People with profound bilateral deafness may be legally fit to drive Group 1 vehicles (light vehicles), even without a cochlear implant or functional hearing, provided they submit a favourable medical report, in accordance with the Decree-Law No. 138/2012, as amended by the Decree-Law No. 40/2016 e 151/2017. Restrictions may apply, such as an additional rear-view mirror.
The law does not require compulsory hearing rehabilitation, but rather a clinical assessment to confirm that the person is fit to drive. Functional ability is the main criterion, not the presence of normal hearing.
On the other hand, for Group 2 (professional drivers), the legislation is more restrictive. Profound deafness is generally considered incompatible with professional driving.
Sharing this information helps to combat discrimination and promotes the inclusion of the deaf community, always within the bounds of the law and in accordance with medical responsibility.
Text by Ângela Rego
