Medical Requirements

The Secretary of State shall determine the physical, emotional and mental competence of a person to operate a motor vehicle with the advice of the Medical Advisory Board.

The Medical Advisory Board is a professional unit composed of physicians and motor vehicle staff to advise us on medical criteria and vision standards for licensing drivers. The Medical Advisory Board consists of at least seven members who have expertise in matters concerning health or medicine. We work with the Medical Advisory Board to establish and update driver licensing standards.

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has the following proposed rules at this time:
Chapter 3: PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL COMPETENCE TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE

Rules governing medical conditions and operation of motor vehicles may be obtained by:
Download and Print Current Rules

To obtain a paper copy write to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division - Medical Section
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

For more information call: (207) 624-9000 ext. 52124

Please include your name, date of birth, current mailing address and specify the type of information you are requesting.

NOTICE REGARDING PHILLIPS RECALL OF CPAP AND OTHER DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.  July 1, 2021
BMV recognizes that this recall may impact the ability of some drivers to comply with Functional Ability Profile rules for sleep apnea. Drivers affected by the recall should contact their treating clinician.  The clinician can evaluate the driver’s situation and discuss appropriate follow-up.  If appropriate, clinician may contact BMV to request an extension for this reason.  At this time, more information is needed about how long it will take drivers to get their replacement equipment or find alternative treatment, so this information may change as more information becomes available. Read more about the PHILLIPS recall.           

Resources

Resources for Healthcare Professionals
Resources for Drivers and Caregivers
Description of BMV Road Test
Description of Occupational Therapy Driving Evaluation

Medical Conditions

For condition specific information, click below:

Cardiovascular Disorders
Chronic Pulmonary Disease
Dementia
Hypoglycemia With Or Without Diabetes Mellitus
Mental Disorders
Musculoskeletal And Neurological Disorders
Narcolepsy
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Seizures/Epilepsy
Substance Use Disorder/Prescription Medications
Unexplained Alteration/Loss of Consciousness
Visual Disorders

Medical Forms

Eye Form
Medical Evaluation Form (CR-24)
CR-24 Addendum (Narcolepsy/Cataplexy)

How to Cancel Your Driver's License

Cancelling your driver's license
Cancellation request form

How We Obtain Medical Information

We obtain medical information through:

  1. Permits, licenses, renewal applications and accident reports;
  2. Written reports from family, physicians, law enforcement personnel and other government agencies, and;
  3. Signed statements from citizens.

If you have received a request for a medical review, it means we received information regarding your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Law Enforcement Reporting

We receive information from law enforcement regarding possible unsafe drivers. If a driver is stopped by law enforcement, the officer may report a driver who is thought to have a medical condition that could affect their ability to drive safely. This can be reported even if the officer did not issue a ticket to the driver. This may also appear on an accident report.

Physician Reporting

Physicians who care for patients with physical, mental or emotional impairments which may affect their driving safety, whether defined by published guidelines or not, are responsible for making available to their patients without reservation their recommendations and appropriate information related to driving safety and responsibilities.

The information must be in writing and must include the name, address and date of birth of the patient. The medical professional submitting the report in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report.

Concerned Citizen Reporting

A person with direct knowledge of a driver's specific conduct or specific events indicating the driver may have a disqualifying medical condition may report this to us by writing a letter including the name, address and date of birth of the driver. Once we receive information, our only contact will be with the driver. We will not notify the reporting person of any outcome. Any citizen in the State who, in good faith, submits a report of a driver's impairment is immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report. Every effort will be made to maintain the confidentiality of a person making the report, but this cannot be guaranteed.  No action will be taken by BMV unless the person submitting the report signs the letter and includes their name, address, telephone and or e-mail address. 

For more information, you may contact the Medical Section at:
Telephone: 207-624-9000, Ext. 52124
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division - Medical Section
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029 

Written and Road Test

If you are required to complete a written or road test, an appointment will be scheduled for you at an examination location closest to your home. To view a description of the road test, click here.