Medical condition

How does your medical condition affect driving?

Driving is complex. In order to maintain a license in the state of Wisconsin, a driver must be functionally able to safely operate a motor vehicle. A driver’s physical, mental and emotional health are all important factors in assessing this functional ability to drive. Health problems can affect the skill and judgment required to drive safely. DMV has a responsibility to evaluate drivers with potentially debilitating health issues to ensure that the drivers licensed in this state are safe to operate their vehicles. 

Why would the DMV be interested in your medical condition?

Medical conditions can cause symptoms that interfere with a person’s functional ability to drive safely. Examples of such symptoms include:

  • Seizure (per state statute: a driver who has a seizure cannot operate a motor vehicle until they are minimally 90 days past the date of the episode)​
  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Confusion, memory loss, inability to concentrate
  • Impaired judgment and insight
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Chronic drowsiness or extreme exhaustion
  • Impaired response/reaction time
  • Adverse effects or side effects of medications
  • Impulsive behaviors
  • Inadequate vision
  • Abuse of alcohol and other drugs

To ensure roadway safety, DMV may review a driver’s medical condition as part of licensing. DMV may require a driver to provide a Medical Examination ReportMV3644 or a Certificate of Vision Examination by Competent Authority MV3030V​, take the signs, knowledge and/or skills​ tests, or any combination of these.  

​​Medical Review & Fitness Unit
P.O. Box 7918
Madison WI 53707-7918

Email Wisconsin DMV email service​​
Phone (608) 266-2327
Fax (608) 267-0518