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Driver compliance medical conditions and your license

Driver compliance medical conditions and your license

When you apply for a Minnesota instruction permit or driver’s license, you will be asked questions about your health. Find information about health and Commercial Driver's License (CDL) on the CDL medical certification page. 

We use this information only to decide if you can drive safely. Only authorized staff can see it. Learn more on the Data Privacy page.

If you have a medical condition, you may need to provide a statement from your doctor. This statement must say whether your condition affects your ability to drive safely. Giving false information can result in losing your driving privileges.

If you receive a request for a medical statement, submit medical forms online or mail completed forms to:

Driver and Vehicle Services 
Driver Evaluation Unit 
445 Minnesota St., Suite 170 
St. Paul, MN 55101-5170

Medical conditions we review

Loss of consciousness or voluntary control

This includes when you can't stay upright on your own, or when you can't think clearly or respond normally to things happening around you.
You must report any episode in writing within 30 days.

Vision

You must pass a vision check when you apply for or renew a driver's license or permit.

  • Vision must be at least 20/40 (with or without correction)
  • Peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees

If you do not meet these standards, you must visit an eye doctor and submit a Vision Report (PS30338).

Other conditions that may affect driving

Physical conditions

  • Having trouble holding the steering wheel.
  • Feeling weaker physically.
  • Difficulty moving your foot smoothly from the gas to the brake.
  • Being unable to look over your shoulder.
  • Loss of a limb.

Mental impacts

  • Difficulty reacting fast and making quick decisions in traffic or busy driving situations.
  • Reduced ability to focus on objects and switch focus quickly.
  • Less awareness of what’s around you and trouble seeing small details.
  • Trouble judging distances.
  • Light sensitivity and poor vision at night.

Impaired driving

  • Side effects from medications or drug interactions (including over-the-counter medicines)
  • Use of medications that cause drowsiness, blurry vision, dizziness or relaxation of muscles.

Concerned about another driver?

If you believe someone’s medical condition makes them unsafe to drive, see the Report an at-risk driver page.