The requirement for a medical exam to renew a driver’s licence will be scrapped for motorists under the age of 70 by the end of the year, David Burt has said.

The Premier was responding to questions from Douglas De Couto, the shadow finance minister, who highlighted that the Government advised in December that the legislation would be amended.

Wayne Furbert, who was then the transport minister, said at the time that motorists under the age of 70 would not have to take the exam every ten years when they renew their driver’s licence, under proposed legislation.

Dr De Couto also asked in the House of Assembly on Friday whether more resources were needed to speed up the legislative process but Mr Burt defended the Government’s record.

Dr De Couto said during the question period: “In December 2024, this government advised the public that it would remove the requirement for a mandatory medical exam upon all driver’s licence renewals.

“I personally know as of August this year, that requirement was still in effect, and I don’t see it on the order paper, so I imagine it will still be in effect for the rest of the year.

“Could the Honourable Premier please inform this Honourable House, why the Government has failed to make this simple change which was promised to the Bermudian public?”

Mr Burt thanked Dr De Couto for “reciting our commitments”.

The Premier added: “I recognise that there are 11 pieces of legislation for consideration in this Honourable House that are coming down today.

“What I can advise the Honourable Member is that those matters continue to progress with the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, and the people of this country should look forward to those particular items being brought before the end of the year.”

The present transport minister is Owen Darrell.

Dr De Couto, in a supplemental question, asked whether the Government required more drafters and policymakers to be able to put legislation through in a timely manner.

“Many Bermudians would feel that the Bermuda Government is in fact not coming through with its promises fast enough,” Dr De Couto said.

“Does the Government have any plans to further reinforce the teams that are working on drafting and creating legislation so that the people of Bermuda can receive the promised benefits?”

Mr Burt responded: “It is rich, I would say, coming from the Opposition on a day that 11 matters are tabled that are going to advance things …

“The reason we have 11 pieces of legislation is because the Government has done just that — made sure that the Attorney-General ‘s Chambers are supported with additional resources and that is the reason we have those particular items.

“So the answer to the question is yes, we will continue what we have been doing by making sure they have the support to be able to deliver on this government’s legislative agenda.

“If more resources are needed to be found, they will be reallocated because this government has a history of staying within our means when it comes to spending.”

Dr De Couto said he “translated” Mr Burt’s response as meaning there will be no change to resourcing.

Under law, drivers must submit a certificate from their doctor proving they are fit to operate a car when they renew their licence every ten years.

This exam includes a self-reported health assessment and a physical fitness evaluation conducted by a physician, which assesses eyesight, hearing and general physical health.

Mr Furbert said in December that under the amended law, a medical certificate would be required only if an applicant reported a condition that might affect their driving ability.

“This change will reduce the administrative and financial burden for drivers, streamline the renewal process and make it more convenient for applicants, all without compromising safety standards,” Mr Furbert said at the time — while the Government stated that, after age 70, the requirements for periodic medical certification would remain in place.