2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

Policy rationaleThe class of licence held or applied for is a key consideration whenmaking a driver fitness determination. Professional drivers who operatepassenger carrying vehicles, trucks and emergency vehicles spend manymore hours at the wheel than drivers of private vehicles. Professionaldrivers may also be called upon to undertake heavy physical work such asloading or unloading their vehicles, realigning shifted loads and putting onand removing chains.Because the physical and endurance requirements for commercial driversare generally more onerous than for private drivers, the medical conditionguidelines outlined in Part 3 of this Manual often specify differentguidelines for commercial and private drivers. Where the medicalcondition guidelines do not apply, or where an individual provides specificinformation about their employment, a case manager or adjudicator willconsider the factors listed above when determining whether a commercialdriver is fit to drive. Where an individual indicates that they will only beoperating certain types of vehicles typically allowed under that licenceclass, or only operating vehicles under certain circumstances, impositionof a restriction or condition may make an individual fit to drive.7.8 Considering whether an individual can compensateDefinitionsCompensationis the use of strategies or devices by a driver with a persistent impairmentto compensate for the functional impairment caused by a medicalcondition. Treatment for a condition, e.g. medication, is not a type ofcompensation. Where available or known, possible compensationstrategies for each medical condition are included in the medical conditionchapters in Part 3 of this Manual.Policy7.8.1 The case manager or adjudicator will consider whether anindividual can compensate for their functional impairment whenmaking a driver fitness determination.7.8.2 An individual cannot compensate for an episodic impairment.60