Irish drivers warned over five medical conditions that could result see them lose their licence
Drivers across Ireland have been warned about five medical conditions that could lead to their driving licences being revoked under new rules.Thousands of motorists throughout the country each year must fill out what's referred to as a Medical Form for the National Driver Licence Services if they suffer from any long-term injury or illness that might affect their ability to drive safely.Not submitting this form could leave you exposed to fines, bans, or even prosecution from the authorities.The RSA holds a comprehensive list of medical conditions alongside treatments that may affect your entitlement to possess a driver's licence.Here are five of the main conditions that could lead to your licence being revoked if you don't disclose them to the authorities, reports Dublin Live.1. Epilepsy and Sudden BlackoutsEpilepsy is amongst the most common conditions that can lead to a driver's licence being revoked. If you suffer seizures, even for the first time, you must inform the NDLS.According to Epilepsy Ireland, around 45,000 individuals in Ireland have epilepsy, and those who suffer unprovoked seizures must stop driving until they have been seizure-free for at least a year.2. Heart Conditions (Including Arrhythmia and Heart Attacks)Heart conditions can cause sudden dizziness, fainting spells, or blackouts, which could be catastrophic while driving. Conditions including arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and prior heart attacks must be disclosed on a medical form to the NDLS.In particular cases, drivers may need to surrender their licence until their condition stabilises.3. Severe Vision ImpairmentImpaired sight can prove deadly when controlling a vehicle on the road.Irish law requires that you must:Have a visual acuity (with corrective lenses, where necessary) of at least 0.5 (6/12) when using both eyes together.Your horizontal field of vision must be 150° or more.If you have sight in one eye only, you must have a visual acuity (with corrective lenses, where necessary) of at least 0.6 (6/10), an unrestricted field of vision in the eye concerned and your monocular vision must have existed for enough time to allow you to adapt.4. Diabetes with Severe HypoglycaemiaWhile diabetes by itself doesn't prevent you from driving, suffering from Hypoglycaemia - otherwise termed low blood sugar - might result in disqualification.A sudden drop in blood sugar levels can cause confusion, dizziness, and even unconsciousness, posing a considerable danger on the road.5. Neurological Disorders (Including Dementia and Parkinson's Disease)Conditions like dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or motor neurone disease (MND) can seriously impair reaction times, coordination, and mental function, making it vital that drivers submit a medical form to the NDLS.The circumstances necessitating motorists to supply a medical report are detailed 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.Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
