Written question asked by Michael Marshall (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 1997. It was answered by John Bowis (Conservative) on Monday, 24 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Dept of Transport

Question: If he will introduce a driving test for people currently prohibited from driving due to the condition Scotoma.

Answer: Sir Michael Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce a driving test for people currently prohibited from driving due to the condition scotoma. [16664] Mr. Bowis: A driving test would not be an accurate test of fitness to drive safely in those suffering from a scotoma: it could not reproduce the emergency situations where the effect of a scotoma could have serious road safety consequences. The present clinical test, approved by the Royal College of Ophthalmologist, provides an objective assessment of the visual fitness to drive safely. It also means that a uniform standard can be applied to all drivers.

Secondary information