Any of these five medical conditions could see your licence removed under new rules
Stock image of someone driving a car(Image: Getty)
Motorists throughout Ireland have been alerted to five medical conditions that could result in their driving licences being withdrawn under new regulations.
Thousands of drivers nationwide annually must complete what’s known as a Medical Form for the National Driver Licence Services if they have any chronic injury or illness that might impact their capacity to drive safely.
Failure to submit this form could leave you vulnerable to penalties, disqualifications, or even legal proceedings from the authorities.
The RSA maintains an extensive list of medical conditions along with treatments that may influence your eligibility to hold a driver’s licence.
Below are five of the principal conditions that could result in your licence being withdrawn if you fail to declare them to the authorities.
1. Epilepsy and Sudden Blackouts.
Epilepsy ranks among the most frequent conditions that can result in a driver’s licence being withdrawn. Should you experience seizures, even initially, you must notify the NDLS.
According to Epilepsy Ireland, approximately 45,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy, and those who experience unprovoked seizures must cease driving until they have remained seizure-free for at least a year.
2. Heart Conditions (Including Arrhythmia and Heart Attacks)
Cardiac conditions can trigger sudden dizziness, fainting episodes, or blackouts, which could prove catastrophic whilst driving.
Ailments such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and previous heart attacks must be declared on a medical form to the NDLS.
In certain instances, motorists may be required to relinquish their licence until their condition becomes stable.
3. Severe Vision Impairment.
Compromised eyesight can prove fatal when operating a vehicle on the road.
Irish legislation stipulates that you must:.
4. Diabetes with Severe Hypoglycaemia.
Whilst diabetes alone doesn’t disqualify you from driving, experiencing Hypoglycaemia – also known as low blood sugar – may do so.
An abrupt decline in blood sugar levels can trigger confusion, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness, creating a significant hazard on the road.
5. Neurological Disorders (Including Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease).
Ailments such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or motor neurone disease (MND) can substantially compromise reaction times, coordination, and cognitive abilities, making it absolutely essential that drivers complete a medical form for the NDLS.
A nurse in scrubs(Image: )
The conditions requiring motorists to provide a medical report are listed below:
Diabetes treated by insulin and or sulphonylurea tablets (your doctor can advise whether you are on these or not) no need to tell us if managed by other tablets and or dietEpilepsyStroke or TIAs (minor strokes) with any associated symptoms lasting longer than one monthFits or blackoutsAny type of brain surgery, brain abscess or severe head Injury involving in-patient treatment or a brain tumour or spinal injury or spinal tumourAn implanted cardiac pacemakerAn implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)Repeated attacks of sudden disabling dizzinessAny other chronic neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, or Huntington’s diseaseA serious problem with memory or periods of confusionPersistent alcohol misuse or dependencyPersistent drug misuse or dependencySerious psychiatric illness or mental health problemsParkinson’s diseaseSleep Apnoea syndromeNarcolepsyAny condition affecting your peripheral visionTotal loss of sight in one eyeAny condition affecting both eyes, or the remaining eye if the driver only has one eye (Not including colour blindness or short or long sight)A serious hearing deficiencySevere learning disabilityAny persistent problems with arms or legs which restricts driving to an automatic vehicleAny persistent problems with arms or legs which restricts driving to an adapted vehicleHow to Check If You’re at RiskConsult Your Doctor – If you have any of the conditions listed above or suspect a medical issue affecting your driving, seek medical advice immediately.Check the RSA Guidelines – The RSA provides a full list of reportable conditions on their website.Take an Eye Test – If you’re unsure about your vision, book an eye test to ensure you meet the legal requirements.Be Honest About Your Health – If your doctor advises that your condition affects your ability to drive, inform the NDLS without delay.
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