Who is allowed to drive, and who isn’t? What medical conditions might prevent someone from legally being able to drive? Under what circumstances can a driver’s license be taken away from someone?
Every state has its own laws governing the answers to these questions. In Pennsylvania, guidelines are established by a Medical Review Board consisting of 13 individuals chosen by the Secretary of Transportation. Below are the basic medical restrictions:
PHYSICAL CRITERIA
- Visual acuity and field of vision standards.
- Hearing requirements (for school bus drivers only).
- Seizure disorder.
- Unstable diabetes.
- Cardiovascular conditions.
- Cerebral vascular insufficiency.
- Periodic episodes of loss of consciousness and/or awareness.
- Loss or impairment of joint or extremity.
- Rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, vascular or neuromuscular disease expected to last longer than 90 days.
- Use of any drug or substance that is known to impair skill or function.
MENTAL CRITERIA
For an overview of the reporting criteria for mental disorders, please click here.
