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Transport: Eyesight Tests

Answer

Commercial pilots must hold a valid joint aviation authorities' class 1 medical certificate to exercise the privileges of their licence. The medical certificate must be revalidated periodically depending on the pilot's age and type of operation undertaken. Eyesight is tested at each revalidation medical examination, either six monthly or annually. Private pilots who require a class 2 medical certificate must have this revalidated periodically and pilots must also have a medical declaration countersigned by their GP that confirms they satisfy DVLA standards for driving, including the eyesight standard. After its initial issue a medical declaration has to be countersigned every five years from age 45 and annually from age 65. Train drivers must meet the visual acuity requirements, including for colour vision, set out in Railway Group Standards and the Rail Industry Approved Code of Practice (RACOP) GO/RC3561 on Staff Suitability and Fitness. The timing of the periodic medical examination to satisfy the RACOP depends on the driver's age at the time of the previous examination, but corresponds to a five year period. Any applicant for a certificate of competency to work on a ship and anyone working on a seagoing ship must hold an ENG1 seafarer medical certificate. An eyesight examination is required for the ENG1 certificate, which must be renewed every two years. Bus and lorry drivers must have their eyesight tested at their first licence application and when they renew their licence at age 45, every five years thereafter until age 65 and annually from age 65. Motorcyclists and car drivers must self-declare that their eyesight meets the minimum standard required for safe driving. This is required at first licence application, at licence renewal, at age 70 and every three years thereafter. The ability to meet the minimum eyesight standard is also checked by the driving examiner as part of the practical driving test.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

16415; 736 c179-80WA

Session

2010-12

Related items

Transport: Eyesight Tests
Monday, 23 April 2012
Written questions
House of Lords

Subjects

Aviation Buses Cars Driving Eyesight Large goods vehicle drivers Motorcycles Shipping Testing Trains

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk