DAC (Driving ability certificate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an enterprise call in the help of IDEWE for a driving ability certificate?
Is there a possibility of appeal against a negative decision?
Who needs to have a driving ability certificate?
Does an employee need a driving ability certificate when he/she takes colleagues along in the car?
How long are driving ability certificates valid? Who is checking the validity of a driving ability certificate?
Is there a possibility of appeal against a negative decision?

Can an enterprise call in the help of IDEWE for a driving ability certificate?
Yes. IDEWE shall carry out any examinations required for the driving ability certificate. (top)

What does the driving ability test consist of?
The test consists of a general questioning as imposed by law and a general clinical examination by the prevention consultant/occupational physician with an extensive eyesight examination.

The law has determined standards regarding the physical and psychological ability a driver has to comply with. These are also standards concerning:

visual functions,
the use of alcohol, drugs and medicines,
kidney and liver diseases,
implants.

Employees with a certain disorder or illness need a certificate from the physician-specialist before the driving ability certificate can be granted by the prevention consultant/occupational physician. (top)

Who needs to have a driving ability certificate?
Certain categories of employees need to undergo a driving ability test. The following categories of employees need to have a driving licence group 2 and have to undergo a driving ability test.

holders of a driving licence valid for C or C + E;
holders of a driving licence valid for D, D+E, C1, C1+E, D1 or D1+E;
holders of a driving licence valid for A, B or B+E with one of the following functions:
- taxi driver, hire driver, ambulance driver
- driving school instructor
- paid student transport

The employee must present a declaration that he/she does not have any disorder that might prevent him/her from normally driving a vehicle.

Does an employee need a driving ability certificate when he/she takes colleagues along in the car?
No. From now on, any person holding a driving licence B can transport colleagues and clients during the working hours or to and from work/home in a company car without needing a driving ability certificate. (top)

How long are driving ability certificates valid? Who is checking the validity of a driving ability certificate?
The driving ability certificate is valid for 5 years at the most. The validity date equals the test date plus 5 years minus 1 day. The employee himself shall check the validity date of the driving ability certificate. If he/she needs a further DAC, he/she has to make an appointment with IDEWE on time.

In some cases, the occupational physician may limit the validity to 3, 2 and 1 year for medical reasons.

Any advice including the completed questionnaire should be kept for 6 years in the employee’s records. (top)

Is there a possibility of appeal against a negative decision?
Yes. In case the employee is declared unfit to drive a vehicle for which a DAC (driving ability certificate) group 2 is required, the employee has the right to lodge an appeal against the decision of the prevention consultant/occupational physician. This procedure is extensively explained on the reverse side of the form regarding the health assessment. (top)

For any further information, please contact your prevention consultant-occupational physician or your regional IDEWE-IBEVE secretariat.