What diseases will not allow people to drive?

The Ministry of Health is drafting a circular regulating health standards, health examinations for drivers and operators of specialized motorbikes; and periodic health examinations for car drivers.

According to the draft, drivers are responsible for providing complete and honest information about their health status and medical history. They are also legally responsible for the information provided during the health check.

In addition, drivers must proactively undergo health check-ups after treatment for illness or accidents. Car drivers must comply with the requirements of periodic and unscheduled health check-ups by state management agencies of health or transportation.

The draft elaborates on health standards for drivers and operators of specialized motorbikes. In particular, people with one of the conditions in 9 groups of diseases will not be eligible to drive vehicles of the corresponding categories.

9 groups of diseases include mental; neurological; eye; ear, nose and throat; cardiovascular; respiratory; musculoskeletal; endocrine; use of drugs, alcohol, drugs and psychotropic substances.

Regarding psychiatric specialties, people with acute mental disorders, chronic mental disorders that cannot control their behavior, acute mental disorders that have been completely cured but not for 24 months or chronic mental disorders, will not be allowed to drive class A, A1, B1 motorbikes.

Regarding eyesight, people with disorders in recognizing the three primary colors red, yellow, and green will not be allowed to drive. People with double vision, glare, or reduced vision at dusk (night blindness) will not be allowed to drive vehicles of classes A, C1, C, D1, D2, D, BE, C1E, CE, D1E, D2E, and DE.

If approved, the circular will take effect from January 1, 2025.