S.I. No. 537/2006 - Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006

• (2) A medical report submitted to a licensing authority in respect of a vehicle category set out in column (1) of the Table below is regarded as a medical report in respect of the category or any of the categories set out in column (2) of the Table opposite the mention in column (1) of that category -

Category	Categories
(1)	(2)
M	M
A1	A1, M
A	A, A1, M
W	W, B
B	W, B
EB	W, B, EB,
C1	W, B, EB, C1,
C	W, B, EB, C, C1
D1	W, B, EB, D1
D	W, B, EB, D, D1
EC1	W, B, EB, C1, EC1
EC	W, B, EB, C, C1, EC, EC1
ED1	W, B, EB, D1, ED1
ED	W, B, EB, D, D1, ED, ED1

• (3) The medical report to accompany an application for a driving licence or a provisional licence shall be a report in scheduled form D.501, D.502 or D.503, as appropriate provided by a registered medical practitioner dated not more than one month prior to the date of application and which indicates that, in the opinion of the registered medical practitioner-

• (a) the applicant meets the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness specified in Schedule 6 and is fit to drive vehicles of the category to which the application relates, and

• (b) the applicant does not appear to require medical review during the period in respect of which the licence is sought.

• (4) A certificate of fitness may be provided by an applicant in lieu of a medical report for the purposes of this Regulation and where such certificate is provided references in this Regulation to a medical report shall be read as including references to a certificate of fitness.

• (5) An application for a provisional licence for category A1, A, B, M or W shall be accompanied by an eyesight report, unless -

• (i) the applicant has previously provided an eyesight report,

• (ii) the application is accompanied by a medical report, or

• (iii) the applicant has previously provided a medical report,

for the purposes of this Regulation.

• (6) In this Regulation “eyesight report” means a report on scheduled form D.502 from a registered ophthalmic optician or a registered medical practitioner dated not more than one month prior to the date of application which satisfies the licensing authority that the eyesight of an applicant for a provisional licence, or in the case of an applicant with defective eyesight for the time being corrected, the eyesight of the applicant as so corrected, complies or does not comply, with the standards set out in Schedule 7.

• (7) An eyesight report in relation to a person shall indicate whether or not the wearing of corrective lenses by the person is necessary to enable the eyesight of that person to meet the standards set out in Schedule 7.

PART 9 ENDORSEMENTS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS

Definitions (Part 8).

42.

“disqualified person” means, as the case may be, a person in respect of whom a consequential, ancillary or special disqualification order has been made;

“driving licence” includes a provisional licence and a foreign driving licence;

“foreign driving licence” means a licence or permit to drive a vehicle (not being a licence or permit issued to a person to enable that person to learn to drive) issued by the competent authority of a state, other than the State;

“officer” means, as the case may be, the clerk or registrar of a court.

Application of Part 8 to foreign driving licences.

43.

Where consequential disqualification order is made.

44.

• (2) Subject to paragraph (4), the driving licence (if any) of the disqualified person shall, within 5 days of the coming into operation of the consequential 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 under paragraph (2) shall retain it until the fifth day after the coming into operation of the consequential disqualification order and shall endorse it and send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

• (4) Where, by virtue of section 30(3)(d) of the Act the operation of a consequential disqualification order has been postponed to a day more than 5 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 5 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 5 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) Paragraphs (2) and (4) are penal regulations.

Where ancillary disqualification order is made.

45.

• (2) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), the driving licence (if any) of the disqualified person shall, within 5 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 under paragraph (2) 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 section 30(3)(d) of the Act the operation of an ancillary disqualification order has been postponed to a day more than 5 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 5 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 5 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 section 30(3)(d) of the Act for a period of more than 5 days, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the appellate court within 5 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 section 30(3)(d) of the Act for a period of more than 5 days, be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the appellate court within 5 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 subparagraph (b) be delivered by the disqualified person to the officer of the appellate court within 5 days of the coming into operation of the order and that officer shall send it to the licensing authority which granted it.

• (6) Paragraphs (2), (4) and (5) are penal regulations.

Where special disqualification order is made.

46.

• (2) Unless the operation of the special disqualification order is suspended pending an appeal, the driving licence of the disqualified person shall, within 5 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 paragraph (2) the District Court clerk shall retain it until the period for lodging a notice of appeal has expired or until 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, or

• (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 (if any) of the disqualified person shall, within 5 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, or

• (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 5 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 section 36(4) of the Act as a result of such special disqualification order and return the driving licence to the licensee, or

• (c) if the appeal is heard and the special disqualification order is annulled and a new order is 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.

• (6) Paragraphs (2) and (4) are penal regulations.

Where order for endorsement in case of conviction is made.

47.

• (2) Where an order under section 36(1) 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 on it the annulment.

• (3) Paragraph (1) is a penal regulation.

Where disqualification is removed.

48.

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

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

• (2) Where, on appeal under section 29(6) 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 holder of the licence, or

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

Delivery of licence in certain cases.

49.

• (a) required under 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) 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,

the person shall deliver the first driving licence obtained thereafter by him or her, within 5 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 under paragraph (1), a note of the requirement shall be attached by the licensing authority to the driving licence.

• (3) Paragraph (1), in relation to the obligation of a person to deliver to an officer of the court a driving licence, is a penal regulation.

Notification of making orders.

50.

• (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 subparagraph (a), or

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

the officer of the court which makes the order shall notify the Road Safety Authority 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 Regulation “disqualification order” means a consequential disqualification order, an ancillary disqualification order or a special disqualification order.

Retention of licence by licensing authority.

51.

Duplicate licences in certain cases.

52.

• (2)
• (a) A duplicate driving licence issued under this Regulation shall be returned by the holder of the licence to the licensing authority where the driving licence sent to the licensing authority is returned under this Part by the licensing authority to the holder.

• (b) This paragraph is a penal regulation.

PART 10 IDENTITY

Photographs.

53.

• (a) be signed on the back by the applicant,

• (b) in the opinion of the licensing authority to whom the application is made, be similar in appearance to the other photograph and provide an adequate facial likeness of the applicant for identification purposes and

• (c) be 3.5cm wide by 4.5cm long, approximately, on a white or other plain light background.

Evidence of identity.

54.

• (a) a passport,

• (b) an employee or student identity card,

• (c) a book issued in the State for payment of social welfare allowances, benefits or pensions,

• (d) a medical card issued in the State,

• (e) a free travel card issued in the State by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs,

• (f) a travel document containing the name and photograph of the holder,

• (g) a signing-on card issued in the State by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs,

• (h) a bank, savings bank book or cheque book,

• (i) a credit or charge card,

• (j) a credit union membership card,

• (k) a birth certificate,

• (l) a marriage certificate, or

• (m) a registration certificate.

PART 11 RECORDS

Keeping of records by licensing authorities.

55.

Information and inspection of records.

56.

• (2) A licensing authority shall, on request and on payment of a fee of €6, supply to any person who satisfies the authority that he or she has reasonable cause there for such information as is requested in relation to a driving licence or provisional licence granted to any specified person by the authority.

• (3) A licensing authority shall, on request, admit a member of the Garda Síochána or an authorised officer of the Minister to the offices of the licensing authority while such offices are open for business and shall permit such member or officer to inspect the records and other documents which the licensing authority are required to keep in accordance with these Regulations and to make copies of them.

SCHEDULE 1 Scheduled Forms

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.

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.

Form D.800 - Application for duplicate driving licence or duplicate Provisional licence.

Form D.900 - Recognised driving licence declaration.

SCHEDULE 2 Disqualifying diseases and disabilities

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

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.

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

• (1) Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories A and A1 -

• (a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety. Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to ride safely by satisfying the following requirements -

• (i) Adjusting the protective outfit, such as gloves, boots, clothes and safety helmet,

• (ii) Performing a random check on the condition of the tyres brakes, steering, emergency stop switch (if applicable), chain oil levels, lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device,

• (iii) Putting the motorcycle on and off its stand and moving it, without the aid of the engine, by walking alongside the vehicle,

• (iv) Parking the motorcycle,

• (b) Behaviour in traffic. Applicants must perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions -

• (i) Riding away: after parking, after a stop in traffic, exiting a driveway,

• (ii) Riding on straight roads, passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces,

• (iii) Riding round bends,

• (iv) Approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions,

• (v) Changing direction, left and right turns, changing lanes,

• (vi) Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available), joining from the acceleration lane, leaving on the deceleration lane,

• (vii) Overtaking/passing, overtaking other traffic (if possible), riding alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars, being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate),

• (viii) Riding at the following (if available): roundabouts, railway level crossings, tram/bus stops, pedestrian crossings, riding up/downhill on long slopes,

• (ix) Taking the necessary precautions when getting off the vehicle.

• (2) Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories B, and EB.

• (a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety. Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive safely by satisfying the following requirements -

• (i) Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position,

• (ii) Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available,

• (iii) Checking that the doors are closed,

• (iv) Performing a random check on the condition of the tyres steering, brakes, fluids (e.g. engine oil, coolant, washer fluid) lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device,

• (v) Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body sheets, cargo doors, cabin locking, way of loading, securing load (category EB only),

• (vi) Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (category EB only),

• (b) Special manoeuvres with a bearing on road safety. A selection of the following manoeuvres shall be tested (including one in reverse gear) -

• (i) Reversing in a straight line or reversing right or left round a corner while keeping within the correct traffic lane,

• (ii) Turning the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and reverse gears,

• (iii) Parking the vehicle and leaving a parking space (parallel oblique or right-angle, forwards or in reverse, on the flat, uphill or downhill),

• (iv) Braking accurately to a stop,

• (v) Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (i.e. not in one line) (category EB only),

• (vi) Reversing along a curve, (category EB only),

• (vii) Parking safely for loading/unloading (category EB only),

• (c) Test candidates must perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions -

• (i) Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway,

• (ii) Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces,

• (iii) Driving round bends,

• (iv) Approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions,

• (v) Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes,

• (vi) Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available): joining from the acceleration leaving on the deceleration lane,

• (vii) Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible) driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars, being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate),

• (viii) Special road features (if available): roundabouts, railway level crossings, tram/bus stops, pedestrian crossings, driving up/downhill on long slopes,

• (ix) Taking the necessary precautions when alighting from the vehicle.

• (3) Skills and behaviour to be tested concerning categories C, EC, C1, EC1, D ED, D1 and ED1.

• (a) Preparation and technical check of the vehicle with a bearing on road safety. Applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of preparing to drive safely by satisfying the following requirements -

• (i) Adjusting the seat as necessary to obtain a correct seated position,

• (ii) Adjusting rear-view mirrors, seat belts and head restraints if available,

• (iii) Random checks on the condition of the tyres, steering, brakes lights, reflectors, direction indicators and audible warning device,

• (iv) Checking the power-assisted braking and steering systems checking the condition of the wheels, wheel nuts, mudguards windscreen, windows and wipers, fluids (e.g. engine oil coolant, washer fluid),

• (v) Checking and using the instrument panel including the recording equipment,

• (vi) Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); riding alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate),

• (vii) Checking the air pressure, air tanks and the suspension,

• (viii) Checking the safety factors relating to vehicle loading: body sheets, cargo doors, loading mechanism (if available), cabin locking (if available), way of loading, securing load (categories C, EC, C1, EC1 only),

• (ix) Checking the coupling mechanism and the brake and electrical connections (categories EC, C1, ED, ED1 only),

• (x) Being capable of taking special vehicle safety measures; controlling the body, service doors, emergency exits, first aid equipment, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment (categories D, ED, D1, ED1 only),

• (b) Special manoeuvres with a bearing on road safety. A selection of the following manoeuvres shall be tested (including one in reverse gear) -

• (i) Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (categories EC, EC1, ED, ED1 only),

• (ii) Reversing along a curve,

• (iii) Parking safely for loading/unloading at a loading ramp/platform or similar installation (categories C, EC, C1 EC1 only),

• (iv) Parking to let passengers on or off the bus safely (categories D ED, D1, ED1 only),

• (v) Coupling and uncoupling, or uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer from its motor vehicle; the manoeuvre must involve the towing vehicle being parked alongside the trailer (i.e. not in one line) (category EB only),

• (c) Test candidates must perform all the following actions in normal traffic situations, in complete safety and taking all necessary precautions -

• (i) Driving away: after parking, after a stop in traffic; exiting a driveway,

• (ii) Driving on straight roads; passing oncoming vehicles, including in confined spaces,

• (iii) Driving round bends,

• (iv) Approaching and crossing of intersections and junctions,

• (v) Changing direction: left and right turns; changing lanes,

• (vi) Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available), joining from the acceleration lane leaving on the deceleration lane,

• (vii) Overtaking/passing: overtaking other traffic (if possible); driving alongside obstacles, e.g. parked cars; being overtaken by other traffic (if appropriate).

SCHEDULE 5 Minimum vehicle requirements for the purposes of the practical driving test where the test vehicle was first registered on or after 1 January 2004

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	Category A1 motorcycle without sidecar with an engine capacity greater than 50 cc or with a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h, but with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc.
B	Category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h.
C	Category C vehicle with a design gross vehicle weight of at least 12000 kilograms, a length of at least eight metres, a width of at least 2,40 metres and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a gearbox having at least 8 forward ratios and recording equipment; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab.
C1	Category C1 vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 4000 kilograms but not exceeding 7,500 kilograms, with a length of at least 5 metres and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and equipped with recording equipment; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab.
D	Category D vehicle having passenger accommodation for more than 16 persons, being at least 10 metres in length, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and recording equipment.
D1	Category D1 vehicle with a length of at least five metres, with a gross vehicle weight of at least 4,000 kilograms, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h; fitted with anti-lock brakes and recording equipment.
EB	A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle 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 should have a design gross vehicle weight of at least 1400 kilograms; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the motor vehicle; the trailer to have a minimum internal length of 2.4 metres, the closed box body may be slightly less wide than the motor vehicle provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle.
EC	either an articulated vehicle or a combination of a category C test vehicle and a trailer of at least 7,5 metres in length; both the articulated vehicle and the combination shall have a maximum authorised mass of at least 20000 kilograms, a length of at least 14 metres and a width of at least 2,40 metres, shall be capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h, fitted with anti-lock brakes, equipped with a gearbox having at least 8 forward ratios and with recording equipment; the cargo compartment shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab.
EC1	A combination made up of a category C1 test vehicle and a trailer with a design gross vehicle weight of at least 2000 kilograms and a minimum internal length of 2.4 metres; this combination shall be at least 8 metres in length; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least as wide and as high as the cab; the closed box body may also be slightly less wide than the cab provided that the view to the rear is only possible by use of the external rear-view mirrors of the motor vehicle.
ED1	A combination, made up of a category D1 test with trailer. The trailer used shall have a design gross vehicle weight of at least 1,400 kg and have internal length of at least 2.4 metres; the cargo compartment of the trailer shall consist of a closed box body which is at least 2 metres wide and 2 metres high.
M	Two-wheeled mechanically propelled vehicle, not capable of being manually propelled, with an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc and
	having a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 km/h.
W	Work vehicle and land tractor.

Minimum vehicle requirements for the purposes of the practical driving test where the test vehicle was first registered prior to 1 January 2004

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	Category A1 motorcycle without sidecar with an engine capacity greater than 50 cc or with a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h, but with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc.
B	Category B vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 km/h.
C	Category C vehicle with a design gross vehicle weight of at least 10,000 kilograms, a length of at least 7 metres, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
C1	Category C1 vehicle with a design gross vehicle weight of at least 4000 kilograms and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
D	Category D vehicle having passenger accommodation for more than 16 persons, being at least 9 metres in length, and capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
D1	Category D1 vehicle capable of a speed of at least 80 km/h.
EB	A combination, made up of a category B test vehicle with trailer, 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 × 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, 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 × 1.2 metres.
ED1	A combination, made up of a category D1 test vehicle with 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 × 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 6 Aspects and standards of physical and mental fitness

Part 1 Eyesight

• (a) the person shall have a 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 a 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 uncorrected 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.

General

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.

General Physique and Physical Disabilities.

• (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.

Hearing

Cardiovascular Diseases

• (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 cardioverter-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 form 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.

Endocrine Disorders.

• (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.

Diseases of the Nervous System.

• (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 -

• (i) has not suffered any epileptic attack during the 12 month period preceding the date of medical examination,

• (ii) has only had nocturnal seizures over a period of 2 years preceding the date of medical examination, and certification is by a consultant neurologist,

• (iii) has only had a single provoked seizure and such seizure was prior to the 6 month period preceding the date of medical examination, and certification is by a consultant neurologist, or

• (iv) has only had simple partial seizures where awareness is fully maintained at all times, and certification is by a consultant neurologist and

• (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.

Mental Disorders

• (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.

Alcohol

Drugs (prescription and illicit) and Medications

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.

Diseases of the Blood

Renal Disorders

Miscellaneous provisions

• (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 subparagraph (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 Eyesight standards

• (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 150.

• (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.

	GIVEN under my Official Seal, 19 October 2006.
	MARTIN CULLEN Minister for Transport

Explanatory Note

These regulations restate the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 1999, as amended, with amendments as follows:-

• • a reference in the recital to section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 which provides for the use of the power to make regulations contained in the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2006 to give effect to Acts of the European Communities in this case transposition of the EU Driver Licensing Directive

• • removal of the automatic entitlement to a category M moped licence where a car or truck or bus licence has been granted. A person who holds a driving licence for a car, truck or bus prior to the commencement date of the 21 October retains entitlement to a moped licence.

Footnotes