Sabar Medical or MARVAD — what is the difference, and who decides about your driving licence?
Translation published: 15 October 2026
Understanding the different bodies
Received a driving-fitness examination summons from Sabar Medical, but heard that the process involves MARVAD? The names can be confusing. Understanding the roles of Sabar Medical, MARVAD and the Licensing Authority helps you follow the process.
What is MARVAD?
The Medical Institute for Road Safety (MARVAD) is a Ministry of Health unit. It assesses medical fitness to drive for drivers and licence applicants referred by authorised bodies. Documents and examinations are assessed according to the case. MARVAD provides professional opinions and recommendations to the Ministry of Transport’s Licensing Authority, which makes the decision concerning the licence.
What does Sabar Medical do?
Sabar Medical is a company participating in the driving-fitness service and examination framework. The Ministry of Health lists Sabar branches within MARVAD’s service framework. A Sabar summons may therefore be part of the official medical-fitness process, rather than a private examination chosen by the driver. Follow the details and instructions in your personal summons.
Are Sabar Medical and MARVAD the same body?
No. MARVAD is a government unit, while Sabar is a company providing services within the framework. For the examinee, Sabar’s activities form part of the driving-fitness assessment process. The distinction does not remove the need to attend an examination or submit requested documents.
Who decides whether you may continue driving?
Distinguish the medical examination and professional recommendation from the administrative licensing decision. The examination framework assesses medical fitness; the Licensing Authority decides concerning the licence. A summons alone does not establish whether you may drive. Check the licence’s validity, applicable restrictions and every individual notice received.
How should you prepare for Sabar?
Read the summons carefully and check the location, date and document requirements. Prepare identification as instructed, relevant current medical records, requested specialist summaries and test results, and copies of submitted documents and correspondence. Requirements vary by examinee. Provide complete, accurate information; do not stop or change medication for an examination without medical instructions.
Who should you contact while awaiting a response?
Distinguish waiting for a summons, a request for additional documents, completion of medical assessment and a Licensing Authority decision. Start with the contact details in the summons or latest notice. Ask whether all documents arrived, whether you must take further action, whether medical assessment is complete and whether the recommendation reached the Licensing Authority. Keep delivery confirmations and records of enquiries.
What if a decision affects your licence?
Examine the notice, reasons and appropriate challenge procedure. The medical appeals committee can uphold, amend or cancel MARVAD recommendations. Check the decision promptly because deadlines apply. Medical evidence and arguments should address the individual case.
Need help understanding a summons or decision?
The National Center for Driving Fitness provides public information and access to legal assistance through Tsuri Saban & Co. Law Firm concerning examinations, delays and appeals. For enquiries and legal advice: 050-3302070.
Official sources
Related information
Summoned to MARVAD or Sabar Medical? Preparing your examination documents
A finding of personality-related unfitness for safe driving — understanding the decision
May you drive while waiting for a MARVAD examination or decision?
Public-transport and heavy-vehicle licences: medical fitness beyond a private licence