New driving licence rules start on Saturday for 60,000 drivers

A driving licence change could see motorists, road users and drivers fined if they fail to brush up on the new regulations and rules.

A massive driving licence change is set to be rolled out and impact 60,000 drivers - THIS WEEKEND. A driving licence change could see motorists, road users and drivers fined if they fail to brush up on the new regulations and rules.

Requirements and standards for driving licences are set to change from October 5, as laid out by the Jersey government. From 5 October 2024, the medical standards and medical certificate requirements for Jersey driving licences change.

These changes will make our medical standards and requirements similar to the UK and European Union. There will be changes to when you need to submit a medical certificate, your driving licence validity period and the requirements for some medical conditions.

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There will be 2 licence groups for different types of driving licences: Group 1 for categories A, A1, B, B1, BE, f, h, k and p and Group 2 for categories C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE and D1E. Each group will have different medical requirements. You’ll need to meet higher medical standards for Group 2 licences because vehicles are bigger and heavier and need more complex handling and manoeuvring and Group 2 drivers usually spend more time driving.

To keep your Group 2 category you’ll need to meet the Group 2 medical standards and submit a Group 2 medical certificate (GP2). If you have a Group 2 category on your driving licence and don’t want it anymore you can surrender it. You’ll be able to reinstate it within 5 years without having to take a practical driving test again.

You’ll need to submit a medical certificate when you first apply for a Group 2 licence, each time you renew your Group 2 licence from the age of 45 and if you start suffering from some medical conditions. Your medical certificate must be completed by a registered medical practitioner. This can be your GP.

Validity periods will depend on your licence group. Group 1 driving licences will be valid for 10 years. Group 2 driving licences will be valid for 5 years from the age of 45, and for 1 year after the age of 65. The standards you must meet are changing for some medical conditions: vision, epilepsy and seizures and diabetes.

You’ll need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, meet new visual acuity standards and meet new field of vision standards. You’ll be able to hold a Group 1 licence if you have not had a seizure for 12 months or 6 months in in some cases and complete a declaration as part of your medical certificate assessment. This must state that you follow medical advice to treat your condition.

You’ll be able to hold a Group 2 licence if you have not had a seizure or taken prescribed medication to treat epilepsy in the last 5 years, have not had 2 or more seizures in the last 10 years or had a medical examination by a specialist in neurology who provides a satisfying report on your condition.

You’ll have to meet new standards if you’re treated with insulin or another hypoglycaemic drug. You’ll be able to hold a Group 1 licence if you had limited hypoglycaemic events in the last 12 months, don’t have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia amd complete a declaration as part of your medical certificate assessment.

This must state that you: understand the risks of hypoglycaemia, know how to control it and monitor blood glucose levels and follow medical advice to treat your condition. You’ll be able to hold a Group 2 licence if you: have not had a hypoglycaemic event in the last 12 months, don’t have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia and complete a declaration as part of your medical certificate assessment. This must state that you understand the risks of hypoglycaemia, know how to control it and monitor blood glucose levels as required.