General

• Drivers must not be suffering from any medical conditions or be taking any medication, drugs or substances which are likely to cause—

  1. a

     a sudden loss of consciousness,

  2. b

     a reduction in attention or concentration,

  3. c

     a loss of balance or coordination,

  4. d

     a significant limitation of mobility.

Vision

• The following requirements as regards vision must be complied with—

  1. a

     aided or unaided distance visual acuity: 1,0; minimum of 0,5 for the worse eye,

  2. b

     maximum corrective lenses: hypermetropia + 5/mypopia −8. Derogations are authorised in exceptional cases and after having obtained the opinion of an eye specialist. The recognised doctor then takes the decision,

  3. c

     near and intermediate vision: sufficient, whether aided or unaided,

  4. d

     contact lenses and glasses are authorised when periodically checked by a specialist,

  5. e

     normal colour vision: use of a recognised test, such as Ishihara, as well as another recognised test if required,

  6. f

     field of vision: full,

  7. g

     vision for both eyes: effective; not required in a case where a person lost binocular vision after starting his job and when that person has adequate adaptation and sufficient compensation experience,

  8. h

     binocular vision: effective,

  9. i

     recognition of colour signals: the test must be based on recognition of single colours and not on relative differences,

  10. j

      sensitivity to contrasts: good

  11. k

      no progressive eye disease,

  12. l

      lens implants, keratotomies and keratectomies are allowed only on condition that they are checked on a yearly basis or at intervals set by a recognised doctor,

  13. m

      ability to withstand dazzle,

  14. n

      coloured contact lenses and photochromatic lenses are not allowed. UV filters are allowed.

Hearing and speaking requirements

• Sufficient hearing confirmed by an audiogram, i.e.—

  • hearing good enough to hold a phone conversation and to be able to hear warning sounds and radio messages.

• The following values should be taken as guidelines—

  1. a

     the hearing deficiency must not be higher than 40 dB at 500 and 1 000 Hz,

  2. b

     the hearing deficiency must not be higher than 45 dB at 2 000 Hz for the ear with the worst air conduction of sound,

  3. c

     no anomaly of the vestibular system,

  4. d

     no chronic speech disorder (given the necessity to exchange messages loudly and clearly),

  5. e

     the use of hearing aids is allowed in special cases.

Pregnancy

• In the event of poor tolerance or a pathological condition, pregnancy must be considered to be a reason for the temporary exclusion of drivers. Legal provisions protecting pregnant drivers must be applied.