The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.—(1) General

• Drivers must not be suffering from any medical conditions or be taking any medication, drugs or substances which are likely to cause—

  (a)

  a sudden loss of consciousness,

  (b)

  a reduction in attention or concentration,

  (c)

  a loss of balance or coordination,

  (d)

  a significant limitation of mobility.

(2) Vision

• The following requirements as regards vision must be complied with—

  (a)

  aided or unaided distance visual acuity: 1,0; minimum of 0,5 for the worse eye,

  (b)

  maximum corrective lenses: hypermetropia + 5/mypopia −8. Derogations are authorised in exceptional cases and after having obtained the opinion of an eye specialist. The recognised doctor then takes the decision,

  (c)

  near and intermediate vision: sufficient, whether aided or unaided,

  (d)

  contact lenses and glasses are authorised when periodically checked by a specialist,

  (e)

  normal colour vision: use of a recognised test, such as Ishihara, as well as another recognised test if required,

  (f)

  field of vision: full,

  (g)

  vision for both eyes: effective; not required in a case where a person lost binocular vision after starting his job and when that person has adequate adaptation and sufficient compensation experience,

  (h)

  binocular vision: effective,

  (i)

  recognition of colour signals: the test must be based on recognition of single colours and not on relative differences,

  (j)

  sensitivity to contrasts: good

  (k)

  no progressive eye disease,

  (l)

  lens implants, keratotomies and keratectomies are allowed only on condition that they are checked on a yearly basis or at intervals set by a recognised doctor,

  (m)

  ability to withstand dazzle,

  (n)

  coloured contact lenses and photochromatic lenses are not allowed. UV filters are allowed.

(3) Hearing and speaking requirements

• Sufficient hearing confirmed by an audiogram, i.e.—

  • hearing good enough to hold a phone conversation and to be able to hear warning sounds and radio messages.

• The following values should be taken as guidelines—

  (a)

  the hearing deficiency must not be higher than 40 dB at 500 and 1 000 Hz,

  (b)

  the hearing deficiency must not be higher than 45 dB at 2 000 Hz for the ear with the worst air conduction of sound,

  (c)

  no anomaly of the vestibular system,

  (d)

  no chronic speech disorder (given the necessity to exchange messages loudly and clearly),

  (e)

  the use of hearing aids is allowed in special cases.

(4) Pregnancy

• In the event of poor tolerance or a pathological condition, pregnancy must be considered to be a reason for the temporary exclusion of drivers. Legal provisions protecting pregnant drivers must be applied.