Top Reporting an Unsafe Driver

When there is reason to believe that someone is unfit to drive,
Ohio laws allow for re-testing of a currently licensed driver, or forcing that individual to pass a medical examination. If a law enforcement agency, rehab facility, court, hospital, or physician feels that an individual cannot safely operate a vehicle, they may notify the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). However, whoever makes the request must have either observed the individual driving, or have some sort of personal contact with the driver. The BMV will then investigate the matter.

Age alone is not an acceptable reason to question someone's ability to drive safely. Also, medical professionals do not have to report a patient whom they suspect is unfit to drive.

How to Report

If you are a neighbor, friend, relative, or acquaintance of someone who you think may no longer be fit to drive, notify the BMV in writing. Be sure to include the person's name, or some other way for the bureau to identify the driver. The BMV will investigate your report, and determine if there is sufficient reason to cause the person in question to be re-tested or to receive medical clearance. You must agree to let the BMV tell the person that you were the one who notified the bureau.

Motorists who lose their driving privileges will still be able to keep their registration and license plates.

Elderly Drivers

Elderly drivers do not have to undergo any sort of special testing to keep their license. As long as they can pass the vision test when they go to renew their license, they can continue to drive.

We cover the topic of elderly drivers in our Safety & Driving section.

Top Vision Test

The vision test consists of two parts: visual acuity and horizontal fields. Other drivers, such as those applying for a commercial driver's license or a school bus endorsement, must also pass a color blindness test. The state provides more details on all of this.

If you fail the vision test, you will need to visit a licensed eye doctor to have your vision corrected, and then come back and pass the vision test. You may be issued a license with limited privileges, such as only being allowed to drive during daylight hours.

If you're attempting to renew your license while out of state, you must have a licensed eye doctor complete the vision clearance form, indicating that you see well enough to drive safely.

Top Other Medical Issues

When you apply for your first Ohio license, you will be asked if you have any physical or mental conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely. If you do, you will be instructed as to what to do next. You will be given a medical packet (BMV form 2058), which your doctor will need to complete. You must bring the completed packet back to the agency within 30 days.

The BMV outlines some possible outcomes and consequences of the medical report. Even if you are not given a clean bill of health, you may still be able to drive by being granted a restricted license, if you agree to periodic testing or medical examinations.

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