| Medically At-Risk Program FAQs |
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| Overview |
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This page provides access to frequently asked questions and answers that pertain to DMV's Medically At-Risk Driver Program. The information is organized in the sections listed above. You may use the links above to go directly to any section.
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| What is the difference between a condition and an impairment? |
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A medical condition is a disease or disease process, such as cataracts, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's. A medical impairment is a symptom, or how the disease affects the body. For example: cataracts may result in vision impairment, Parkinson's may result in a functional impairment, and Alzheimer's may result in a cognitive impairment.
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| I am taking medication, can this affect my driving privileges? |
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DMV will not suspend a person's driving privileges based solely on the medication a person is taking. Ask your doctor if you should be driving while on medication, and take medication only as directed.
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| How will I know that I've been reported and what will happen? |
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DMV evaluates each report to determine the impact on your ability to drive safely. Based on the information contained in the report, your license may be immediately suspended or you may be given a period of time to submit additional medical information and/or pass DMV tests before a suspension action is taken. DMV will notify you by mail of any actions you must take to keep or regain your license.
If accepted as a mandatory report, your license will be immediately suspended. You will receive a Notice of Suspension in the mail, and your license suspension will take effect 5 days from the date on the notice. In most cases, you can contact DMV and request the opportunity to demonstrate that you can still safely drive by taking DMV vision, knowledge and drive tests. Your driver license will be reinstated upon passing the required tests.
Reports not accepted as a mandatory report will be evaluated as a voluntary report under the provisions of the At-Risk Driver Program. Depending on the type of information contained in the report, you may be given 60 days to take and pass the DMV vision, knowledge and drive tests. In some cases, you may be given 30 days to provide current medical information. DMV will immediately suspend your driving privileges if the information indicates you may be a risk to safety.
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| If my license is suspended, can I get a restricted license? |
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No, you must fulfill the reinstatement requirements outlined on the Notice of Suspension to be eligible for driving privileges. Contact DMV if you have questions regarding your reinstatement requirements.
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| Is there a hearing or appeal process? |
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Yes, you can request a hearing. The suspension notice that you receive from DMV will tell you how to request a hearing.
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| What if my condition improves after my license is suspended? |
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You can contact DMV to find out what your reinstatement requirements are. In some cases, you need to request a Medical Report form, which you will need to have your doctor complete. DMV's Medical Determination Officer will review the updated medical information to determine if you are medically qualified to regain driving privileges. In some cases, you may need to take a vision, knowledge test, and behind-the-wheel drive test to get your driving privileges reinstated.
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| Is a license revoked due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease? |
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The medical reporting criteria do not require that a person be reported to DMV solely on the basis of a medical diagnosis, but instead on how cognitive and functional impairments affect driving ability. Many people with early Alzheimer's are still safe drivers. However, now is the time to talk to your doctor and plan for eventual retirement from driving. A doctor is only required to report a cognitive impairment that is severe and uncontrollable.
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| How do I report someone who should but won't stop driving? |
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You can go to a DMV Office and fill out a voluntary reporting form. You have the option of requesting that DMV keep your name confidential. Or, you can write a letter to DMV describing an unsafe driving situation. You must include the person's name and address in the letter. You can also download a copy of the Driver Evaluation Request form.
DMV will review the information and may notify the driver that testing is needed to ensure their driving skills are within state standards. Additional information about the voluntary reporting of At-Risk Drivers can be found at Voluntary Report Program and the Oregon Safe Mobility Web site.
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| Related Information |
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Additional information that may be relevant includes:
If you have questions or need additional information, you may contact the DMV At-Risk Driver Program staff at (503) 945-5295.
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