Medical conditions that can affect driving

Overview

Having a medical condition does not necessarily mean your driving will be restricted. The type of illness, treatment, medications and other factors are reviewed to determine effects on your fitness and ability to drive. Decisions regarding ability to drive are based on the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators Medical Standards.

Driver Fitness and Monitoring uses your medical report and other information such as medical documentation, your driving record and road test results to determine your ability to drive safely.

Basic medical evaluation

A basic medical evaluation looks at the key areas that may affect the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle:

• vision
• hearing
• cognitive abilities
• overall health
• functional abilities

If you have a medical and/or physical condition(s), your doctor or nurse practitioner may look at whether that condition affects your ability to drive safely. You doctor or nurse practitioner may also recommend a road test or further cognitive or medical testing before completing your driver’s medical.

Types of medical conditions

Some of the diseases and disabilities that may interfere with safe driving: 

• vision impairment
• vestibular disorders, such as vertigo, dizziness
• respiratory disease, such as lung disease, oxygen use
• cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease, heart attack
• chronic renal disease, such as kidney disease
• cerebrovascular disease, such as strokes
• psychiatric disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia
• intracranial tumours
• neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
• traumatic brain injury
• seizures and epilepsy
• cognitive impairment including dementia
• drugs and driving, such as antidepressants, narcotics, sedatives, stimulants, alcohol dependence
• peripheral vascular disease, such as aneurysm and vein conditions
• musculoskeletal conditions, such as limb loss, joint diseases, disabilities
• general debility and lack of stamina, such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue, slow reaction time
• diabetes

Seatbelt exemptions

Under Section 88 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation of the Traffic Safety Act, you must have a medical certificate signed by a qualified medical practitioner to be exempt from wearing a seat belt. This document must be shown to police or the courts when asked.

The medical certificate must:

• be written on the letterhead of the medical practitioner
• include the name and address of the person exempted from wearing a seat belt
• the reasons for the exemption
• the date when the exemption begins
• the date the exemption ends (must not exceed one year)

Contact

Connect with Driver Fitness and Monitoring:

Hours: 8:15 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-8230
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-6612
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building
Room 109, 4999 98 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta   T6B 2X3