Medical Considerations

Before You Begin

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), with the help of the Secretary of State and the Medical Advisory Board, can deny, restrict, suspend, or revoke a person's driver's license if he or she is deemed unable to safely operate a motor vehicle according to medical guidelines.

This is also true for drivers who fail to report medical conditions as outlined in the Functional Ability Profiles.

Reporting Medical Conditions

There are several medical conditions you must report to the BMV, involving:

• Neurological

• Cardiovascular

• Metabolic

• Musculoskeletal

• Visual

• Emotional

• Psychiatric

• Substance abuse

The Functional Ability Profiles outline these medical conditions, the different severity levels, and the action taken based on the severity. If you find you need to report a medical condition, the Secretary of State will provide the appropriate forms and instructions, including the full-length booklet that explains conditions in detail.

Common Medical Considerations

Vision

The vision requirement for a Maine driver's license is 20/40 or better in the best eye, whether or not it takes corrective lenses.

Page 30 of the Functional Ability Profiles begins detailed explanation of various vision impairments, including special skills you'll need to learn, how often the BMV will review your condition and driving skills, and even whether or not you're eligible for a Maine driver's license.

Hearing

Normally, people with hearing impairments aren't denied driver's licenses in Maine; however, the BMV may require extra equipment such as warning lights and supplemental mirrors. Drivers with hearing impairments may also need to undergo special training or restrict their driving to daylight hours.

Seizures

Page 20 of the Functional Ability Profiles details seizure conditions and cause for review. Highlights that pertain to everyone include:

• When you have one episode of a seizure or lapse of consciousness, you can't drive for six months.

• If you're tapering off your seizure-related medication, you can't drive until three months after the medication is completely discontinued.

• If you have one episode of a seizure or lapse of consciousness due to discontinuing your seizure-related medication, the same three-month rule applies.

Aging Drivers

Maine drivers who are 65 years old and older must renew their licenses every four years, as opposed to every five years.

While Maine doesn't offer any special driving courses to help aging drivers refresh their skills, AARP does offer several classes of its Driver Safety Program throughout the state. In addition to potential car insurance discounts, these classes help sharpen driving skills.

Reporting an Incompetent Driver

If you feel a driver is becoming unsafe on the road due to a disability, medical condition, or aging, you can contact the BMV's Medical Review at (207) 624-9000, ext. 52124. Physicians and law enforcement may also use this reporting method.

Once a driver is reported, Medical Review evaluates the situation to determine if further investigation is necessary.

Testing Accommodations

When you complete your driver's license application, you're required to mark all of your medical conditions. Once you submit your application, the BMV will schedule your exam at the location nearest you.

Upon notification of your appointment, contact the assigned agency and notify the examiner of any medical condition or disability that requires special testing accommodations.

Medical Forms

You can find an archive of BMV-related forms in DMV.ORG's Forms and Drivers with Disabilities sections. Commonly used medical-related forms include:

• Eye Form

• Medical Evaluation Form

• Surrender of License for Physical, Mental, or Emotional Reasons

• Disability Plates/Placard Application

Additional Information

If you have further medical-related questions for the BMV, you can call (207) 624-9000, ext. 52124 or write:

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Driver License Services Division

• 29 State House Station

• Augusta, ME 04333-0029