Driving standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy



Driving with uncorrected vision is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 brought UK driving licensing standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy into line with the requirements of an EU Directive and require Group 2 drivers (drivers of heavy vehicles, including medium to large lorries and buses) to be assessed every five years, irrespective of age.



Bus and lorry drivers are able to take their driving test wearing spectacles and spectacle wearers need to provide evidence at their five-yearly assessment (such as an optician’s prescription) to demonstrate that their glasses meet the vision standards in the Directive.



There is no statutory entitlement to paid time off for the five-yearly medical tests. Neither is the employer obliged to pay the costs associated with any testing. Reps should try to negotiate either reasonable paid time off, or access to an on-site occupational health provider (where available) during working hours, to avoid drivers having to use their annual leave to attend. Details of the minimum eyesight standards for driving and the health requirements for drivers with epilepsy applying to drivers of cars and motorcycles (Group 1) and lorries and buses (Group 2) can be found on the Department for Transport website. 



An insulin-treated diabetic may hold a Group 2 driving licence, as long as the condition is properly controlled and monitored. In particular, applicants must use a glucose meter with a memory function and must attend an annual review by a consultant diabetologist, with at least three months of blood glucose readings stored on the meter.