Medical standards dealing with fitness to drive various forms of transport vehicles are said generally to have been hazard- rather than risk-based so that as a result, significant numbers of drivers are excluded from whatever task is involved. Where risk-based standards have been introduced, they are in some cases poorly directed so that some people are denied employment without justification. The paper reviews the basis of transport medical standards and compares their application to road drivers with other transport modes. The state of knowledge of some common conditions are examined and the paper considers the professional, regulatory and political basis for such medical conditions. Ways in which the results can be used to ensure the maintenance of driving safety are examined.
Abstract