Medical Considerations

Vision Test

To qualify for an unrestricted license, an applicant must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40. Peripheral vision must be at least 110 degrees. If glasses or contacts are needed, a restricted license will be issued, meaning corrective lenses must be worn while driving.

Those who fail the test need to submit a vision test statement from their eye-care professional, indicating the applicant sees well enough to safely drive. If the doctor issues an unfavorable report, the license will not be issued.

However, if an applicant can't attain the vision standards, sometimes a license with limited driving privileges can be granted. For instance, the license may only allow a motorist may to drive during daylight hours. Contact a Secretary of State (SOS) branch office for details.

Medical Conditions

When you apply for a driver's license, you'll be asked some general health-related questions.

If your answers lead SOS personnel to believe you may not be fit to drive, your doctor may have to submit a completed statement of examination form detailing your condition, as well the medications you're taking.

Conditions associated with a loss of consciousness automatically trigger this requirement. In fact, if you've experienced any loss of consciousness within the previous six months of the application, you must file an examination report.

The Driver Assessment and Appeal Division will review the report. If it shows you don't have any mental or physical conditions inhibiting your ability to drive safely, and if you pass the standard driving tests, you'll be issued an unrestricted license.

Restricted License

However, if the report indicates you have a condition which could affect your driving, you may be issued a restricted license,limiting the hours or the places you may drive. You may have to file periodic medical reports with the SOS to keep your driving privileges.

No License

Should the report indicate you have a condition which seriously affects your ability to drive safely, you will not be issued a license.

Reporting an Unsafe Driver

To report someone you feel may no longer be fit to drive, complete the Request for Driver Evaluation form. Or, simply write a letter to the state, explaining the reasons for your concern.

No matter the method, include as much information about the identity of the driver as possible, such as the person's full name, address, date of birth, or driver's license number, to help the state identify the correct person.

Include your name, address, and phone number in the signed letter. Your identity will be protected as much as possible.

Send the letter or form to:

• Request for Driver Reexamination

• Michigan Department of State

• P.O. Box 30640

• Lansing, MI 48909

The state will review the information, and will notify you if the driver needs to be reexamined.

Drivers facing an evaluation may need to submit a statement of examination or vision statement form completed by their physician or eye specialist.

Drivers also may be asked to retake some or all of the driver's license tests.

The state reviews all the information gathered, and makes a determination about whether to allow the person to drive, and if any restrictions are needed.

In some cases, a limited license may be issued, allowing the person to continue driving only during certain times or locations, or only with special equipment.

In other instances, the license may be revoked.

Drivers who refuse to cooperate with the state will have their license automatically suspended.

Additional Information

Michigan offers a helpful guide for elderly drivers and their families or caregivers, navigating the driver reevaluation process. It also provides direction on how to help a driver maintain their independence as long as is safely possible, while giving advice on how to handle situations where the person can no longer drive.

The Office of Services to the Aging can also be helpful in these situations, and can be reached at (517) 373-8230.