Health assessment for commercial driving. The general practitioners' role

Death and injury rates associated with commercial vehicle driving are unacceptably high. Pre-existing medical conditions may contribute to road accidents and the National Road Transport Commission (NRTC) has developed a set of uniform guidelines, based on best available evidence, which might preclude at risk individuals from holding commercial licences. Standardised clinical examinations performed by general practitioners (GPs) will be used to assist regulatory authorities in their licensing procedures. This article sets out the process of development of the guidelines as well as the construction and use of a medical assessment form to be used by GPs in facilitating the licensing process in each State.