Medical Considerations

Vision Impairments

You will be required to complete a vision exam before you can receive your driver's license.
Rhode Island law states:

• Drivers must have at least 20/40 visual acuity in their better eye, with or without corrective lenses.

• Your minimum visual field must measure 115 degrees in the horizontal meridian.

• Monocular drivers must have visual fields of 40 degrees nasally and 75 degrees temporally.

What If You Fail?

If you do not pass your vision screening, you will ask to have your eye care specialist complete an additional assessment and submit a completed form to the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Based on the results, you'll be either awarded a restricted license or denied driving privileges.

Hearing Impairments

Contrary to popular belief, the Rhode Island DMV does not consider hearing impairments to significantly affect your driving ability. Partial or total deafness will not cause you to lose your driver's license. However, you will need to remember to use your mirrors carefully and maintain a commitment to constant visual alertness to help compensate for your disability.

If you require an interpreter when doing business with the DMV, contact the State of Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf & Hard of Hearing for assistance.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Rhode Island, like all other states, considers seizures to be a very serious driving impairment. Although doctors are not legally required to report patients who suffer from epilepsy or other seizure disorders, the law protects those who choose to report a driver who may be a safety hazard from any liability associated with the claim.

Seizure Free

In Rhode Island, drivers must be seizure free for at least 18 months, and submit a medical form from their healthcare provider before applying for a license. After the driver has been issued a license, periodic medical updates may be required at the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board.

Appeal Time

If you are denied a driver's license as the result of your seizure disorder, you have 10 days to appeal the decision.

Older Drivers

Rhode Island law requires drivers age 69 and over to renew their license every two years instead of every five. However, there are no special testing requirements for older drivers.

Older drivers are encouraged to make regular appointments with their healthcare providers to discuss any issues that may affect their driving ability. For example, many prescription medications cause drowsiness as a common side effect. Confusion and disorientation may be serious concerns as well.

Maintaining Your Independence without a Driver's License

If your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, it's normal to feel like you are losing your independence. However, there are a number of resources designed to assist residents with their transportation needs.

Visit the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to learn more about public transportation systems within the state, or view a listing of resources for elderly and disabled residents on the AARP Web site.

ID Cards

If you are concerned about having a valid source of photo identification after losing your driver's license, apply for non-driver ID card. Cards are valid for five years and expire on your birthday. The regular fee for receiving a non-driver ID card is $15, but there is no charge for drivers over age 59.

Reporting an Incompetent Driver

Report anyone who you suspect may be unfit to operate a motor vehicle to the DMV Medical Advisory Board by calling (401) 462-0802.

Physicians who wish to report drivers with medical impairments should submit a letter with a description of the driver's condition and any recommendations regarding license restrictions or suspensions to:

• Mr. Allen Simpkins

• Administrative Adjudication Court

• Office of Operator Control

• 345 Harris Ave.

• Providence, RI 02909