Fitness to the drive in the Netherlands Ruud Bredewoud, MD chief medical advisor CBR Brussels November 25th 2005
Driving licenses Mayor of place of residence driving license CBR medical certificate of fitness to drive
Medical certificate Group 1 categories at 1st issue above 70 yrs every 5 years Group 2 categories every 10 years
Application for group 1 Under 70 years personal declaration (€19) questionnaire 70 years of age or older personal declaration (€19) medical examination (€75)
Contents Visual acuity & field Blood pressure Urine (glucose) Limbs and spinal column Mental condition Physical condition
Three party system Minimal requirements Minister of transport / Dutch Health Council Medical examination any doctor Decision on fitness to drive medical advisor of CBR
Further investigation Specialist (€45 - €125) ophthalmologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist etc. On road test (for free) expert on practical fitness to drive
On road test “Because there are no scales to define fitness to drive, the meaning of the medical report is to inform the CBR on the impairments. The outcome of the on road test will provide the final conclusion” Dutch health council 2001
Diagnoses vs impairment Minimal requirements Diagnoses based examination decisive for example abuse of alcohol Impairment based on road test decisive for example visual field, cognitive
Some figures Applicants 70 yrs and older 2004: 137.000 2004: 137.000 refused: 4.300 (3,2%) restrictions: 5.300 (3,9%) shorter validity: 8.100 (5,9%)
Decision by CBR Fit Fit for a limited period Fit under restrictions Unfit
The End