NDLS Urges Drivers to Declare Medical Conditions Affecting Road Safety

Dublin: The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has issued a reminder to motorists to report any medical conditions or physical issues that could affect their ability to drive safely, warning that failure to do so may result in legal consequences.

Drivers are also advised to inform their insurance providers of any relevant medical conditions. The Road Safety Authority emphasised that continuing to drive after being deemed medically unfit is an offence under Irish law, and that all motorists have a responsibility to act if their condition changes.

Under current regulations, drivers with long-term illnesses or injuries that may impair safe driving must notify the NDLS both when applying for a licence and at any stage after it has been issued. Motorists are required to update their details if their medical status changes.

The NDLS also recommends submitting a medical report form when applying for or renewing a licence. This requirement applies to learner permit applicants, drivers seeking licences for trucks and buses (categories C and D), individuals aged 75 and over, and those with licence code 101, including drivers with a history of conditions such as epilepsy or alcohol dependency, or those taking medications that may impair driving.

The medical report must be completed and signed by a registered doctor and submitted within one month.

Authorities have identified 23 medical conditions that must be disclosed, including:

• Diabetes (when treated with insulin or certain medications)
• Epilepsy
• Stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs)
• Major brain or spinal conditions, including tumours, surgery or serious injury
• Implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators
• Episodes of sudden dizziness or blackouts
• Neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Huntington’s disease
• Memory loss, confusion, or cognitive impairment
• Chronic alcohol or drug dependency
• Serious mental-health conditions
• Parkinson’s disease
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea or narcolepsy
• Vision impairments, including loss of sight in one eye or conditions affecting both eyes
• Severe hearing impairment or learning disabilities
• Physical disabilities affecting the arms or legs that limit driving ability

The NDLS reiterated that full disclosure is essential to ensure road safety and compliance with the law.

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