Medical Considerations

Seizures

Drivers who experience seizures or another maladies resulting in a loss of consciousness must provide the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with a written statement every year from a physician, indicating their condition is under control, and that they are fit to drive a vehicle.

The physician must have treated the condition for at least three months before issuing the report.

Other Medical Considerations

If you have a medical condition that impairs your ability to drive safely, you're required to report the condition to the DMV. You may need to supply the division with a report from your doctor indicating you are fit to drive in order to be allowed to drive.

You may also need to file a satisfactory report issued by your doctor every year in order to keep your license from being suspended by the DMV.

Restricted Licenses

Those with disabilities impairing the ability to safely drive may be able to maintain some or all of their driving privileges.

For instance, if your vehicle can be equipped with special equipment that allows you to drive safely, you may be able to continue to drive as you normally would. Or, if your vision is limited, you may be allowed to drive only during daylight.

However, to be granted a restricted license allowing you to drive under special conditions, you will need to pass an examination by a physician verifying your ability to drive safely under the imposed conditions.

Reporting an Unsafe Driver

Physicians, law enforcement, and members of a driver's immediate family may report a driver to the DMV who may be unfit to drive.

Once the report has been filed, the driver may need to submit a completed report from a physician indicating the driver is fit to drive. In addition, the driver may have to pass the driver's license written, skills, and vision tests again. Some drivers will also have to successfully complete a driver rehabilitation evaluation or undergo special driver training.

Drivers who voluntarily surrender their license may get their license reinstated without any charge later on, should they be able to meet the requirements. Otherwise, it costs $25 to have the license reinstated.

Questions about these matters should be addressed to the DMV Medical Section at (302) 744-2507.

Vision

To be legally able to drive during the day or night, you must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40. Glasses or contacts may be used to meet this standard. However, if corrective lenses are used, you will always need to wear them while driving.

If you can't meet these requirements but your acuity is at least 20/50, you may be issued a restricted license with daytime-only driving privileges.