Overview
We assess and monitor Albertans’ driver medical fitness to make sure those on the road are not a danger to themselves or others. Restricting someone’s driving eligibility is a decision that is not taken lightly. We follow a robust process to make appropriate decisions around someone’s ability to drive safely.
Process
Throughout the driver medical review process, we use Canada’s National Safety Code (NSC) –Standard 6 – Determining Driver Fitness in Canada. Standard 6 sets the medical criteria used to establish whether drivers are medically fit to drive.
The driver medical review process follows these 4 steps.
Step 1. Medical exam requirements
Some drivers are required to undergo medical examinations. You may have a medical condition or a physical disability that causes a risk for your ability to drive safely. There is also specific medical examination requirement for seniors with a Class 3, 5, 6, and 7 driver’s licence, and commercial drivers with a Class 1, 2, and 4 driver’s licences. This first step is determining whether you have medical exam requirements.
Step 2. Assessment
If you have driver medical examination requirements, you may be required to complete a general medical assessment.
Depending on the complexity of your situation, we may send you a letter requiring you to complete specific assessments or examinations to better understand your ability to drive safely. This could include medical or functional assessments and examinations, driving lessons, or a road test.
Step 3. Determination
Once you have gone through the appropriate examinations and assessments, a determination will be made regarding your driver fitness. This could have a variety of outcomes:
- You are safe to drive without any conditions.
- You may get a condition code that restricts your driving ability in some way, or that requires you to provide periodic medical examinations.
- Go to condition codes and endorsements
- You may be unable to hold your current class licence, but eligible for a lower-class licence.
- Your driving privileges may be suspended.
Step 4. Reassessment and reconsideration
Some drivers may have ongoing requirements, such as providing periodic medical examinations. These assessments will help make sure that you continue to be safe to drive.
If you believe you may be eligible for the removal of a condition code or suspension on your licence related to your driver medical fitness, follow the specific requirements in the letter sent to you.
If you are unclear about the specific requirements for reconsideration of your licence or if you believe a mistake has been made in the review of your file, contact the Driver Programs Client Support Centre for further assistance.
Contact
Connect with the Driver Programs Client Support Centre