Medical Considerations

Before You Begin

It's important to note that the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and the RMV's Medical Affairs Branch (MAB) handle the decision to grant or deny a license based on medical considerations.

These decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis, and may result in an outcome that conflicts with the information gathered here.

Reporting Medical Conditions

The RMV and the MAB require you to report any medical condition that may affect your driving ability. Contact the MAB at (617) 351-9222.

Medical Restrictions

The RMV and the MAB may place restrictions on your license based on your medical condition. The following license restrictions are medically related:

• B: Corrective Lenses

• C: Mechanical Aid

• D: Prosthetic Aid

• E: Automatic Transmission

• F: Outside Mirror

• G: Limit to Daytime Only

• H: Limit to Restricted Hours

• J: Restriction Card Must be Carried

• R: Bioptic Telescopic Lens

• S: Proof of Current Blood Sugar Level

Common Medical Considerations

Vision

When you apply for a learner's permit and a driver's license, you will undergo a vision screening that tests your visual acuity and horizontal peripheral field of vision as well as your color vision. If you normally wear corrective lenses, you must also wear them during your screening.

The visual acuity in your better eye must be at least 20/40; however, if it's between 20/50 and 20/70, the RMV may still restrict you to driving only during daylight hours. Your horizontal peripheral vision must at least 120 degrees.

The RMV does not issue licenses to applicants who have unresolvable diplopia, i.e. unresolvable double vision.

The Vision Screening Certificate is available online for those applicants who'd rather their optometrists or physicians complete their vision exams. Note that the optometrists or physicians must be licensed in Massachusetts.

For more details, refer to the RMV's online copy of the Vision Policy Statement.

Hearing

The RMV and the MAB may place certain restrictions on an applicant's or current driver's license when a hearing impairment is reported. These restrictions may vary; contact the MAB for more information.

Seizures and Loss of Consciousness

The RMV and the MAB require an applicant or current driver who experiences a seizure or loss of consciousness to report the episode and voluntarily surrender his or her license until a six-month episode-free period passes. The RMV and the MAB may also require a physician's report at any time.

For more details, refer to the RMV's online copy of the Seizure and Loss of Consciousness Policy Statement.

Aging Drivers

The RMV and the MAB place no license restrictions based on age; however, they do provide a wealth of information about elder drivers in Massachusetts. Refer to the following RMV Web pages for information specific to your mature driver issues:

• Physicians: Learn about physical requirements, reporting procedures, and counseling available for older drivers.

• Law Enforcement: Find information about the various elder driver safety programs with which law enforcement officers are involved.

• Mature Drivers: Check out driving evaluation programs, elder driver workshops, and warning signs of unsafe driving.

• Mature Driver FAQs: Get answers to your most frequently asked questions about aging drivers in Massachusetts.

Reporting an Incompetent Driver

Whether it's an aging driver or a driver with a medical condition, if you feel the driver's ability is questionable, you can file a report with the RMV using a Request for Medical Evaluation. Fax the form to (617) 351-9223 or mail it to:

• Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

• Medical Affairs Branch

• P.O. Box 55889

• Boston, MA 02205

Testing Accommodations

Knowledge Exam

If you have a medical condition that will prevent you from taking the knowledge portion of the driving exam using a standard automated test station (ATS), you must contact the RMV at (617) 351-4505 and provide the following information:

• Your name.

• Your telephone number.

• Specific details about your request, including the nature of your medical condition.

The RMV will then contact you to schedule a test time and provide you with details so you'll be prepared upon arrival.

Road Exam

If you have a medical condition that requires special testing accommodations, contact an RMV representative with specific details. The RMV representative will assist you in scheduling a road test complete with testing accommodations.

Medical Forms

In addition to DMV.ORG's Forms and Drivers with Disabilities sections, you can also find motor vehicle-related medical forms on the RMV's Medical Affairs Forms and Publications Web page.

Additional Information

For general information regarding medical considerations in Massachusetts refer to Obtaining Your License, the first chapter of the Massachusetts Driver's Manual.

For more specific information, visit the RMV's Medical Qualification Policy Statements.