Medical Considerations

Medical Restrictions

The West Virginia Driver Licensing Handbook lists the numerous license restrictions that can be imposed on drivers. Those related to medical conditions include:

• Corrective Lenses

• Outside Mirrors

• Corrective Lenses and Outside Mirrors

• Artificial Limbs

• Mechanical Signals

• Hand Controls

• Automatic Transmission

• Power Steering and Brakes

• Daylight Driving Only

The WV Division of Motor Vehicles also reserves the right to include a restriction of "Other" for any other conditions.

In addition to our Drivers with Disabilities section, you can find information about various medical considerations for WV drivers below.

Vision Impairment

Passing a vision exam is part of the driver license application process. Your vision must be 20/40 or better, with correction.

If you have vision impairment, you're required to mark the appropriate box on the Driver's License/Photo ID Application. If you require corrective lenses, the DMV will place the appropriate restriction on your licens,e and you must wear your corrective lenses each time you're behind the wheel.

Whether you do or don't currently use corrective lenses, if you can't pass the vision exam, your test instructor will direct you on further steps. This usually means you'll have to visit a vision specialist to bring your eyesight up to the 20/40 standard and have the doctor complete a Report on Visual Examination.

Depending on your condition, you may also need to use tools such as outside mirrors when driving.

Seizures

When you apply for a driver's license, you'll need to include information about seizures―as well as unconsciousness and emotional and mental health issues―on your application. Any further information and any imposed restrictions are at the discretion of the WV DMV.

Designations to Help You

Not all license designations are there as restrictions. Some are there to identify a person with a medical condition that may need attention, in case of an accident or other emergency.

Hearing Impairment

If you have a hearing impairment, you may have a special emblem called the Deaf Designation placed on the your license. Both you and your physician must complete the Driver's License/Photo ID Application, which is also available at any WV DMV location. You can also order these forms at (800) 642-9066.

When you're ready to submit your application, do so at your local WV DMV location. Don't forget two proofs of identification and the $5 fee.

Diabetes

Similar to the Deaf Designation, the Diabetic Designation exists for WV drivers with diabetes. Simply provide your local DMV with the appropriately completed Form DS23P, two proofs of identification, and the $5 fee to have the Diabetic Designation placed on your driver's license.

Aging Drivers

Handing over keys due to age is always a difficult time. In West Virginia, there's no age at which a driver must retest to determine whether he or she is still skilled enough to be behind the wheel. There are also no programs in place designed specifically to help elderly drivers sharpen their skills.

All is not lost. Organizations such as AARP provide helpful resources including:

• Informative articles such as Driver's Ed for Grownups.

• An online quiz to test driving knowledge.

• Driver Safety classes, both online and in classrooms across West Virginia.

Reporting an Incompetent Driver

If you feel it's become unsafe for your aging driver to get behind the wheel, but he or she doesn't feel the same, you may need to follow the steps below.

Reporting incompetent drivers isn't a process to take lightly. You, or a law enforcement officer, must provide the following information about the driver in question:

• Name.

• Address.

• Date of birth.

• Driver's license number.

• Detailed explanation or account of the situation.

Send this information to:

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• Driver Improvement Section

• Bldg. 3, Capitol Complex

• Charleston, WV 25317

Now it's in the WV DMV's hands. They will determine whether the driver needs to be re-examined and whether the driver's doctor should provide medical information.

For more information, contact the Driver Improvement Section at (304) 558-0238.

Testing Accommodations

Folks with disabilities or other special medical considerations should contact their local WV DMV to inquire about and plan for specific testing accommodations.

Medical Forms

DMV.ORG provides medical forms in our Forms & Publications and Drivers with Disabilities sections. WV DMV locations also provide the forms necessary for drivers with medical considerations.