Driver Health, Fitness & Eyesight Requirements
All drivers must be medically fit and capable of operating a vehicle safely at all times. Driver health directly affects reaction time, awareness, and overall safety on the road.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring they are physically and mentally fit before starting work. This includes eyesight, general health, and freedom from impairment.
Driver Responsibility
- Ensure you are fit to drive before starting work
- Report any health condition that may affect driving
- Do not drive if unwell, impaired, or under the influence
- Maintain eyesight to required standard
Driving while unfit creates a serious safety risk and is not permitted.
Eyesight Requirements
Drivers must meet the minimum eyesight standard required for safe driving.
- Be able to read a standard number plate from at least 20 metres
- Have adequate field of vision
- Wear corrective lenses if prescribed
If corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) are required, they must be worn at all times when driving.
How to Check Your Vision
- Test ability to read number plates at distance
- Check for blurred or double vision
- Ensure no difficulty seeing in low light
- Be aware of glare sensitivity (especially at night)
Drivers should carry out regular informal checks and arrange professional eye tests where needed.
Warning Signs of Vision Problems
- Difficulty reading signs or number plates
- Blurred or double vision
- Eye strain or headaches while driving
- Poor night vision or sensitivity to headlights
If any of these symptoms occur, drivers must stop driving and seek professional advice.
Medical Fitness to Drive
Drivers must not operate vehicles if affected by:
- Illness that affects concentration or coordination
- Dizziness or loss of awareness
- Medication that causes drowsiness
- Fatigue or exhaustion
Any condition that reduces ability to drive safely must be taken seriously.
Alcohol, Drugs & Medication
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited
- Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited
- Prescription medication must be checked for side effects
If medication affects alertness or reaction time, drivers must not drive.
Reporting Health Issues
Drivers must report:
- Any medical condition affecting driving ability
- Any change in eyesight
- Any situation where they are not fit to drive
Early reporting allows issues to be managed safely.
Regular Eyesight Checks
Drivers are expected to:
- Have regular eye tests (recommended every 1–2 years)
- Update prescriptions when required
- Ensure glasses or lenses are suitable for driving
Maintaining eyesight is an ongoing responsibility.
Legal Responsibility
Drivers are legally responsible for ensuring they meet fitness-to-drive standards. Failure to do so can result in:
- Legal penalties
- Insurance invalidation
- Serious consequences in the event of an incident
Compliance & Enforcement
- Driving while unfit is a serious breach
- Failure to report health issues may result in suspension
- Repeated non-compliance will result in removal from the driver network
Driver Declaration
By completing the daily driver check, the driver confirms:
- They are medically fit to drive
- Their eyesight meets required standards
- They are not impaired by illness, fatigue, or medication
