Ask the MAC – 21 May 2026

Take the bus…

Q) One of our drivers has been told that if your driving licence is revoked or refused on medical grounds then you automatically get a bus pass regardless of your age, is this correct?

A) Under certain and strict circumstances, your driver is correct. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme is a central government scheme which provides free off-peak bus travel for older and disabled people in England and was established by an Act of Parliament.

Even if someone has not yet reached the eligible age for a bus pass, they can still issue one if someone has a qualifying disability.

When it comes to driving licensing applications and renewals, the last bullet point would be the most relevant, and the driver would be eligible for a concessionary bus pass if they are not eligible for a driving licence on medical grounds.

When the government set up the scheme, the legislation defines a ‘disabled person’ as meaning a person who:

• Is blind or partially sighted – able to register as severely sight impaired or sight impaired.

• Is profoundly or severely deaf – hearing level at 70dBHL or worse in both ears.

• Is without speech.

• Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to walk.

• Does not have arms or has long term loss of the use of both arms.

• Has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning.

He would, if he applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, 1988 c. 52. have his application refused pursuant to section 92 of that Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Up all hours…

Q) How does the duty time work for night workers on GB domestic hours?

A) There is no provision for night work limits under GB domestic regulations, however there is provision stating that employers are to give workers the right to have offered free health assessments before being assigned to night work and at regular intervals.

Under the main directive, a night worker is someone who normally works at least three hours a night. ‘Night’ is normally defined as being between 23:00 – 06:00.  This definition can be varied by agreement, but the new period must be at least seven hours long and include the period from 00:00 – 05:00.