§ Sir Michael MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce a driving test for people currently prohibited from driving due to the condition scotoma. [16664]
§ Mr. BowisA driving test would not be an accurate test of fitness to drive safely in those suffering from a scotoma: it could not reproduce the emergency situations where the effect of a scotoma could have serious road safety consequences. The present clinical test, approved by the Royal College of Ophthalmologist, provides an objective assessment of the visual fitness to drive safely. It also means that a uniform standard can be applied to all drivers.