Appendix D: AAMVA Policy*

AAMVA Policy relevant to the screening and evaluation of driver license applicants and drivers is presented below:

01 Uniform Laws

1.2 Uniform Vehicle Code

AAMVA recognizes the importance of, and need for, uniformity in motor vehicle laws and procedures. In accordance with this recognition, we endorse the Uniform Vehicle Code as a statutory guide and recommend its adoption in each jurisdiction.

AAMVA pledges its support and cooperation to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances in its efforts to maintain and update the Uniform Vehicle Code so that the Code may continue to reflect the best in motor vehicle and driver control and regulation. AAMVA believes that the experience and expertise of member administrators and chiefs of enforcement can be of great benefit to the National Committee in continuing this effort.

03 Driver Education/Testing

3.4 Driver License Examining

Examination Content

AAMVA believes that the drivers license examination can be utilized as an effective highway safety tool, if it is administered in a comprehensive, professional manner. The Association recommends that the following be included in such an examination:

1. A test for visual acuity, as well as other appropriate vision testing, with referral to a Medical Advisory Board, if needed;
2. Physical screening to record any obvious physical impairments that might inhibit an applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely;
3. A test to determine an applicant's knowledge of road signs and signals;
4. A test to determine an applicant's knowledge of traffic laws and/or safe driving practices;
5. An actual road test, in which the applicant is required to demonstrate general driving ability, including backing, turning, parking, observance of signs, signals, and traffic laws, as well as the ability to control and manipulate the vehicle, and in the type(s) of vehicle(s) to be driven.

Amended 1983

Examining Procedures

AAMVA recommends that uniform examining standards, policies and procedures be established by each state or provincial licensing agency. It further recommends that all examinations be administered by qualified personnel, with adequate time scheduled for a comprehensive and complete examination for each applicant. Results of all drivers licensing examinations should be reported on a detailed, standard form.

3.7 Renewal Examination

AAMVA recommends periodic reexamination of all drivers, at least once each four years. It urges that such a reexamination include a visual screening test, and where appropriate, a written and/or driving test.  

Adopted 1982

The Association also urges that drivers whose records show a pattern of either violations and/or accidents be given a diagnostic-type reexamination, as a means for confirming a particular driving problem, as well as to prescribe driver improvement programming to ameliorate this deviant driver behavior.

04 Medical Advisory Board

04.1 Medical Reporting

AAMVA recommends that state and provincial licensing agencies cooperate fully with organizations and individuals representing the medical profession, state health agencies, the Veteran's Administration, and other appropriately interested entities, to encourage reporting to drivers license agencies the presence of any physical and/or mental disabilities that might inhibit an individual's ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner. in order that appropriate remedial action can be initiated.

AAMVA endorses Functional Aspects of Driver Impairment: A Guide for State.Medical Advisory Boards, developed by the Association, in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), utilizing the medical profession and health safety specialists--as containing the appropriate guidelines for medical advisory board reporting of driver impairment.

AAMVA urges member-jurisdictions not to license those persons who require telescopic devices to meet minimum visual acuity standards established by the jurisdiction. 

Amended 1983

04.2 Motor Vehicle Trauma As A Major Public Health Problem

AAMVA recognizes motor vehicle-related trauma as a major public health problem requiring leadership by the medical community, in concert with highway safety professionals, to ameliorate it. The Association resolves to join with the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) in establishing a coalition of medical and non-medical organizations from the public and private sectors to develop a broad based public health approach to reducing motor-related trauma.

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