Hearing loss and driving licences: the hearing distances for group 1 and group 2, when a specialist report is required and how hearing aids and observation drives fit in.
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Hearing loss or deafness does not automatically exclude a driving entitlement. The Austrian Health Requirements Regulation for Driving Licences nevertheless assesses the relevant hearing ability without hearing aids and distinguishes between group 1 and group 2.
The decisive points are the measured hearing ability, possible balance disorders, the specialist report and the exact category scope. This article explains when a medical assessment, an observation drive or additional evidence may become relevant.
Sections 1(8) and 1(9) FSG-GV divide motor vehicles into two groups. Group 1 includes categories AM, A, A1, A2, B, BE and F. Group 2 includes categories C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE and D1E. The distinction matters because section 9 FSG-GV sets different hearing distances for the two groups.
The group follows the requested or existing driving categories, not the job title alone. Someone who wants to drive a passenger car is therefore not assessed by exactly the same standard as someone holding an entitlement for heavy vehicles or buses.
The guidance on medical fitness for professional drivers addresses the specific group 2 context. This article stays focused on hearing and balance.
Section 9 FSG-GV distinguishes the assessment by vehicle group.
| Review point | Group 1 | Group 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical categories | AM, A, A1, A2, B, BE and F | C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE and D1E |
| Hearing test | Conversational speech at a distance of at least 1 m | Conversational speech at a distance of 6 m |
| Hearing aids | The distance is assessed without hearing aids | The distance is assessed without hearing aids |
| If the distance is not reached | A specialist report is required | A specialist report is required |
Failing to reach the distance does not end the assessment automatically. It triggers the specialist clarification required by section 9 FSG-GV.
Section 6(1)(7) FSG-GV lists defective hearing or balance disorders as a possible impairment that may affect the safe control of a motor vehicle. The relevant issue is therefore not the label of a diagnosis, but its concrete effect on safe driving.
The examination may consequently consider not only hearing ability, but also balance function, medical history and signs of disease affecting the hearing or balance organs. A specialist report should describe the condition and assess its effects on driving.
A hearing aid must not simply be treated as an automatic solution. Section 9 expressly sets the stated hearing distance by reference to testing without hearing aids. If necessary, an observation drive or an examination of driving-specific performance can assess whether deficient or absent hearing is sufficiently compensated.
If the hearing distance in section 9 FSG-GV is not reached, a specialist report is required. It may only be prepared after pure-tone audiometry and an examination of balance function. The regulation mentions, for example, standing and stepping tests and walking with the eyes closed.
The report should not merely repeat one measurement. It should assess whether diseases of the hearing or balance organs affect the ability to control a motor vehicle safely. Where signs of such a disease exist, its concrete impact must be assessed.
For preparation, keep the complete ENT report, audiograms, treatment history and relevant balance-function records together. The official medical assessment focus area explains the administrative process. A matching document checklist helps organise the records.
The medical assessment follows the findings, not merely the category requested.
Does the case concern group 1 or group 2?
Classify the requested or existing categories under section 1 FSG-GV. This determines which hearing distance under section 9 is relevant.
Review points: section 1(8) FSG-GV, section 1(9) FSG-GV
Is conversational speech reached binaurally at the required distance?
Group 1 uses at least 1 m and group 2 uses 6 m. Section 9 refers to testing without hearing aids.
Review points: section 9(1) FSG-GV, section 9(2) FSG-GV
Which hearing and balance tests must be considered?
If the distance is not reached, pure-tone audiometry and balance-function testing form the basis of the specialist report.
Review points: section 9 FSG-GV
Is the actual compensation sufficient for safe control?
Where necessary, an observation drive or driving-specific performance examination can show whether the hearing deficit is sufficiently compensated.
Review points: section 9 FSG-GV
The six metres in section 9 FSG-GV are a separate standard for group 2. The assessment is not limited to reading one number, however. The specialist result must also address balance, possible diseases and safe control of the particular vehicle.
A group 2 entitlement can therefore raise additional questions about professional use, vehicle type and later checks. Permission to drive a passenger car does not automatically establish fitness for every group 2 category. Conversely, an unfavourable finding for a higher group does not by itself mean that every driving entitlement is lost.
If an authority letter requests an examination or assessment, read the official medical examination order together with the medical records. This keeps the medical question separate from the administrative procedure.
Organise the hearing report, specialist opinion and vehicle group using your original records.
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Keep the ENT report, audiogram, previous opinions and authority letter together.
Check whether binaural testing without a hearing aid was documented for the correct vehicle group.
Classify the requested categories under group 1 or group 2 and record that classification for further review.
Check pure-tone audiometry, balance function and the question of sufficient compensation.
Now review the exact category scope, any conditions and required periodic examinations in the authority documents.
Together, these records show whether the relevant vehicle group, hearing distance and specialist assessment fit together. The document check does not replace a case-specific legal or medical assessment, but it supports complete preparation.
Bring the examination, reports and authority decision together.
Organise records for the examination and further review.
Review the specific evidence for group 2.
Keep the authority request separate from the medical records.
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