Eliminate alcohol concentration testing, increase drug testing when examining drivers' health

According to the new circular of the Ministry of Health , the number of drugs that must be tested for when issuing a new driver's license will increase from 4 to 5. At the same time, a 100% alcohol test is no longer required, but only when requested by a doctor.

Specialty standards have some changes compared to the old circular - Photo: Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health has just issued Circular 36 regulating health standards, health examinations for drivers and specialized motorbike operators; periodic health examinations for car drivers; and health database of drivers and specialized motorbike operators.

Regarding the list of drug and alcohol tests when renewing a driver's license, drivers are required to test for 5 types of drugs (previously 4 types). The regulation requiring 100% alcohol testing has been abolished, alcohol testing is only performed when prescribed by a doctor.

Regular health check-ups for drivers require testing for alcohol and 5 types of drugs.

In addition, people with disabilities applying for a class A1 or B driver's license will not need a musculoskeletal specialist examination.

This Circular also changes the standards for some specialties such as psychiatry, and stipulates more clearly the stabilization period before being qualified to drive.

ENT minimum hearing threshold reduced from 1.5m to 0.4m, even with hearing aids.

Maternity check-ups are no longer required as they have little to do with driving fitness standards.

The validity of the health certificate is also extended, increasing from 6 months to 12 months from the date of signing the conclusion.

Currently, driver health examination is being carried out according to the regulations in Joint Circular No. 24/2015/TTLT-BYT-BGTVT.

Circular 36 takes effect from January 1, 2025.

Driver health grouping

The new circular has many changes such as classifying drivers' health with regulations dividing health standards into 3 specific groups:

Group 1: Applies to A1, B1 driving licenses and specialized motorcycle drivers.

Group 2: Applicable to class A and B driving licenses.

Group 3: Applies to driving licenses of higher classes (C1, C, D1, D2, D and equivalent classes).

Previously, the old regulations did not group in detail, for example, group 3 included drivers of classes A2, A3, A4, B2 to E.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bo-xet-nghiem-nong-do-con-tang-xet-nghiem-ma-tuy-khi-kham-suc-khoe-lai-xe-20241117152341011.htm