Question
I have done loads of Googling on various SA sites to try and find license restriction stuff re medical conditions (UKs Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has very comprehensive notes re this), but cant find a source.
Answer
In terms of South African legislation a person who already holds a licence must not be disqualified from retaining the licence due to visual restrictions:
A person shall be disqualified from obtaining or holding a learners or driving licence unless
(a) in the case of an application for a learners or driving licence relating to the code A1, A, B or EB, such person has
(i) according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/12 (20/40) for each eye, or where the visual acuity of one eye is less than 6/12 (20/40) or where one eye of the person concerned is blind, a minimum visual acuity for the other eye of 6/9 (20/30); and
(ii) a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal, with or without refractive correction, in respect of each eye, or where the minimum visual field in respect of one eye is less than 70 degrees temporal, or where one eye is blind, a minimum total horizontal visual field of at least 115 degrees with or without refractive correction; or
(b) in the case of an application for a learners or driving licence relating to the code C1, C, EC1 or EC, such person has
(i) according to the Snellen rating a minimum visual acuity, with or without refractive correction, of 6/9 (20/30) for each eye; and
(ii) a minimum visual field of 70 degrees temporal in respect of each eye, with or without refractive correction.
Above is an extract on the visual requirements form regulation 102 of National Road traffic regulations. This also applies to applicants who apply for a new licence or exchange of a foreign licence for a local licence.
Where the person is applying for a new licence (i.e. Learners licence and driving licence) the following applies to applicants over the age of 65:
in the case of an applicant who is 65 years of age or older, by the medical certificate on form MC as shown in Schedule 2, signed by a medical practitioner or occupational health practitioner, certifying that the applicant is not disqualified in terms of section 15(1)(f) or (g) of the Act from obtaining a learners or driving licence; and
Here follows the conditions as listed in section 15(1)(f) and (g)
(f) if he or she is suffering from one of the following diseases or disabilities:
(i) Uncontrolled epilepsy;
(ii) sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting due to hypertension or any other cause;
(iii) any form of mental illness to such an extent that it is necessary that he or she be detained, supervised, controlled and treated as a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act, 1973 (ActNo. 18of1973);
(iv) any condition causing muscular incoordination;
(v) uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
(vi) defective vision ascertained in accordance with a prescribed standard;
(vii) any other disease or physical defect which is likely to render him or her incapable of effectively driving and controlling a motor vehicle of the class to which such licence relates without endangering the safety of the public: Provided that deafness shall not of itself be deemed to be such a defect;
(g) if he or she is addicted to the use of any drug having a narcotic effect or the excessive use of intoxicating liquor; or
