of all road users is one of my key priorities. While many factors contribute to road safety, the health and fitness of drivers is a very important consideration. Driving a vehicle is a complex task which involves perceptions, using good judgement, adequate response times and appropriate physical capability.
A range of medical conditions, disabilities and treatments can affect an individual’s ability to safely control a vehicle. All drivers are therefore legally obliged to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical condition that affects their ability to drive. This is vital in helping to make sure that their health does not unduly increase their risk of having a road traffic accident which could cause injury or death to themselves and other road users.
DVLA is responsible for driver licensing in Great Britain (GB). As the volume and complexity of driving licence applications or renewals where the applicant has 1 or more medical condition increases, the government believes that the time is right to review the existing legal framework. However, we recognise that there are many people and organisations with a wide range of expertise that might have views or ideas that they wish to share and that is why we are launching this call for evidence. We want to understand any opportunities for change in this area and we need your help with that.
The aim of this call for evidence is to tap into a wide range of experience, views, and research to help us to identify areas where policy or legislative changes may be able to improve outcomes for drivers and other road users.
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