The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Traffic Police (TP) have announced that the medical examination process for elderly vocational licence drivers will be simplified starting from 2 February 2024. This new initiative aims to reduce confusion regarding the number of medical check-ups required for drivers aged 65 and older.
Understanding the Changes
Currently, vocational licence drivers aged 65 and above face separate requirements from both agencies:
- Drivers with Class 2 and Class 3 licences must undergo a medical exam every three years.
- Those driving Class 4 and Class 5 vehicles need an annual medical exam until they reach 74 years old.
Previously, it was not uncommon for drivers to mistakenly complete two separate medical exams due to conflicting notification letters from the LTA and TP. However, from early February, drivers will receive only one notification letter per year, eliminating the potential for unnecessary medical exams.
What’s New?
The key changes being implemented include:
- A single annual notification letter from either TP or LTA for drivers aged 65 and above.
- Results of the medical examination will be submitted directly by the clinic to both agencies, requiring no additional action from drivers.
- The process is also being extended to vocational licence drivers aged 50 to 64, who currently undergo examinations every two years.
Moreover, drivers will receive SMS confirmations once their results are submitted, ensuring efficiency and peace of mind. As for the costs associated with the medical examinations, these will continue to vary depending on the individual clinics.
According to the authorities, those with medical examinations scheduled before the new process commences may proceed with the existing method. This move is part of Singapore’s ongoing effort to streamline procedures and enhance the driving experience for elderly motorists.