Top Vision

To legally drive in Tennessee, you must have visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye and with both eyes used together.

If glasses or contacts are used to meet these standards, the corrective lenses must be worn whenever you're driving.

If you fail the vision test, you'll need to have your eye doctor submit a completed eye statement to the Department of Safety (DOS) for evaluation.

Top Elderly Drivers

No special tests or procedures are required for drivers solely because they have reached a certain age.

Top Seizures and Other Medical Conditions

Those applying for a new or renewed driver's license will be asked if they have any medical conditions which could interfere with their ability to drive safely. If you answer affirmatively, you'll be asked to submit a medical report from your doctor in order to allow the DOS to review your suitability for driving.

Generally, if you've experienced episodes of seizures, blackouts, insulin shock, or other losses of consciousness, you'll need to be free of any such episodes for a year and have a favorable medical report from your doctor before a license will be granted or renewed.

However, in some cases, the waiting period may only be six months, if you have a satisfactory report from your doctor and your request is approved by the DOS.

If your license application is denied, you can appeal the decision within 20 days of the ruling and request a hearing before a hearing officer.

Top Reporting an Unsafe Driver

If you know someone who may no longer be fit to drive safely, you should notify the DOS in writing of your concern.

Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number, and sign the letter. Try to include as much information as you can about the driver's identity, including the name, address, license plate number, and driver's license number, if possible. Explain in detail the reasons why you suspect the driver may be unfit to drive.

Send the letter to:

• Tennessee Department of Safety

• Driver Improvement Section

• 1150 Foster Ave.

• Nashville, TN 37210

Once the DOS has received your letter, it will review the situation. If the agency feels further review is warranted, it will contact the driver, requesting a medical evaluation from the driver's doctor.

After the DOS receives the medical report from the doctor, it will determine an appropriate course of action. Under some circumstances, more medical evaluations or retesting may be required.

The DOS will then make its ruling. In some cases, the driver may continue to drive as before. In other instances, the driver may face limited driving privileges or have to follow certain guidelines, such as filing annual medical reports with the DOS. As a last resort, the license may be suspended.

Within 20 days of receiving the department's ruling, the driver may appeal the judgment before a hearing officer.

Top Additional Information

To receive more information about these important and sensitive matters, contact the Driver Improvement Section at:

• Tennessee Department of Safety

• Driver Improvement Section

• 1150 Foster Ave.

• Nashville, TN 37210

• Phone: (615) 251-5235

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