AQW 40428/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 12/02/2026
Answered On Date: 04/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will consider developing policy regarding medical fitness to drive, during the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.

Answer:

I remain firmly committed to ensuring that our framework for assessing medical fitness to drive is robust, evidence-based and capable of supporting wider road safety objectives. As such, my Department is continuing to review current policy in this area to determine how best to strengthen existing arrangements and identify where legislative change may be required.

In my response to your recent correspondence on this issue (COR-0010-2026 and AQW 35705/ 22-27 refer), I had set out how the work is being progressed through two strands. The first focuses on improving and standardising the use of current administrative processes, including those associated with the Source of Danger Notification, and this is the priority in the short term and within the 22-27 Assembly Mandate. The second strand involves more detailed policy analysis to assess potential options for future reform. My officials continue to review the position on fitness to drive in other jurisdictions, including Britain and Ireland, and it remains evident that this issue, along with the challenges arising from an ageing population, is relevant to all and not unique to us.

I have recently asked my officials to bring forward legislative amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 to permit the use of continuous glucose monitoring systems for Group 2 drivers who have diabetes treated with insulin. This will significantly decrease the risk of hypoglycaemia whilst driving, making the roads safer for all.

We are also closely monitoring the British Department for Transport’s recently launched consultation on proposed eyesight testing changes for older drivers. The outcomes of this consultation will provide useful evidence to help inform the development of policy options here, including whether new legislative powers may be necessary.

While I appreciate that progress may not be as rapid as we would prefer, it is essential that any changes rest on a clear and robust policy foundation. This approach will ensure that the system is fit for purpose and supports the overall aim of improving road safety.

I want to reassure you that road safety remains of paramount importance to me. I will continue to focus Departmental resources on interventions that will have the greatest impact on saving lives.