Regulations with reference to Disabled Drivers

The following paragraphs are extracts from the current MSA Blue Book -

        1.  Medical Declaration - Disabled Drivers

        2.  Diabetics

        3.  Epilepsy

        4.  Other Medical Conditions

        5.  Eyesight Standards

Note 1: Applicants for International Licences please refer to FIA Standards, www.fia.com (Appendix L).

Note 2:  For an International Rally licence, no distinction is drawn between Driver and the Navigator, both occupants of the car being required by the FIA to hold a full International Rally Driver’s licence.

1. Medical Declaration - Disabled Drivers

Any applicant with a congenital abnormality of any limb, or amputation or with any other disability should first contact the MSA`s Medical Section Administrator at Motor Sports House who will be pleased to advise and help the applicant.

In addition to the requirements of sections 24,25,26 and 27(News items listed) , disabled applicants should note the following:

The following medical conditions may prevent the granting of a Competition Licence:

          (a)    Paraplegia

          (b)    Hemiplegia

          (c)    Quadriplegia

          (d)    Loss of limb.

When applying for a Competition Licence all applicants are required to declare any physical disability.

Disabled drivers may be required to present themselves for examination by the MSA` Medical Consultant.  If required to attend such examination the applicant will be required to provide, in advance, a note from his/her GP describing the applicant`s disability and, if applicable, an opinion from any specialist who has been consulted.

Any driver or co-driver/navigator who has any medical condition or disability or who is currently on anti-coagulant therapy should declare this at the time of entering.  Such information to be solely for the use of the Chief of medical services in the event of an accident.

Those competing in accordance with 28 in an activity where competition numbers as defined in 74 or in K 194-198 should carry a white `D`, 60mm in height on a blue background 90mm by 90mm on both sides of the vehicle adjacent to the side numbers to alert marshals in the case of an incident.  (available from MSA online shop - www.msauk.org )

2. Diabetics

Diabetics requiring treatment with insulin will not normally be issued with a licence valid for Racing, Karting, Kart Clubman, Rallycross, Stage Rallying or International Rallying.

In certain circumstances the Medical Consultant at the MSA will be prepared to consider applications in writing by Insulin controlled Diabetics.  Each applicant would need to present themself to a Diabetics Specialist recommended by the MSA and any costs incurred would be borne by the applicant.

3. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is incompatible with fitness to Race, Kart, Kart Endurance, Kart Tyro, Rallycross or Stage Rally. If a person with epilepsy has not had a fit or medication to prevent or control fits for a period of ten years they may present that case to the MSA’s Medical Consultant for consideration.

For other events a person with epilepsy may be considered for a competition licence providing they can show that they have not had a fit for five years whether on or off medication.

4. Other Medical Conditions

The following medical conditions may prevent the granting of a Competition Licence:
(a) Myocardial infarction.
(b) Myocardial ischaemia.
(c) Coronary artery by-pass surgery.
(d) Coronary Angioplasty.
(e) Valvular Disease of the Heart or other abnormal condition whether operated on or not.
(f) Severe hypertension which has given rise to cardiopulmonary problems.
(g) Any mental or behavioural disorders*, past or present whether or not under treatment with drugs or therapy.

*As defined in ICD.10 (International Classification of Diseases).

5.  Eyesight Standards

The following eyesight standards are required to be met by applicants for a national licence.

(a) Minimum corrected visual acuity must be 6/6 with both eyes open.
(b) Minimum binocular field should measure at least 120 degrees along the horizontal meridian with no defects within the central 20 degrees.
(c) Spectacles should be fitted with shatterproof lenses. Contact lenses if worn should be of the ‘soft’ variety.
(d) A person who suddenly loses sight in one eye will not be allowed to hold a licence until five years has lapsed.
(e) Double vision is not compatible with the issue of a Competition Licence.
(f) Drivers must have normal colour vision in that they can distinguish the primary colours of red and green.