Regulations with reference to Disabled Drivers

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

FIA - International Regulations

Note For an International Rally licence, there is now a distinction drawn between Driver and the Navigator.

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:

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.

6. CHAPTER I - FIA INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS’ LICENCES

FIA - International Regulations   www.fia.com (Appendix L Sections 10 & 11)
10. Licences for participants with special abilities

10.1 Driver

With the exception of progressive or chronic illnesses which preclude the practice of motor sport and disqualifying visual disorders (see Article 1.5.1, Chapter II), any person with an acquired or congenital disability and who, in the opinion of his national Medical Commission (where applicable) or of a doctor designated by the ASN, does not fulfil the conditions for obtaining an international driver’s licence (see Article 1.5.2, Chapter II), may apply to obtain an International Special Abilities Licence, if all the conditions stated below are fulfilled.

The criteria for the awarding of this licence are judged on four levels:

 i) The driver who is a candidate for a Special Abilities Licence shall be examined either by a member of the National Medical Commission in countries where such a body exists, or otherwise by a physician appointed by the ASN.
ii) The applicant must undergo a driving test, in his own competition vehicle and preferably on a circuit and in the presence of an official from the ASN, in order for his capacities to be appraised.
iii) His ability to extricate himself from his own competition vehicle (or from a similar model) as quickly as possible (simulations of immediate danger, outbreak of fire, etc.) shall be judged at the same time. The applicant must, from a sitting position, be able, alone, to extricate himself and move away from the car. Out of the vehicle, lying on his back, he must be able to turn onto his stomach and vice versa.
iv) If the adaptations required by the drivers’ physical condition have already been made, or still need to be made, and do not feature in the homologation form of the competition vehicle, they will have to be approved by the ASN and, in competitions, be entered into a document to be submitted during the scrutineering of the vehicles.

 Once the ASN has received medical, technical and sporting evaluations, it will take the final decision as to the granting or denial of the International Special Abilities Licence for Drivers.

10.2  Navigator

 The driving test and dealing with technical problems do not concern navigators with special abilities.
Once it has received a medical opinion, the ASN will have the final say on whether to issue or refuse the International Special Abilities Licence for Navigators.

11. Practice of motor sport for holders of a Special Abilities Licence

11.1 Holders of an International Special Abilities Licence for Drivers may only participate in events in which a separate start is given to each competitor. Their participation is subject to the agreement of the ASN of the country of the event.

 11.2 Nevertheless, and subject to compliance with the conditions of issue stated in Article 10.1, certain holders of the International Special Abilities Licence for Drivers may take part in international circuit competitions, with a grouped start, with the exception of international single-seater races.

Such a dispensation may be applied for if:
- either the licence-holders were included on an FIA seeded or graded drivers list, were formerly Super Licence
holders, or have proved considerable accomplishments in competition driving and, in spite of their current condition,
are still able to perform as well as they could before it became necessary for them to acquire a Special Abilities
Licence;

- or the licence-holders are drivers with special abilities who have graduated from a homologated driving school
recognised by the ASN and are capable of attaining a performance equal to that of the other drivers from the
same school.

 Any request for special dispensations must be submitted by the driver to the ASN which issued his licence, which will
forward it to the FIA. It will be subject to the approval of the Medical Commission and the Safety Commission. In the event
of a disagreement between these two commissions, the World Council will decide.

 11.3 During any competition in which one or more holders of a Special Abilities Licence for Drivers are taking part, the rescue services must be informed of these drivers’ racing numbers.