A leading eyecare specialist has revealed that the majority of UK employers are unaware professional drivers will be required to take more frequent eye tests under new EU legislation.
According to research, three-quarters of employers did not know that under a new European law, employees holding commercial driving licences will be required to have eye tests every five years.
The legislation, which will be rolled out in 2011, also requires private licence holders to be tested every 10 to 15 years.
Despite the legislation passing through the EU Parliament in 2006, 78% of employers were unaware that it would be rolled out in 2011, with 2013 set as a final deadline for the directive to be translated into national law.
We have already established how hazardous driving on business in and so these changes to the law can only be applauded, however are you ready for the changes in particular for private licence holders, do you feel that a 10 year period is really a short enough period? Are your ready for the change? How will you handle occasional drivers, in particular using their own vehicles?
Tags: employers eye test, eye, eye test law, eye test national law, test, test every five years
The legislation being referred to is the Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, also referred to as the 3rd Driving Licence Directive.
In a nutshell the driving licence will be renewable 5 yearly for Group 2 Professional drivers and 10 yearly for Group 1 Private licence. (the 10 year period MAY be amended to 15 year)
The Directive demands minimum levels of fitness to drive and also requires the licence to show if special requirements apply including sight correction and/or protection.
At the moment the full implications and method of application are still under review/consultation and there is some flexibility built into the directive.
From past experience I am sure we will endeavour to comply as far as possible, so it is reasonable to expect that we will comply fully, although at present there is some resistance to medical examinations for Private licences and there are moves afoot to try and make the renewal period for private licences 15 year.