LRD guides and handbook August 2013

Health and safety law 2013

Chapter 5

Changes to the epilepsy and vision medical standards

Experts recommend that all drivers of any class should have an eye test at least every two years, and whenever there is cause for concern. However, survey results from March 2011 indicate that one in six drivers cannot see well enough to pass the basic eyesight test, according to the Fleet Safety Forum, a division of road safety charity Brake.

Changes to the epilepsy and vision medical standards were made in March 2013. These affect the minimum eyesight standards for driving and the health requirements for drivers with epilepsy and apply to apply to drivers of cars and motorcycles (Group 1) and lorries and buses (Group 2). Details of the changes can be found on the Department for Transport website at: www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/Vision%20changes%2001-05-2012.aspx