Medical Considerations

Senior Drivers

Drivers over the age of 70 must have their physician complete the appropriate section of the driver license renewal form.

Drivers may be granted a temporary license that's valid for 45 days, to give them the time to have their physician complete the paperwork.

Senior drivers may be able to maintain at least some of their driving privileges by using special equipment in their vehicle, or by opting for a restricted license that may, for example, only permit daytime driving.

Call (202) 727-5000 for more information on how the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can assist elderly drivers.

Sunlight Protection

Drivers with light sensitivities may have their physician complete a waiver which will allow the driver's car windows to be darkened beyond what is normally permitted.

Fax the form to (202) 727-0463, or bring it to a service location for processing.

The tinting is acceptable as long as the driver's condition remains, or until the vehicle is sold.

Vision

You must have at least 20/40 vision in one eye, or a minimum of 20/70 vision with a peripheral vision of at least 140 degrees, to be granted an unrestricted license.

You may wear glasses or contacts to meet these standards, but if you do, the corrective lenses must always be worn when driving. After having corrective eye surgery, you may visit a service center to have the restriction removed, but you'll have to pass the vision test without the aid of glasses or contacts.

Those failing the vision test should have their licensed eye doctor complete a medical report. Then, fax the report to (202) 673-9908, or send it to:

• D.C. DMV Medical Review Services

• P.O. Box 90120

• Washington, D.C. 20090

Depending on the eye doctor's comments or the department's own evaluation, drivers may have their license suspended or restricted, or have to provide periodic vision reports.

If you suffer from eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, or monocular vision, you must file a medical report with the state.

Hearing

If your hearing is impaired, you'll need to equip your vehicle with a special mirror on its left side. Your license will note this requirement.

If you need help completing DMV tasks, an interpreter can be provided to you at no cost. However, don't wait to arrange this until you arrive at the service center. Instead, schedule an appointment beforehand by sending an e-mail to dmv@dc.gov.

Medical Conditions

If you're afflicted by a medical condition that impedes your ability to be a safe driver, the DMV requires you to submit a completed medical report, even if the condition is temporary. This includes both currently licensed drivers and those applying for a license.

Drivers with insulin-dependent diabetes or Alzheimer's disease are included in this group. Alzheimer patients must also re-take the road and knowledge tests.

Seizures

If you suffer from this condition or experience other ailments resulting in a loss of consciousness, you must file a medical report with the DMV before applying for a license. Also, you must not have had any episodes in the 12 months preceding the application date.

If you experience an episode after obtaining your license, you have 30 days to report it to the DMV. Your license will then be suspended, unless your doctor verifies that the incident was caused by a medication change or was nocturnal.

Reporting Unsafe Drivers

A law enforcement officer, physician, or family member may send the DMV a letter alerting the agency about a driver who may no longer be fit to drive.

The letter should contain as much information as possible concerning the reasons for this suspicion, and should include specific information about the driver's identity to help ensure the DMV targets the correct person.

The DMV will investigate the situation, and may require the driver to file a medical report and possibly take the written and road tests again.

Depending on the results, the DMV may suspend the license, or offer a restricted or shorter license. If you're required to file follow-up medical reports, be sure to do so. Your license may be suspended if you fail to comply.

In some cases, the DMV may grant a 45-day temporary license, which enables the driver to go to a physician and have the necessary examinations completed.