If I am colorblind, can I get a driving license in Chile?

He color blindness or dyschromatopsia It is a hereditary disease that consists of an alteration in color perception, which can occur at different levels and types. Although there is no exact data in Chile, the percentage of color blind people in the world population is approximately 8% of the male population and 0.5% among females.

The Highway Code stipulates – in point 7 of Decree 329 of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications in the general rules for approval of the driving license – that “the colors red, green and yellow must be recognized at all times”. However, it is unclear whether or not color blind people can drive in Chile.

One of the most important tests when obtaining a driving license for the first time or when renewing it is precisely vision. It is clear that drivers need good visual acuity to drive safely. Although many vision problems can be corrected by wearing glasses, people with color blindness do not benefit from this benefit.

So, can those who suffer from this condition get a driving license in our country?

Alberto Escobar director of mobility of the Automobile Club of Chile and specialist in road safety, points out that “although our highway code does not explicitly prohibit a color blind person from driving a motor vehicle, The ability to obtain or renew a driver’s license will depend on the person’s health. . Not all colorblind people experience the same level of difficulty differentiating colors, as this condition can range from mild to severe. everything will depend on the severity of your condition . Color blind people often have difficulty distinguishing colors, notably red, orange and green, which are precisely the colors present in traffic lights, and it is at this stage that the vast majority of them have difficulty. great difficulty in passing the medical and psychosensometric examination. assessment. In contrast, people suffering from dyschromatopsia, which consists of a confusion of secondary colors instead of primary colors, generally do not have significant problems obtaining a driver’s license.

What are the main problems you might encounter while driving?

“People suffering from color blindness may face several problems while driving due to their difficulty in distinguishing certain colors. For example, The main difficulties are linked to the identification of traffic light controls, the interpretation of traffic signs, and the recognition of brake lights and turn signals. as well as They may have difficulty parking and driving in low visibility or adverse weather conditions. as is the case with rain, fog or mist.

He will be the professional in charge of medical and sensitivity tests, obligatory for obtaining and renewing a driving license. which will examine the ability to distinguish the colors green, red and yellow and decide whether the candidate will be able to drive safely based on their results.

If the applicant fails, all is not lost, since he or she can reapply or even appeal. “Colorblind people can present medical certificates indicating their condition and the type of restrictions to be applied if the traffic department allows them to do so. . However, we must not forget that they are responsible for ensuring that these people have the moral, physical and psychological aptitude to access this document, and that they are obliged to undergo the same evaluations that must be done by those who do not do not present it. “, explains Escobar.

If you fail the medical exam again, You can contact the Legal Medical Service to repeat the examination, providing as many documents as possible. also indicating methods to overcome their difficulties in distinguishing colors.

Being colorblind can make it difficult to pass the tests, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pass. Of course, this is all about getting the Class B license, if someone wants to go for a professional license, the path can be more complex. This is indicated by Escobar, who warns that “It is very difficult for a person with this condition to have the intention or interest in wanting to apply for a professional license, especially when it is already very difficult to do so with a Class B license. . It should be remembered that the visual requirements are very high for professional drivers, regardless of the category they apply for, so it is very unlikely that a color blind person would dare to take such a bold step as this and that In turn, I will give you this document.

Contrary to popular belief, colorblind people are characterized by their discernment, that is to say They know their limits and do not take the risk of having to face higher demands. like those that must be respected by those who decide to work behind the wheel.