The NTC seeks feedback on options to improve health screening for commercial vehicle drivers
| The NTC seeks feedback on options to improve health screening for commercial vehicle drivers |
| The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released an important discussion paper to better support the health of commercial vehicle drivers and to promote road safety.
Initiated at the request of Australia’s Infrastructure and Transport Ministers, the NTC has identified options for improving early detection and management of health conditions that impact the safety of drivers on our roads. The project focuses on three high risk conditions that can affect commercial vehicle drivers – sleep apnoea, diabetes and cardiovascular disease – following the ACT Chief Coroner’s findings into a fatal accident in 2018 involving a driver with undiagnosed sleep apnoea. This work is part of the national Assessing Fitness to Drive (AFTD) guidelines. A review of the AFTD standards is led by the NTC every three years. Options for improving driver health screening We have worked alongside driver licensing authorities, medical specialists, industry, union and regulator representatives on three proposed options for consultation. The first option is to maintain the current approach to health screening. The second option is to improve the implementation of current AFTD guidance through improved awareness and education campaigns, as well as redeveloped forms with additional questions relating to the three high-risk conditions. The third option is to make changes to screening criteria for the three high-risk medical conditions. Information sessions We will be holding two webinars – one for medical professions and another for operators and drivers – to provide further information about the consultation.
Have your say We are now seeking feedback on the proposed options outlined in the discussion paper. To read the paper and have your say, visit our website. Public consultation closes on Friday 9 May 2025. |
