S.I. No. 352/1999 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999

• (a) within five days of the day on which the order would have come into operation if there had been no postponement, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the court which made the order in a case where an appeal had not been lodged or to the officer of the appellate court in any other case and that officer shall endorse it and return it to the disqualified person and

• (b) within five days of the coming into operation of the order be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the court which made the order in a case where an appeal had not been lodged or to the officer of the appellate court in any other case and that officer shall send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

Where ancillary disqualification order is made.

• (2) Subject to the provisions of sub-articles (4) and (5) of this article, the driving licence (if any) of the disqualified person shall, within five days of the coming into operation of the ancillary disqualification order, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the court which made the order in a case where an appeal has not been lodged or to the officer of the appellate court in any other case.

• (3) The officer of the court to whom the driving licence is delivered pursuant to sub-article (2) of this article shall retain it until the fifth day after the coming into operation of the ancillary disqualification order and shall endorse it and send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

• (4) Where, by virtue of paragraph (d) of subsection (3) of section 30 of the Act the operation of an ancillary disqualification order has been postponed to a day more than five days after the day on which the order would have come into operation if there had been no such postponement, the driving licence (if any) of the disqualified person, shall—

• (a) within five days of the day on which the order would have come into operation if there had been no postponement, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the court which made the order in a case where an appeal had not been lodged or to the officer of the appellate court in any other case and that officer shall endorse it and return it to the disqualified person, and

• (b) within five days of the coming into operation of the order be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the court which made the order in a case where an appeal had not been lodged or to the officer of the appellate court in any other case and that officer shall send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

• (5) Where an ancillary disqualification order is made by an appellate court in respect of a conviction in relation to which an ancillary disqualification order was not made by the court from which the appeal is taken, the driving licence (if any) of the disqualified person shall—

• (a) where the operation of the order is not postponed under paragraph (d) of subsection (3) of section 30 of the Act for a period of more than five days, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the appellate court within five days of the coming into operation of the order and that officer shall endorse it and send it to the licensing authority which granted it, or

• (b) where the operation of the order has been postponed under paragraph (d) of subsection (3) of section 30 of the Act for a period of more than five days, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the appellate court within five days of the making of the order and that officer shall endorse it and return it to the disqualified person, and

• (c) where the driving licence has been endorsed under paragraph (b) of this sub-article, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the appellate court within five days of the coming into operation of the order and that officer shall send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

Where special disqualification order is made.

• (2) Unless the operation of the special disqualification order is suspended pending an appeal, the driving licence of the disqualified person shall, within five days after the making of the special disqualification order, be delivered by the disqualified person to the District Court clerk.

• (3) Where the driving licence has been delivered to the District Court clerk pursuant to sub-article (2) of this article the District Court clerk shall retain it until the period for lodging a notice of appeal has expired or until the notice of appeal is lodged, and—

• (a) where no notice of appeal is lodged within such period, he or she shall endorse the driving licence and send it to the licensing authority which granted it,

• (b) where a notice of appeal is lodged within such period, he or she shall send the driving licence to the registrar of the Circuit Court.

• (4) Where a special disqualification order has been suspended pending an appeal and notice of appeal has been lodged—

• (a) if notice of withdrawal of the appeal is subsequently given the driving licence of the disqualified person shall, within five days after the day of lodgement of the notice of the withdrawal of the appeal, be delivered by the disqualified person to the registrar of the Circuit Court who shall endorse it and send it to the licensing authority which granted it,

• (b) if the appeal is heard and the special disqualification is annulled and a new special disqualification order is made by the Circuit Court the driving licence (if any) of the disqualified person shall, within five days after the making of the order of the Circuit Court, be delivered by the disqualified person to the registrar of the Circuit Court who shall endorse it and send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

• (5) Where a special disqualification order has not been suspended pending an appeal and notice of appeal has been lodged—

• (a) if notice of withdrawal of the appeal is given the registrar of the Circuit Court shall endorse the driving licence of the disqualified person and send it to the licensing authority which granted it,

• (b) if the appeal is heard and the special disqualification order is annulled the registrar of the Circuit Court shall cancel any endorsement made under sub-section (4) of section 36 of the Act as a result of such special disqualification order and return the driving licence to the licensee,

• (c) if the appeal is heard and the special disqualification order is annulled and a new order made by the Circuit Court the registrar of the Circuit Court shall endorse the driving licence and send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

Where order for endorsement in case of conviction is made.

• (2) Where an order under subsection (1) of section 36 of the Act is annulled on appeal in the case of a person who is the holder of a driving licence the officer of the appellate court shall, on delivery to him or her of the driving licence, note thereon the annulment.

Where disqualification is removed.

• (a) in a case in which the specified date for the removal of the disqualification has passed, shall return the driving licence to the licensee,

• (b) in a case in which the said date has not passed, shall send the driving licence to the licensing authority which granted it.

• (2) Where, on appeal under subsection (6) of section 29 of the Act, the appellate court either removes a disqualification under a consequential disqualification order or under an ancillary disqualification order or varies the date as from which such a disqualification is removed the officer of the appellate court shall, on delivery to him or her of the driving licence of the person in respect of whom the disqualification order was made, endorse the driving licence, and—

• (a) in a case in which the specified date for the removal of the disqualification has passed, shall return the driving licence to the licensee,

• (b) in a case in which the said date has not passed, shall send the driving licence to the licensing authority which granted it.

Delivery of licence in certain cases.

• (a) a person required under the provisions of these Regulations to deliver a driving licence to an officer of a court was, owing to the destruction or loss of the driving licence or for any other reason, unable to deliver it, or

• (b) a person would have been so required to deliver a driving licence to an officer of a court if he or she had been the holder of a driving licence, such person shall deliver the first driving licence obtained thereafter by him, within five days after obtaining it, to the officer of the court who shall endorse it and where a consequential or ancillary disqualification order is not then in operation, return it to the licensee or, where such an order is in operation, send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

• (2) Where a licensing authority granting a driving licence is aware that the driving licence is required to be delivered pursuant to sub-article (1) of this article, a note of the requirement shall be attached by the licensing authority to the driving licence.

Notification of making of orders

• (a) an order is made by a court under section 36 of the Act directing the endorsement on a driving licence of a conviction or of a disqualification order or of both a conviction and a disqualification order or of the removal of a disqualification,

• (b) an order is made by a court confirming, annulling or varying an order referred to at paragraph (a), or

• (c) an order for the suspension of the operation of a special disqualification order is made by a court under paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section 30 of the Act,

the officer of the court which makes the order shall notify the Minister and the licensing authority which granted the driving licence or (if there is no driving licence) the licensing authority for the area in which the person concerned ordinarily resides, of particulars of the order.

• (2) In this article “disqualification order” means a consequential disqualification order, an ancillary disqualification order or a special disqualification order.

Retention of licence by licensing authority.

Penal regulations

Duplicate licences in certain cases.

• (2)
• (a) A duplicate driving licence issued pursuant to this article shall be returned by the licensee to the licensing authority where the driving licence sent to the licensing authority is returned pursuant to this Part of these Regulations by the licensing authority to the licensee.

• (b) This sub-article shall be a penal regulation.

PART 7 Miscellaneous Provisions

Photographs.

• (a) each of the photographs shall be signed on the back by the applicant,

• (b) each of the photographs shall, in the opinion of the licensing authority, provide an adequate facial likeness of the applicant for identification purposes, and

• (c) the photographs shall comply with any conditions specified by the Minister under sub-article (2) of this article.

• (2) The Minister may from time to time specify conditions as to the size, shape type or other features of photographs required to accompany an application for a licence or duplicate licence under these Regulations.

Evidence of identity.

a passport; an employee or student identity card; a book issued in the State for payment of social welfare allowances, benefits or pensions; a medical card issued in the State; a free travel card issued in the State by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affiars; a travel document containing the name and photograph of the holder; a signing-on card issued in the State by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs; a Bank or Savings Bank book; a cheque book; a credit card; a credit union membership card; a birth certificate; a marriage certificate; a certificate of registration.

Revocations.

Codes indicating additional information and restrictions.

TABLE

Column 1	Column 2
Code	Restriction
10	Modified transmission
15	Modified clutch
20	Modified accelerator system
25	Modified braking system
30	Modified combined braking and accelerator system
35	Modified control layouts
40	Modified steering
42	Modified rear-view mirrors
43	Modified driving seat
45	Motorcycle with sidecar only
78	Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission

• (2) A licensing authority shall

• (i) denote on a driving licence the code or codes denoted on a certificate of competency as referred to in sub-article (1) of this article, and

• (ii) denote on a driving licence or a provisional licence the appropriate code or codes set out in column 1 of the following table to indicate the additional information or restrictions applicable to the licence or to the licence holder set out in column 2 of that Table.

TABLE

Column 1	Column 2
Code	Additional information/restrictions
01	Must wear corrective lenses
02	Must wear hearing aid
03	Limb prosthesis/orthesis
70	Exchange of recognised driving licence
71	Duplicate licence
73	Restricted to category B vehicles of the motor tricycle or quadricycle type
100	Restricted to vehicles adapted to suit disability of licensee (provisional licence holders and persons granted a certificate of competency or a driving licence prior to 15 November, 1999)
101	Renewal subject to submission of a valid medical report
102	Diplomatic licence
991	First provisional licence in category
992	Second provisional licence in category
993	Third or subsequent provisional licence in category
999	Must be accompanied by a qualified driver.

• (3)
• (a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this sub-article, a licensing authority shall when granting a driving licence, denote on the licence the code 70 referred to in column 1 of the Table in sub-article (2) of this article, in case where the application for the licence is accompanied by a recognised driving licence.

• (b) The said code 70 referred to in paragraph (a) of this sub-article shall be followed by the appropriate country code set out in column 1 of the Table in this sub-article, to indicate the country of origin of the recognised driving licence, as set out in column 2 of the Table in this sub-article, submitted with the driving licence application.

TABLE

Column 1	Column 2
Country Code	Country
A	Austria
B	Belgium
DK	Denmark
FIN	Finland
F	France
D	Germany
GR	Greece
I	Italy
L	Luxembourg
NL	Netherlands
P	Portugal
E	Spain
S	Sweden
GB	United Kingdom
AUS	Australia
GBZ	Gibraltar
IS	Iceland
GBM	Isle of Man
J	Japan
GBJ	Jersey
FL	Liechtenstein
N	Norway
ZA	South Africa
ROK	South Korea
CH	Switzerland

SCHEDULE 1 Scheduled Forms

Articles 3 , 4 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 18 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 31 , 37 , 38 and 42

Form D.201 — Application for a provisional licence.

Form D.202 — Provisional licence.

Side 1

Side 2

Form D.301 — Application for a certificate of competency.

	APPLICATION FOR A DRIVING TEST	[image omitted]

BEFORE COMPLETING THIS FORM PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION PROVIDED OVERLEAF

When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		Driver Testing Section,
When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		Department of the Environment
When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		and Local Government
When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		Government Offices,
When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		Ballina, Co. Mayo
When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		Telephone: (096) 24200
When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		Fax: (096) 24400
When you have the applications form completed, please forward it along with the correct fee to the address given across. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two weeks, please contact the Department to confirm your application has been received		LoCall (1890) 40 60 40

1.	Please state the category in which you wish to be tested A list of the categories and a description of the type of		(please note that you may apply for a test in respect of one category only)
	vehicle which they cover is given overleaf)
---	---	---
2.	Have you previously applied for a driving test?	Yes If yes, please give the approximate date of the test
		No. ________
---	---	---
3.	Please nominate the Centre at which you wish to be tested. (A list of Centres is given on the back of this form).
4.	What is your date of birth?	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
		DAY MON YEAR
---	---	---	---
5.	Please indicate any date, (e.g. a particular day each week) or periods when you will be UNAVAILABLE to undergo the test e.g. exams, holidays, etc.	DAYS	Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri
		PERIODS	From
---	---	---	---
6.	Do you have any physical disability which requires you to drive a specially adapted vehicle?	Yes	No
---	---	---
7.	Any other relevant information about your application.	_______
		_______
---	---	---	---
8.	Please list the telephone numbers at which you may be contacted.
		HOME	WORK
---	---	---
9.	Please give your full name (Mr. M/s. etc.) and Address (BLOCK CAPITALS)	Mr/Ms, etc.
		Surname
		First Name(s)
		Address
---	---	---	---
10.	I wish to apply for a driving test and I declare that the information which I have furnished is correct.	SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT	___
		DATE	___

Form D.302 — Certificate of competency.

Form D.401 — Application for a driving licence.

Form D.402 — Driving licence.

Side 1

Side 2

Form D.501 — Medical report.

Form D.502 — Eyesight report.

Form D.503 — Certificate of fitness.

ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, 1981

Name of

Applicant....................................

Address......................................

.....................................................

.....................................................

CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS

Having considered the application of the person named above for a Certificate of Fitness and the accompanying report of the registered medical practitioner as to the relevant aspects of the applicant's physical and mental condition, I hereby certify that the applicant is fit to drive vehicles to class(es):

The period of validity of this Certificate, for the purpose of sub-article 2 of Article 37 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers), Regulations, 1999, is:

............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ .........

SIGNED............................................................ ............................................................ .......................................................

Designated Officer

DATE............................................................ ............................................................ ...........................................................

Ordinary Signature

of Applicant............................................................ ............................................................ ...................................................

IMPORTANT NOTES

• (1) This Certificate is not valid until it has been signed by you.

• (2) A Certificate of Fitness ceases to be valid unless it is submitted to a licensing authority with an application for a driving licence or a provisional licence within 6 months after the date of issue of the certificate.

• (3) Under Section 34 (5) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 a person aggrieved by a decision on an application for a Certificate of Fitness may appeal to the District Court

Form D.800 — Application for duplicate driving licence or duplicate provisional licence.

Form D.900 — Recognised driving licence declaration.

EXCHANGE OF DRIVING LICENCE

DECLARATION OF VALIDITY OF RECOGNISED DRIVING LICENCE

I hereby declare that my normal residence is in Ireland and:-	I hereby declare that my normal residence is in Ireland and:-
(a)	I hold a genuine driving licence issued in
		(insert name of State)
(b)	the particulars of my ____ driving licence are as follows:-	the particulars of my ____ driving licence are as follows:-
---	---	---	---
reference number
expiry date
	day	month	year
categories of vehicle
issuing authority

(c)	I took up normal residence in Ireland on (insert date)
		day	month	year
---	---
(d)	I wish to surrender my ____ driving licence
	and to receive in exchange an Irish driving licence.
	Signature ____ Date _______
---	---	---
Name and address	___________
(in BLOCK letters please)
(in BLOCK letters please)	___________
	___________
---	---
The above declaration must be provided by a person who is resident in Ireland and who wishes to exchange a recognised driving licence for an Irish driving licence. A recognised driving licence is a driving licence issued in a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area, or a State declared to be a “recognised State” under the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999.
All recognised licences presented for exchange purposes must either be current, OR:-
---	---	---
(a)	in the case of licences issued by a member of state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area, have expired within the ten year period preceding the date of licence exchange application,
	OR
(b)	in the case of licences issued by a “recognised State” other than a member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area, have expired within the twelve month period preceding the date of licence exchange application.

SCHEDULE 2 Disqualifying diseases and disabilities.

Articles 9 , 15 , 23 and 42

Dependence on or regular abuse of psychotropic substances.

Serious arrhythmia resulting in loss of consciousness.

SCHEDULE 3 Diseases or disabilities where a medical report is required.

Articles 15 , 23

42

Alcoholism.

Any physical disablement which is likely to affect ability to drive safely.

Any illness which requires the regular use of psychotropic substances.

Any illness or disease which requires the regular use of medications likely to affect ability to drive safely.

Cardiovascular diseases.

Diplopia, defective binocular vision or loss of visual field.

Serious hearing deficiency.

Diabetes.

Epilepsy.

Encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis or hereditary diseases of the nervous system associated with progressive muscular atrophy and congenital-myotonic disorders.

Diseases of the peripheral nervous system.

Trauma of the central or peripheral nervous system.

Cerebrovascular diseases.

Lesion with damage to spinal cord and resultant paraplegia.

Mental disturbance due to disease or trauma of, or operation upon, the central nervous system.

Severe mental retardation.

Psychosis.

Psychoneurosis or personality disorders.

Serious diseases of the blood.

Any disease of the genito-urinary system (including renal disorder) which is likely to affect ability to drive safely.

SCHEDULE 4 Driving operations to be carried out during the practical driving test.

Article 29

Part 1

• (i) Starting and stopping the engine.

• (ii) Moving off, (straight ahead and at an angle) on uphill and downhill slopes.

• (iii) Meeting, moving with and overtaking other traffic.

• (iv) Taking left and right hand turnings and crossing intersections.

• (v) Stopping the vehicle at various speeds including an emergency stop.

• (vi) Parking the vehicle (other than a motorcycle) on uphill and downhill slopes, and oblique parking.

• (vii) Causing the vehicle to face in the opposite direction using the steering, gears and brakes.

• (viii) Reversing a vehicle (other than a motorcycle) in a straight line and around corners.

• (ix) Giving signals by hand or by the use of direction indicators, of intended actions.

• (x) Complying with signals for the control of traffic and taking appropriate action on meeting traffic signs and other authorised signs.

• (xi) In the case of a motorcycle, driving the vehicle at slow speed.

Part 2

Drivers must be capable of:—

• (i) adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position (except for category A1, A and M);

• (ii) checking that the doors are closed, where fitted;

• (iii) adjusting rear view mirrors, where fitted;

• (iv) adjusting seat belts, where fitted.

• (i) starting the engine and moving off smoothly both on the flat and on an uphill slope;

• (ii) accelerating to a suitable speed while maintaining a straight course, including during gear changes;

• (iii) adjusting speed to negotiate left or right turns at junctions while maintaining control of the vehicle;

• (iv) reversing in a straight line and reversing right or left round a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane (except for category A1, A and M);

• (v) turning the vehicle to face in the opposite direction using forward and reverse gears (category B only);

• (vi) braking accurately to a stop;

• (vii) parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space.

Drivers must be able to use the secondary controls of the vehicle:—

windscreen wipers, windscreen washers, demister, air-conditioning (where fitted) and lights (except for category A1, A and M).

• (i) observing (including the use of rear-view mirrors) road alignment, markings, signs and potential or actual risks;

• (ii) communicating with other road users using all authorised means;

• (iii) reacting appropriately in actual risk situations should circumstances demand;

• (iv) complying with road traffic regulations and the instructions of the Garda Síochána, wardens etc.;

• (v) showing due respect for other road users.

• (b) Drivers must also have the skills needed, in traffic situations, to safely:—

• (i) move off from the kerb and/or a parking space;

• (ii) drive with the vehicle correctly positioned on the road, adjusting speed to traffic conditions and the line of the road;

• (iii) keep the right distance between vehicles;

• (iv) change lanes;

• (v) pass parked or stationary vehicles and obstacles;

• (vi) approach and cross junctions;

• (vii) turn right and left at junctions or to leave the carriageway;

• (viii) take the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle;

and, if the opportunity is given—

• (ix) pass oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces, and overtake other traffic.

• (i) Category A1 and A

Drivers must know how to:

• (a) adjust their crash helmet;

• (b) remove the vehicle from its stand;

• (c) park the motorcycle on its stand;

• (d) perform a U-turn;

• (e) keep the vehicle balanced at various speeds, including slow speeds, and in different driving situations;

• (f) lean over to turn.

• (ii) Category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 and ED

Drivers must be capable of:—

• (a) checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems;

• (b) using the various braking systems, where fitted (except for category C1 and D1);

• (c) using speed reduction systems other than the brakes, where fitted (except for category C1 and D1);

• (d) adjusting course when turning to allow for the length of vehicle and its overhangs (except for category C1 and D1); and

• (e) taking special vehicle safety measures (category D1, D and ED1).

• (iii) Category EB, EC1, EC, ED1 and ED

• (a) coupling and uncoupling a trailer or semi-trailer to/from its tractor vehicle.

SCHEDULE 5 Eyesight standards

Article 42

• (a) The person shall have a binocular visual acuity (with corrective lenses where necessary) of not less than 0.5 when using both eyes together.

• (b) The horizontal field of vision of the person shall not be less than 150½.

• (c) A person with sight in one eye shall have a visual acuity (with corrective lenses where necessary) of not less than 0.6, and unrestricted field of vision in the eye concerned and the monocular vision must have existed for sufficient time to allow adaptation.

• (d) When the wearing of corrective lenses is necessary for driving, this shall be recorded on the eyesight report.

SCHEDULE 6 Aspects and standards of physical and mental fitness

Article 36 and

42

Part 1 Eyesight

• (a) the person shall have binocular vision with a visual acuity (with corrective lenses where necessary) of at least 0.75 in the better eye and of at least 0.5 in the worse eye; if corrective lenses are used, the uncorrected vision must be not less than 0.1 and the correction must be tolerated;

• (b) fitness to drive shall not be certified if, on examination, it is found that the applicant has a restricted field of vision, diplopia or defective binocular vision.

• (a) the person shall have binocular vision with a visual acuity (with corrective lenses where necessary) of at least 0.8 in the better eye and at least 0.5 in the worse eye. If corrective lenses are used to attain the values of 0.8 and 0.5 the unrestricted acuity in each eye must read 0.05, or else the minimum acuity (0.8 and 0.5) must be achieved either by correction by means of glasses with a power not exceeding plus or minus 8 dioptres, or with the aid of contact lenses. The correction must be well tolerated;

• (b) fitness to drive shall not be certified in respect of applicants without a normal binocular field of vision or suffering from diplopia.

Part 2 Other Aspects of Physical and Mental Fitness

Preamble

Driving is more comfortable and safe if all medical conditions are under optimal control. Specialist opinion may be helpful in cases of doubt, not only to help decision-making when driving may no longer be safe but also to ensure a maximisation of health status and the provision of relevant compensatory measures i.e. spectacles, car choice, vehicle adaptations, physiotherapy.

• (1) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive a vehicle of any category, the medical examination shall take account of the following aspects of the applicant's physical and mental condition:

ear conditions (vertigo and labyrinthine conditions),

general physique and physical disabilities,

condition of cardiovascular system,

condition of haemopoietic system,

condition of endocrine system,

condition of respiratory system,

condition of gastro-intestinal system,

condition of genito-urinary system,

condition of nervous system,

condition of mental system.

In so far as any condition of abnormality in any one or more of these aspects would affect such person's fitness to drive safely vehicles of that category having regard to—

• (a) the ability of the person concerned, both physically and mentally, to operate efficiently and safely the controls of the vehicles and to continue so to operate the controls over a reasonable period,

• (b) the susceptibility of the person concerned to sudden incapacity, such as loss of consciousness, fainting or giddiness, which might affect such person's ability to operate the controls of the vehicle so as to bring the vehicle to stop safely, and

• (c) the susceptibility of the person concerned to fatigue such that such person's ability to operate the controls of the vehicle might be seriously impaired.

• (2) Fitness to drive shall not be certified in the case of an applicant to drive a vehicle of any category who suffers from any condition or abnormality in any one or more of the aspects of such person's physical and mental condition set out in sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph to such extent that the driving by the applicant of vehicles of the category to which the application relates would be a danger to the applicant or other road users.

• (3) Special attention shall be paid to the additional risks and dangers involved in driving vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED.

• (1) As a general rule, fitness to drive shall not be certified in respect of persons suffering from complaints or abnormalities of the locomotor system which make it dangerous for them to drive a power-driven vehicle.

• (2) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W, fitness to drive may be certified in respect of physically handicapped persons subject to periodic medical review. Where a person is suffering from a progressive complaint, fitness to drive may be certified on condition that the disabled person is regularly examined to check that the person concerned is still capable of driving the vehicle efficiently and safely.

• (3) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED, ED1 or ED, the medical examination shall cover the full range of body movements — strength, control and co-ordination — and in particular, movements of the upper and lower limbs. Fitness to drive shall not be certified if the applicant has any disablement which is likely to prevent the proper and safe control of such vehicles.

In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive a vehicle of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED, fitness to drive shall not be certified if the applicant's hearing is so deficient that it interferes with the proper discharge of his or her duties as a driver.

• (1) Any disease capable of exposing an applicant for a first licence or a driver applying for a renewal of a licence to a sudden failure of the cardiovascular system such that there is a sudden impairment of the cerebral functions constitutes a danger to road safety.

• (2) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W, the following should be noted—

• (a) fitness to drive shall not be certified if the applicant suffers from serious arrhythmia resulting in loss of consciousness.

In this connection, persons with ventricular tachyarrhythmias treated by an implantable cardio-verter-defibrillator (ICD) have an ongoing risk of sudden incapacitation that might cause harm to others while driving. Such persons with New York Heart Functional Class III shall not be certified as being fit to drive. However, fitness to drive may be certified in respect of such patients with New York Heart Functional Class I or II subject to — (i) certification by a consultant cardiologist, and (ii) regular medical review

• (b) fitness to drive may be certified in respect of persons wearing a pacemaker subject to regular medical review;

• (c) the question whether to certify a person suffering from abnormal arterial blood pressure as being fit to drive shall be assessed with reference to the other results of the medical examination, any associated complications and the danger they might constitute to road safety; and

• (d) generally speaking, fitness to drive shall not be certified in respect of persons suffering from angina during rest or emotion. Persons who have suffered myocardial infarction may be certified as being fit to drive subject to regular medical review.

• (3) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED who suffers from cardiovascular diseases, the medical examination shall take due account of the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of such vehicles.

• (1) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W who suffers from diabetes, fitness to drive may be certified for a limited period only so as to ensure that the applicant remains under medical supervision.

• (2) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED who suffers from diabetes, fitness to drive may be certified for a limited period only so as to ensure that the applicant remains under medical supervision. However, persons who suffer from diabetes which requires insulin treatment may only in very exceptional cases be certified as being fit to drive vehicles of any of the categories mentioned above. This latter shall be subject to — (i) certification by a consultant specialist in endocrinology with a special interest in diabetes, and (ii) annual medical review.

• (3) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of any category, fitness to drive shall not be certified where the applicant suffers from a severe endocrine disorder, other than diabetes, to such extent that the driving by the applicant of the vehicles to which the application relates would be a danger to the applicant or other road users.

• (1) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive a vehicle of any category who suffers from—

• (a) encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis or hereditary diseases of the nervous system associated with progressive muscular atrophy and congenital myotonic disorders,

• (b) diseases of the peripheral nervous system, or

• (c) trauma of the central or peripheral nervous system,

fitness to drive shall be certified for a limited period only so as to ensure that the applicant remains under medical supervision.

Neurological disturbances associated with diseases or surgical intervention affecting the central or peripheral nervous system, which lead to sensory or motor deficiencies and affect balance and co-ordination, must be taken into account in relation to their functional effects and the risks of progression. In such cases and in the event of risk of deterioration, fitness to drive shall be for a limited period only.

• (2) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive a vehicle of any category who suffers, or has suffered in the past, from epilepsy, fitness to drive—

• (a) may be certified for a limited period in relation to vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W where the applicant has not suffered any epileptic attack during the twelve month period preceding the date of medical examination,

• (b) shall not be certified in relation to vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED.

• (3) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of Category A1, A, B, EB, M or W who suffers from a cerebrovascular disease, fitness to drive may be certified—

• (a) provided that, where necessary, the controls of the vehicle to be driven are suitably rearranged or modified or a suitable special type of vehicle is used, and

• (b) for a limited period only so as to ensure that the applicant remains under medical supervision.

• (4) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W who has suffered a lesion with damage to the spinal cord and resultant paraplegia, fitness to drive may be certified subject to the vehicle to be driven being fitted with special controls.

• (5) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED, fitness to drive shall not be certified where the applicant suffers, or has at any time suffered, from a cerebrovascular disease or a lesion with damage to the spinal cord and resultant paraplegia.

• (1) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W, the medical examination shall take due account of:—

• (a) severe mental disturbance, whether congenital or due to disease, trauma or neurosurgical operation on the central nervous system;

• (b) severe mental retardation;

• (c) psychosis, which in particular has caused general paralysis; or

• (d) severe behavioural problems due to dementia; psychoneurosis; or personality defects or disorders leading to seriously impaired judgement, behaviour or adaptability.

If necessary, certification shall be for a limited period only.

• (2) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED who suffers from any of the disorders outlined in (1) above, the medical examination shall take due account of the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of such vehicles.

In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of any category who suffers from or has suffered in the past from alcoholism, fitness to drive may be certified for a limited period only, so as to ensure that the applicant remains under medical supervision.

• (1) Abuse:

In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of any category, fitness to drive shall not be certified if the person concerned is dependent on psychotropic substances or, if the person is not dependent on such substances, regularly abuses them.

• (2) Regular Use:

• (a) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W, fitness to drive shall not be certified if the person concerned regularly uses psychotropic substances, in whatever form, which can hamper the ability to drive safely where the quantities absorbed are such as to have an adverse effect on driving. This shall apply to all other medications or combinations of medications which affect the ability to drive.

• (b) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED who regularly uses psychotropic substances or medications, the medical examination shall take due account of the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of such vehicles.

In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive a vehicle of any category, special attention shall be paid to serious diseases of the blood.

In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of any category, fitness to drive shall not be certified where the applicant suffers from severe renal deficiency to such extent that the driving by the applicant of vehicles of the category to which the application relates would be a danger to the applicant or to other road users.

• (1) In the case of an applicant for a licence to drive vehicles of category A1, A, B, EB, M or W who has had an organ transplant or an artificial implant which affects the ability to drive, fitness to drive may be certified subject to periodic medical review. Fitness to drive may also be certified in respect of such persons to drive vehicles of category C1, C, D1, D, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED but due account should be taken of the additional risks and dangers involved in the driving of such vehicles.

• (2) As a general rule, where an applicant for a licence to drive a vehicle of any category suffers from any disorder not mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above which gives rise to, or is likely to result in, a functional incapacity affecting safety at the wheel, the medical examination shall take due account of the risks and dangers involved in the driving of the vehicles in question and certification of fitness in such instances shall be subject to periodic medical review.

SCHEDULE 7 Minimum vehicle requirements for the purposes of the practical driving test.

Article 29

Category	Vehicles in Category
A	Motorcycle without sidecar with an engine capacity greater than 125 cc and capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h.
A1	Motorcycle without sidecar with an engine capacity greater than 50 cc or with a maximum design speed or more than 45 km/h, but with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc.
B	Four-wheeled vehicle having a design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg, with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 persons, and capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h.
C	Vehicle with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 persons, having a design gross vehicle weight of at least 10,000 kg, a length of at least 7 metres, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
C1	Vehicle with passenger accommodation for not more than 8 persons, having a design gross vehicle weight of at least 4,000 kg but not exceeding 7,500 kg, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
D	Vehicle having passenger accommodation for more than 8 persons, being at least 9 metres in length, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
D1	Vehicle having passenger accommodation for more than 8 persons but not more than 16 persons, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
EB	A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle with trailer, capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h, which should be either—
	(a) a 4 wheel drive vehicle and trailer, or
	(b) a vehicle with a minimum length of at least 4.25 metres and trailer.
	The trailer used shall have a design gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg and have internal dimensions of at least 2.4 metres x 1.2 metres.
EC	Articulated vehicle having a combined design gross vehicle weight of at least 18,000 kg and an overall length of at least 12 metres, capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
EC1	A combination, made up of a category C1 test vehicle with trailer, capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h, and having a combined length of at least 8 metres. The trailer used shall have a design gross vehicle weight of at least 2,000 kg and have internal dimensions of at least 2.4 metres x 1.2 metres.
ED1	A combination, made up of a category D1 test vehicle with trailer, capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h. The trailer used shall have a design gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg and have internal dimensions of at least 2.4 metres x 1.2 metres.
M	Two-wheeled mechanically propelled vehicle, not capable of being manually propelled, with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc and/or having a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 km/h.
W	Work vehicle and land tractor.

SCHEDULE 8 Regulations Revoked

Article 57

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989 ( S.I. No. 285 of 1989 );

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1989 ( S.I. No. 353 of 1989 );

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1991 ( S.I. No. 320 of 1991 );

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1993 ( S.I. No. 5 of 1993 );

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1994 ( S.I. No. 56 of 1994 );

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1995 ( S.I. No. 217 of 1995 );

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1996 ( S.I. No. 328 of 1996 );

Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) (Amendment) Regulations, 1997 ( S.I. No. 511 of 1997 ).

	Dated this 6th day of November, 1999.
	ROBERT MOLLOY,
	Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)

These Regulations revoke and consolidate with amendments all Regulations made to date under Part III of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 in relation to the licensing of drivers (other than Regulations incorporated in the Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (International Circulation) Order, 1992).

The main amendments incorporated in these Regulations provide for:—

• (a) some changes to the categorisation of vehicles for driver licensing purposes to comply with Council Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences,

• (b) the introduction of a requirement on higher category drivers (Category C1 upwards) to undergo periodic medical assessment for licence renewal purposes in line with the provisions of Council Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences,

• (c) the revision in certain respects of the physical and mental fitness criteria for driver licensing purposes,

• (d) the introduction of a harmonised numerical coding system for the purposes of indicating on licences specific additional information/restrictions in relation to licence holders as provided for in Council Directive 97/26/EEC,

• (e) the setting out in greater detail of the driving operations to be carried out during the practical driving test with effect from 3 April 2000,

• (f) the introduction of a 25 kW engine size restriction in relation to category A (motorcycle) licence holders as provided for in Council Directive 91/439/EEC on driving licences,

• (g) the recognition in Ireland of driving licences issued by any other member state of the European Union or of the European Economic Area for as long as such licences remain valid.