§ Mr. Boothasked the Minister of Tranport how the medical standards set out in annexe III of R/3075/75 draft first Council directive on a Community driving licence differ from the current medical requirements for a United Kingdom driving licence.
§ Mr. FowlerThe application of annexe III of the draft directive on the introduction of a Community driving licence would be governed by article 6.1 of the directive, which requires member States to adopt medical standards for new driving licences "not substantially less stringent" than in the annexe. In practice the United Kingdom's current medical standards, although somewhat more flexible, vary only marginally from those in annexe III; they are certainly not substantially less stringent overall. The directive also includes powers to derogate from the medical standards in certain circumstances. No changes in the United Kingdom's existing medical requirements would, therefore, be required in the event of the directive's formal adoption.
Annexe II deals with minimum requirements for driving tests, where, again, no changes in the existing United Kingdom regulations are envisaged.