Medical Conditions

Visually Impaired Drivers

The current minimal visual acuity requirement is 20/40, with or without corrective lenses prescribed by an optometrist. Drivers with acuity between 20/41 and 20/70 can only legally drive during daylight hours. Your peripheral vision must measure at least 140 degrees with or without corrective lenses to be eligible for an unrestricted Illinois driver's license.

If you require corrective lenses to pass the vision screening, you must wear these lenses whenever you are operating a motor vehicle.

Hearing Impaired Drivers

Diligent use of your mirrors and a commitment to constant alertness can help you compensate for hearing problems, so partial or complete deafness will generally not affect your Illinois driving privileges. However, you are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State at (800) 252-8980 with any questions you may have regarding this issue.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may use the services of an interpreter when doing business with the Illinois of Secretary of State. If you do not want a formal interpreter, a friend or family member can assist you during the process of obtaining or renewing your license. If you would like to request that the written knowledge exam be administered to you in sign language, call contact the Department of Senior and Community Services at (800) 252-2904 at least two weeks in advance of your scheduled appointment.

Seizures

Seizures are considered a very serious medical impairment. Illinois motorists who have health problems that may result in the loss of consciousness are legally required to notify the Secretary of State within 10 days of learning of the condition.

Aging Drivers

Although aging drivers have much more practical experience than other motorists, they often suffer from health problems that can limit their driving abilities. For example, some prescription medications can cause excessive drowsiness as a side effect. For this reason, it's a good idea to discuss any concerns you may have about changes in your driving ability with your healthcare provider.

Under certain circumstances, the Illinois Secretary of State may require your healthcare provider to submit a Medical Report to validate your driving privileges. The report is valid for three months. Signing it signals your commitment to seek proper medical care for your condition.

If you suffer from a chronic medical condition, you may also wish to place a sticker indicating that you carry an Emergency Medical Information Card on the back of your Illinois driver's license. These stickers are available at any driver services office, school, hospital, or medical group that carries the Emergency Medical Information Cards.

While Illinois does require drivers over the age of 75 to take a road test to renew their license, this test should not be viewed as a cause for alarm. The supervisor will not try to "trick" you in any way. He or she will simply observe how you drive under normal road conditions.