On November 16, the Ministry of Health issued a Circular regulating health standards, health examinations for drivers and operators of specialized motorbikes; periodic health examinations for car drivers; and a database on the health of drivers and operators of specialized motorbikes.
According to the Circular, there are some new points such as the classification of health standards for drivers and specialized motorbike drivers into 3 groups:
Group 1: Applicable to health examinations for issuance of A1, B1 driver's licenses and for drivers of specialized motorbikes;
Group 2: Applicable to medical examinations for issuance of class A and B driving licenses;
Group 3: Applies to medical examinations to issue driving licenses of classes C1, C, D1, D2, D, BE, C1E, CE, D1E, D2E and DE.
According to this new Circular, people with disabilities do not have to undergo a Musculoskeletal examination. Health examination for people with disabilities applying for a Class A1 driver's license or a Class B driver's license as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 57 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety: Apply the health standards prescribed in Appendix I issued with this Circular for health examination but do not have to undergo a Musculoskeletal examination.
Regarding drug and alcohol testing, the health examination for driver's license renewal only tests for drug concentration (tests for 5 types of drugs), not requiring a 100% alcohol test; Alcohol testing is only required when prescribed by a doctor in case of suspicion.
Periodic health check-ups for car drivers require testing for alcohol and drug levels (5 types of drugs).
The Health Certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of conclusion.
The Circular takes effect from January 1, 2025.
