The FORS Standard version 7.1

Requirement

To require that drivers are fit to drive, are not impaired and meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving.

Purpose

To ensure drivers maintain a level of skill and ability to exercise proper control of the vehicle and interact safely with other road users.

Demonstration

FORS Operators shall have a policy and supporting procedures in place on fitness to drive and the eyesight standards for driving. The policy and supporting procedures shall include:

• Minimum medical standards for driving
• Illness and prescribed and over-the-counter medication
• Health effects of driving such as posture and in-cab air quality
• Impairment through drugs and alcohol
• Fatigue-related illnesses such as sleep apnoea
• Mental health problems such as stress, depression and anxiety
• Minimum vision standards for driving and the use of glasses and contact lenses
• A driver health and fitness declaration
• Driver eyesight checks and tests

A driver eyesight check procedure shall be in place that requires drivers (with glasses or contact lenses, if required) to correctly read a UK vehicle registration plate made after 1 September 2001 from a distance of 20 metres, or a suitable alternative check.

Records of eyesight checks shall include the:

• Driver’s name
• Date
• Name of the person supervising the check
• Outcome of the check and details of any follow-on actions

The frequency of eyesight checks should be dependent on the individual and operating conditions but shall be conducted:

• Pre-employment or the start of a specific contract
• Every six months
• After involvement in a blameworthy road traffic collision

A procedure shall be in place for drivers to make an annual declaration of their responsibility to report any health or eyesight condition that affects driving ability and to inform the DVLA or relevant driving licence authority of reportable medical conditions that affect driving entitlement.

A drugs and alcohol procedure shall be in place that includes the actions to take on suspecting driver impairment through drugs or alcohol.

This should include drug and alcohol testing that is conducted:

• Pre-employment or the start of a specific contract
• Routinely, randomly or unannounced
• After involvement in a road traffic collision, incident or near-miss, where reasonably practical