2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

Policy5.4.1 The Driver Fitness Program routinely screens commercial driversat the time of licence application and then at the followingintervals:(a) up to age 45, every 5 years(b) from age 45 to age 65, every 3 years, and(c) from age 65, annually.Policy rationaleCommercial drivers drive a variety of vehicles including large trucks andpassenger carrying vehicles such as buses. A list of licence classes isincluded in Appendix 4. Professional drivers who operate passengercarrying vehicles, trucks and emergency vehicles spend many more hoursat the wheel, often under far more adverse driving conditions, than do thedrivers of private vehicles. They are usually unable to select their hours ofwork and cannot readily abandon their passengers or cargo should theybecome unwell when on duty. Persons operating emergency vehicles arefrequently required to drive while under considerable stress by the natureof their work, and often in inclement weather where driving conditions areless than ideal. Should a crash occur, the consequences are much morelikely to be serious, particularly where the driver is carrying passengers ordangerous cargo such as propane, chlorine gas, toxic chemicals orradioactive substances.Because of this greater exposure, commercial drivers are routinelyscreened at regular intervals, even if there is no evidence that the driverhas a known or possible medical condition. To ensure consistency withother provinces, BC has adopted the CCMTA Medical Standards forDrivers guidelines for screening commercial drivers.34