Medical Considerations

In our Drivers with Disabilities section, we cover a wealth of information about Idaho disabled drivers, license plates, and parking placards. However, below are various other medical considerations.

Vision Impairment

When you apply for your Idaho driver's license, you'll need to take a vision test. In order to pass, your vision must be 20/40 in one eye. This applies to people who wear corrective lenses and to people who don't.

If you wear corrective lenses, you'll have a lens restriction placed on your license. This means you must always wear your lenses when you're operating a motor vehicle. Consequences include citations and loss of driving privileges.

If you are between the ages of 21 and 62, you'll have to take another vision test each time you renew your license.

Hearing Impairment

At this time, there are no universal procedures regarding drivers with hearing impairments and license or driving restrictions. There may be situations in which a driver license examiner will want to take steps to make sure there are appropriate outside mirrors on the vehicle, though.

Consciousness or Control Lapses

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reserves the right to deny licenses to Idaho residents who have the following physical and mental conditions:

• Seizures or epilepsy.

• Alzheimer's disease.

• Parkinson's disease.

• Diabetes in which management is dependent upon insulin.

• Severe arthritis.

• Multiple sclerosis.

• Paralysis.

• Strokes.

• Heart conditions.

If you live with any of these conditions and wish to obtain an Idaho driver's license, you must provide the ITD with written documentation stating you are able to operate a motor vehicle safely. Contact the ITD for instructions specific to your condition.

Aging Drivers

Idaho drivers up until the age of 62 must take vision tests when they renew their licenses. After that, the responsibility lies in the hands of the examiner. He or she will decide whether an additional skills test, a medical examination, or both are necessary.

If an elderly driver is involved in an accident, the law enforcement officer handling the case has the right to contact the ITD and request a skills evaluation. When this happens, the ITD will contact the driver with instructions.

However, there is no mandatory age at which Idaho drivers must begin renewing their licenses earlier or taking safety courses to sharpen their skills. Even so, as an aging driver―or the loved one of an aging driver―you may be interested in state-approved defensive driving courses or AARP's Driver Safety education classes. These have the added benefit of lowering insurance costs, in many cases.

Reporting an Incompetent Driver

To report an incompetent driver, the ITD recommends obtaining the driver's license plate number first. You can then contact the ITD with details about the situation and for further instructions.

Testing Accommodations

Drivers who need special testing accommodations due to disabilities or other medical considerations are encouraged to contact their county driver's license examiner at least two weeks in advance. The examiner will make arrangement based on each driver's specific needs.

If you have a hearing impairment, you can call the ITD's telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD) at (208) 334-4458 to make special testing accommodations.

Medical Forms

Note that the ITD can provide you with all necessary medical forms, as well as further information about which form you'll need depending on your situation.

Aside from DMV.ORG's Drivers with Disabilities section, which includes information about appropriate paperwork, you can access the ITD's Voluntary Surrender Of Idaho Driver's License form online, which is necessary if you wish to surrender your license for medical reasons.