Individuals suffering from epilepsy or other medical conditions that may impair their driving ability are not issued a driving licence. However, in court yesterday, the lawyer of the driver charged with the involuntary homicide of a German tourist killed Monday, claimed he had an epileptic fit.

Applicants for driving licences are required to fill in a medical certificates form, which is to be signed by a general practitioner. Doctors are to fill in the form clearly indicating whether the applicant suffers from one of the following medical conditions - hearing or sight impairment, chronic progressive neurological disease, cardiovascular disease, mental disorder, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, limb or spinal disabilities, alcohol or drug dependency and renal disorders.

Epilepsy is also listed as one of the medical conditions.

The doctor is also required to carry out an eye-test and mark whether the individuals require glasses or lenses. The doctor is then to sign whether the applicant is fit to drive, or not fit to drive.

In comments to this newspaper, a general practitioner (GP) said that doctors usually follow the criteria laid down, and if the applicant suffers from one of the medical conditions listed, he is deemed as unfit to drive. Ultimately, however, this is the signatories' discretion.

Traffic expert Joe Micallef Stafrace said the applicant is responsible of visiting a doctor for a medical test, adding that every so often, the medical certificate form should be renewed because of conditions that may arise, some with age. Those who are marked as requiring sight aid need to be wearing glasses or lenses while driving. If a driver faces a traffic accident while driving without aide, he or she is deemed as driving without a driving licence.

On Monday 12, a German man was killed after being hit by a 36-year-old man from Zurrieq, in Tower Road, Sliema. The 36-year-old is now facing charges of involuntary homicide.  In court, the accused claimed he suffers from a condition that can cause short blackouts. Sources closed to the accused told the press it is a type of epilepsy. However, if this is the case, then the individual should not even hold a driving licence. The driver has been granted bail.