Eliminate the regulation of alcohol concentration testing when examining drivers' health

The Ministry of Health has just issued a Circular regulating health standards, health examinations for drivers and specialized motorbike operators, and health databases for drivers and specialized motorbike operators.

This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2025 and does not apply to motorbike drivers.

The health standards for drivers and specialized motorbike operators are divided into 3 groups:

- Group 1: Applicable to health examinations for issuance of A1, B1 driver's licenses and for drivers of specialized motorbikes;

- Group 2: Applicable to medical examinations to issue class A and B driving licenses;

- Group 3: Applies to medical examinations to issue driving licenses of classes C1, C, D1, D2, D, BE, C1E, CE, D1E, D2E and DE.

While with the old regulations: group 1 (for drivers of class A1); group 2 (for drivers of class B1); group 3 (for drivers of classes: A2, A3, A4, B2, C, D, E, FB2, FC, FD, FE).

Regarding drug and alcohol testing, according to the new Circular, health examinations for driver's license renewal require drug testing (5 types of drugs, compared to the old regulation of 4 types); alcohol testing is not 100% required; only performed if prescribed by a doctor.

Car drivers are still required to test for alcohol and drugs during regular health check-ups (5 types of drugs, while the old regulation only tested for 4 types).

The Circular also provides detailed regulations on health standards for drivers and operators of specialized motorbikes. In particular, people with one of the conditions in 9 groups of diseases will not be eligible to drive vehicles of the corresponding vehicle classes.

9 groups of diseases include mental; neurological; eye; ear, nose and throat; cardiovascular; respiratory; musculoskeletal; endocrine; use of drugs, alcohol, drugs and psychotropic substances.

The new circular also stipulates the removal of the periodic health examination book form in the old circular. This book uses the same form as Circular 32/2023 of the Ministry of Health , with the addition of a conclusion on health for driving the corresponding class.