Road Traffic Act 1961 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 2 · Licensing of Drivers and Riders
37. Provisions as to physical fitness of applicants for driving licences
Feedback & supportLast amended by an amending law of 2014.
On an application for the grant of a driving licence, the applicant must make a declaration in writing as to whether the applicant is suffering from —
driving licence
“driving licence” means a licence to drive a motor vehicle granted under the provisions of Part 2;
any prescribed disease or physical disability; or
any other disease or physical disability which is likely to cause the driving by the applicant of a motor vehicle (of the class or description which the applicant would be authorised by the licence to drive) to be a source of danger to the public.
If from the declaration it appears that the applicant is suffering from any disease or physical disability specified in subsection (1), the Deputy Commissioner of Police must refuse to grant the driving licence.
Deputy Commissioner of Police
“Deputy Commissioner of Police”, in relation to any provision of this Act or rules or any other subsidiary legislation made under this Act, means the Deputy Commissioner of Police designated by the Commissioner of Police for the purposes of that provision, and includes any police officer who —(a)is not below the rank of sergeant; and(b)is authorised under the hand of the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the purposes of that provision, to exercise the powers of that Deputy Commissioner of Police;
A driving licence limited to driving an invalid carriage may be granted to the applicant if the Deputy Commissioner of Police is satisfied that he or she is fit to drive such a carriage.
The applicant may, except in the case of any prescribed diseases and disabilities, on payment of the prescribed fee, claim to be subjected to a test as to his or her fitness or ability to drive a motor vehicle of any class or description that he or she would be authorised by the licence to drive.
motor vehicle
“motor vehicle” means a vehicle that —(a)is propelled wholly or partly by a motor or by any means other than human or animal power; and(b)is used or intended to be used on any road;
If the applicant passes the prescribed test and is not otherwise disqualified, the driving licence must not be refused by reason only of the provisions of subsection (2), except that if the test proves his or her fitness to drive motor vehicles of a particular construction or design only, the driving licence must be limited to the driving of such vehicles.
If it appears to the Deputy Commissioner of Police that there is reason to believe that any person who holds a driving licence is suffering from a disease or physical disability likely to cause the driving by the person of a motor vehicle, being a motor vehicle of any class or description the person is authorised by the licence to drive, to be a source of danger to the public and, after making any inquiry that he or she considers necessary, the Deputy Commissioner of Police is satisfied that the licence holder is so suffering then, whether or not the licence holder so suffering has previously passed a test under this section, the Deputy Commissioner of Police may, after giving to the licence holder notice of such intention, revoke the driving licence.
licence
“licence” means a vehicle licence issued under the provisions of this Part.
The licence holder must on receipt of the notice deliver the driving licence to the Deputy Commissioner of Police for cancellation.
The licence holder may, except in the case of any prescribed diseases and disabilities, claim to be subjected to a test as to his or her fitness or disability to drive a motor vehicle and, if he or she passes the prescribed test, the driving licence must not be revoked or, if it has already been revoked, must be returned to the licence holder and the revocation thereof is rescinded.