Night Blindness Test or Declaration as Requirements to Obtain a Driving License

Question:

Mr Foo Cexiang: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the visual requirements to obtain a driving license include a (i) test for night blindness or (ii) declaration that a candidate does not suffer from night blindness; and (b) if there are presently no such visual requirements, whether the Traffic Police will consider implementing them to enhance road safety.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The current driving licence visual requirements do not include a test for night blindness. However, applicants must declare whether they suffer from any disease or physical disability such that their driving may endanger the public. This includes night blindness if it significantly impairs the applicant’s driving ability. False declaration is an offence.

2. Where such declarations are made, the applicant will not be granted a licence, unless they undergo a medical test to demonstrate his or her fitness or ability to drive.

3. We assess that the current regime for new licence applications is adequate.