Driving deaf or hard of hearing:

The rules in force

In Germany, the Driving Licence Ordinance (FeV) regulates who is allowed to drive a motor vehicle. Appendix 4 is important for people who are hard of hearing or deaf and want to drive a car: even if the hearing loss is 60 percent or more, those affected are allowed behind the wheel according to the appendix. Prerequisite: There are "no other serious deficiencies at the same time (e.g. impaired vision, impaired balance)". This is because hearing loss and deafness are considered sensory defects that can be easily compensated for when driving a motor vehicle. Furthermore, there is no evidence that deaf drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. The sense of sight plays a much more important role in driving than hearing.

However, hearing-impaired and deaf people who want to drive must prove by means of a medical certificate that they meet the requirements of the FeV when acquiring a driving licence. Professional drivers must regularly prove this fitness to drive within the framework of a medical examination.

Similar regulations exist in other countries. Those affected should inform themselves about the regulations in force there before travelling abroad.

Find suitable driving schools

Hearing impaired and deaf people need to be able to communicate with their driving instructor during driving lessons. Those who can understand spoken language well with a hearing aid are not restricted in their choice of driving school. Deaf people and people with severe hearing loss who communicate using sign language, on the other hand, need a driving instructor who also knows sign language. Of course, this also applies to the theoretical lessons. An address directory of driving schools with appropriately qualified staff is available from the "Handicap" working group of the Federal Association of Driving Instructor Associations.

Wearing hearing aids while driving

Deaf people are completely dependent on their sense of sight when driving. Since they do not perceive acoustic warning signals, they must drive with particular care. Hearing impaired people with hearing aids should wear them when driving, even though the performance of the devices may be affected by the many background noises. For professional drivers who are hard of hearing, hearing aids are mandatory. The hearing care professional will provide information on how to suppress background noises that occur especially when driving - such as wind in a convertible. The expert also knows which networks between hearing aids and audio systems and mobile phones in the car make sense.