Impact of the new European legislation regarding vocational driving on London Transport Medical Service: the doctor's role.

The outcome of the first 1000 medical examinations undertaken by London Transport Medical Service (LTMS) to comply with the regulations for non-passenger carrying public carriage vehicle licence holders was analysed to assess where the primary role of the examining doctor affected the final outcome. It was found that the primary involvement of the doctor possibly altered the outcome in only two cases. In 49 cases, the medical practitioner had an interpretative role in the final assessment, or in the pursuit of further information, such as clarification of past history from other sources. In these cases, actual contact with the applicant did not affect the final outcome.