UK driving license revocation for drug use

[Pondlife]

I've just come across this document on the UK DVLA website, which was released earlier this year:

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/medical/aagv1.pdf

The part that I am referring to is the appendix that starts on page 35 of the PDF (page 33 of the document), and which says:

HIGH RISK OFFENDER SCHEME for drivers convicted of certain drink/driving offences and meeting any of the following:

(a) One disqualification for driving, or being in charge of a vehicle, when the level of alcohol in the body equalled or exceeded:
i) 87.5 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, or
ii) 200 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, or
iii) 267.5 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine.

(b) Two disqualifications within the space of ten years for drinking and driving, or being in charge of a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol.

(c) One disqualification for refusing/failing to supply a specimen for analysis.

DVLA will be notified of such offenders by the courts. When an application for licence re-instatement is made, an
independent medical examination will be conducted, which includes a questionnaire, serum AST, ALT, GGT and MCV
assay and may include further assessments as indicated. If favourable, a “Till 70” licence is restored for Group I and a
recommendation can be made regarding the issue of a Group 2 licence.

If a High Risk Offender has a previous history of alcohol dependency or persistent misuse, but has satisfactory examination
and blood tests, a short period licence is issued for ordinary and vocational entitlement but dependent on their ability to meet
the standard as specified.

A High Risk Offender found to have a current history of alcohol misuse/dependency and/or unexplained abnormal blood test analysis will have the application refused.

This is followed by a table which outlines the various conditions for refusal of a license based on drug use. For example:

Cannabis, Amphetamines (note:Metamphetamine below), Ecstasy & other psychoactive substances, including LSD and Hallucinogens

Persistent use of or dependency on these substances, confirmed by medical enquiry, will lead to licence refusal or revocation for a minimum six month period free of such use has been attained. Independent medical assessment and urine screen arranged by DVLA, may be required.

I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing overall, but I certainly didn't hear about any legislation covering it.

It seems to mean that even if there is no evidence that a person has driven while under the influence of these drugs, a driving license will be revoked if a person is using them. Is it a good idea to revoke a license just due to drug usage that is not connected with a person's driving, and that they may never have been convicted for in relation to driving in the past?

I also wonder if there is a possible unintended consequence that drug users may be less willing to be open with their GP about usage as a result, which can't be good for anyone.

I think my overall feeling is that while it's a bad thing for someone to drive while intoxicated (whatever the drug), that does not justify revoking someone's license purely for using the drug without necessarily driving while unfit.