§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the development of a national framework of assessment of continuing medical competence to drive of those who have experienced trauma, illness or infirmity. [67111]
§ Mr. JamiesonIn common with all drivers who may have a medical condition affecting their safety to drive, those who have experienced trauma, illness or infirmity are assessed against the standards of medical fitness contained in Directive 91/439/EEC, and against the requirements of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and its associated Regulations. A practical assessment of a driver's competence following head injury or other conditions, such as a stroke, is available at 15 mobility centres around the UK. This facility is used at the request of the medical advisers at DVLA, doctors and the drivers themselves. The Department is in the process of commissioning a research programme to assess the most appropriate means of evaluating drivers with residual deficit following trauma, illness or infirmity.