Medical standards for driving licences

Changes from 5 October 2024

From 5 October 2024, the medical standards and medical certificate requirements for Jersey driving licences change.

These changes will make our medical standards and requirements similar to the UK and EU.

There will be changes to:

when you need to submit a medical certificate
your driving licence validity period
the requirements for some medical conditions

We’ll also introduce driving licence groups.

Your parish will be able to ask you to take a practical driving assessment and put conditions on your driving licence.

Driving licence groups

There will be 2 licence groups for different types of driving licences:

Group 1 for categories A, A1, B, B1, BE, f, h, k and p
Group 2 for categories C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE and D1E

Each group will have different medical requirements.

You’ll need to meet higher medical standards for Group 2 licences because:

vehicles are bigger and heavier and need more complex handling and manoeuvring
Group 2 drivers usually spend more time driving

To keep your Group 2 category you’ll need to:

meet the Group 2 medical standards
submit a Group 2 medical certificate (GP2)

If you have a Group 2 category on your driving licence and don’t want it anymore you can surrender it. You’ll be able to reinstate it within 5 years without having to take a practical driving test again.

When you need a medical certificate

You’ll need to submit a medical certificate:

when you first apply for a Group 2 licence
each time you renew your Group 2 licence from the age of 45
if you start suffering from some medical conditions

Your medical certificate must be completed by a registered medical practitioner. This can be your GP.

Medical certificates GP1 are used for Group 1 licences and GP2 for Group 2.

The forms will be available soon.

Changes to validity period of driving licences

Validity periods will depend on your licence group:

Group 1 driving licences will be valid for 10 years
Group 2 driving licences will be valid for 5 years from the age of 45, and for 1 year after the age of 65

Your licence validity period  can also be limited if this is recommended by your GP.

Changes to medical standards

The standards you must meet are changing for some medical conditions:

vision
epilepsy and seizures
diabetes

You should speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health and the new standards.

A guide to assessing fitness to drive for medical professionals on GOV.UK

Vision

You’ll need to

be able to read a number plate from 20 metres
meet new visual acuity standards
meet new field of vision standards

If you can only see with 1 eye, you won’t be able to hold a Group 2 licence.

Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about your vision and these new standards.

Find more information on standards of vision for driving cars and motorcycles (INF188/1) on GOV.UK.

Epilepsy and seizures

You’ll be able to hold a Group 1 licence if you:

have not had a seizure for 12 months or 6 months in in some cases
complete a declaration as part of your medical certificate assessment. This must state that you follow medical advice to treat your condition

You’ll be able to hold a Group 2 licence if you:

have not had a seizure or taken prescribed medication to treat epilepsy in the last 5 years
have not had 2 or more seizures in the last 10 years
had a medical examination by a specialist in neurology who provides a satisfying report on your condition

Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about your seizures and these new standards.

Find more information on epilepsy and driving on GOV.UK.

Diabetes

You’ll have to meet new standards if you’re treated with insulin or another hypoglycaemic drug.