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Fact Sheet No.1:

Revised MedicalStandards

for Commercial VehicleDrivers

2. What type of health problemsmight affect your fitness todrive?

A number of health problems could affect yourability to perform your work safely. Some of

these include:

heart disease;

diabetes;

sleep disorders;

epilepsy;

blackouts and fainting;

psychiatric disorders;

vision problems; and

age-related decline.

Sleep disorders for example are common andhave been found to increase the rate of crashesby seven fold. The effect on driving of thesedisorders is similar to that seen when a personis over 0.05.

It is important that you tell your doctorthat you are a commercial vehicle

driver.

1. Commercial driving - why isyour health important?

You spend a lot of time on the road - itsdemanding work and you can be responsible forheavy loads, passengers or dangerous goods.Your health is therefore important for your ownsafety as well as public safety. The revised

national medical standards (Assessing Fitnessto Drive, 2003) are there to ensure road safety.

3. What are your legalresponsibilities?

Road safety law (except in Western Australia)requires all drivers to report to the DriverLicensing Authority any permanent or long-term illness that is likely to affect their ability todrive safely.

You also have a duty of careto yourself, thepublic and fellow workers. Therefore you musttell your employer if you have a health problemthat is affecting your ability to drive safely. Youdo not need to tell your employer the details ofyour health condition.

The good news is that most of these conditionscan be effectively treated so that you cancontinue to drive. The important thing is to seekmedical advice early about health problems sothat they can be effectively managed.

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4. What is a Conditional Licenceand how will it affect my work?

A conditional licence enables a person tocontinue to drive as long as certain conditionsor restrictions are met AND as long as theyarent creating an increased safety risk.Conditions may include seeing your doctor or

medical specialistmore regularly for a check-up. These check-ups are to ensure your illnessis well managed so that you can drive safely.

For commercial vehicle drivers a conditionallicence may only be issued on therecommendation of a medical specialist, asdistinct from a GP.

Holding a conditional licence shouldnot affect your employment status as a

driver, provided there are norestrictions that affect your job tasks.

5. Will your doctor notify theLicensing Authority if you arenot fit to drive?

The relationship between you and your doctor is

confidential, so your doctor will not normallycommunicate directly with the Driver LicensingAuthority or your employer. They will provideyou with advice about your ability to drive as wellas a letter or report to take to the authority andyour employer.

(Note: Doctors in South Australia and theNorthern Territory are required to report directlyto the Driver Licensing Authority).

It is your responsibility to report your

health condition to the Driver LicensingAuthority and your employer.

6. What happens if youdont follow yourdoctors advice?

If you continue to drive despite your doctorsadvice and you do not report to the DriverLicensing Authority or to your employer, you arenot fulfilling your legal responsibility. If you have

a crash under these circumstances you may beprosecuted and your insurance will not be valid.

If your doctor is aware that you are continuing todrive and feels that your driving is a serious riskto you and other road users, he or she may feelobliged to report directly to the Driver LicensingAuthority. Your employer may also do the same.

7. For more information

For information about driving and your healthspeak to your local doctor. The person at yourworkplace responsible for health and safetymatters will also be able to help - ask them aboutthe Driving and Your Health Tool Box Talkseries.

Further information is also available from yourlocal Driver Licensing Authority and the NTC andAustroads websites:

www.ntc.gov.au www.austroads.com.au

The useful contacts below are also sources ofgeneral health information and support helpingyou to maintain good health and to keep you onthe road.

LIFELINE

24hr crisissupport

13 11 14

DIABETESAUSTRALIA

9am-5pmweekdays

1300 13 65 88

CANCERHELPLINE

8.30am-5.30pmweekdays

13 11 20

HEARTLINE

9am-5pmweekdays

1300 36 27 87

QUITLINE

8am-8pmQuitsmoking

advice

131 848

SANE

9am-5pmweekdayssupport, referral

and informationon mental health& illness

1800 688 382

MENSLINE

24hr support andinformationservice for men

regarding family,relationships

1300 78 99 78

AMBULANCEFIRE &POLICE

000

State/Territory Services

Refer to local listing in Yellow Pages (usually located in the front ofthe book) for:

- Crisis & Counseling help lines - Suicide helpline

- Drug & Alcohol helpline - Gamblers helpline

- Nutrition Australia - Parent helpline

Looking after your health is like looking after your vehicle - regular care and

maintenance pays off in the long run

For more information seewww.ntc.gov.au

The Driving and Your Health Campaign is supported by: