Background
The Road Safety Authority have produced an excellent "Sláinte agus Tiomáint 2022" document detailing information for doctors and others regarding a patient's fitness to drive.
Just a few points:
You have an ethical and legal duty to maintain patient confidentiality.
A doctor's duty is to:
- Assess the person’s medical fitness to drive based on the current Sláinte agus Tiomáint medical standards
- To advise the person regarding the impact of their medical condition or disability on their ability to drive and recommend restrictions and ongoing monitoring as required
- To advise the person of their responsibility to report their condition to the NDLS if their injury or illness may affect their ability to drive
- To report to the NDLS regarding a person’s fitness to drive in the exceptional circumstances where there is a risk to the public and the driver cannot or will not cease driving
There is a difference between the restrictions on Category 1 (car, motorbike, tractor) and Category 2 (bus, lorry etc) licence holders.
Please read the document but it is very comprehensive so I have added a few links to specific recommendations for different groups of conditions below.
Conditions
Neurological disorders
Epilepsy standards for Group 1 and 2.
- 1st unprovoked seizure
- Provoked seizures
- Vertigo
- Brain tumours
- Head injury
- Subdural/subarachnoid bleed
Cardiovascular disorders
- Syncope
- Stroke / TIA
- Angina
- ACS
Drug and alcohol misuse and dependence
Visual disorders
Respiratory and sleep disorders
Others
Links
- RSA website site
- RSA "Medical Fitness to Drive" page (with FAQs and details)
- NDLS advice for patients after injury / splint etc.
- NDLS Patient Leaflets on Health and Driving
- For independent assessments try http://www.southernmobility.ie/html/assessments.html