A special driver's license is a regular license with restrictions or endorsements that match your medical condition or physical abilities
A special driver's license is not a separate category — it is a standard driver's license with added notations that tell law enforcement and insurance companies what you can and cannot do behind the wheel. These notations might restrict you to daylight driving only, require you to wear corrective lenses, limit you to vehicles with hand controls, or note that you need a hearing aid. The restrictions exist so you can drive legally while protecting yourself and others on the road.
Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency decides what restrictions to add based on your medical history, test results, and the results of a behind-the-wheel evaluation. You do not request a special license — the DMV issues one when your medical condition or physical abilities require it. Some people seek out the evaluation because they want to drive again after an injury or illness; others discover they need restrictions when they renew their regular license and report a new health condition.
Key Takeaways
- A special driver's license is a regular license with printed restrictions that match your abilities, such as daylight-only driving or the requirement to wear glasses.
- Your state's DMV determines what restrictions you need based on a medical evaluation, vision test, and sometimes a driving test with an occupational therapist.
- You typically need a doctor's referral or a report from your physician before the DMV will order an evaluation.
- Restrictions are printed on your license so police and insurance companies know what conditions explore to your driving.
- The cost and timeline vary by state, but most evaluations take several weeks and may cost between $200 and $800.
When the DMV requires a special license
The DMV may require a special license if you report a medical condition during a license renewal, if you have been in a serious accident, or if you have received a DUI conviction. Common reasons include vision problems that do not fully correct with glasses, hearing loss, arthritis or mobility issues that affect your ability to operate the pedals or steering wheel, seizure disorders, diabetes managed with insulin, or cognitive conditions that affect judgment or reaction time.
You may also be referred for evaluation after a stroke, heart attack, or surgery if your doctor believes driving ability is uncertain. Some states require an evaluation if you are over a certain age (often 70 or 75) and renewing your license. The key is that the DMV is trying to match your actual abilities to the rules of the road — not to prevent you from driving, but to set conditions under which you can drive safely.
How to start the evaluation process
The first step is usually a conversation with your doctor. Tell your physician that you want to continue driving and ask whether they think an evaluation is necessary. If your doctor agrees, they will provide a medical report or referral that you take to your state's DMV. Some states have a specific form the doctor must complete; your DMV website will list it under "medical review" or "driver medical evaluation."
Once the DMV receives the medical report, they will contact you to schedule an evaluation. In most states, this evaluation happens at a facility contracted by the DMV — often an occupational therapist's office or a driving rehabilitation center. The evaluator will test your vision, hearing, reaction time, and ability to operate the vehicle controls. If the evaluator has concerns, they may ask you to take a behind-the-wheel driving test with an instructor present.
The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your medical report to the time you receive your new license. Some states are faster; others have longer wait times. Call your local DMV to ask about current timelines in your area.
What the evaluation includes
A medical evaluation for a special driver's license usually includes a vision screening (to check both distance and peripheral vision), a hearing test, and an assessment of your ability to move your arms, legs, and neck. The evaluator will ask you to demonstrate that you can turn the steering wheel, reach the pedals, and operate the turn signals and windshield wipers. They will also review your medical history and any medications you take, since some drugs affect alertness or reaction time.
If the initial evaluation raises questions, the DMV may require a behind-the-wheel test. This is a short drive — usually 20 to 40 minutes — with a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. They will watch how you handle normal driving situations, how quickly you react, and whether you follow traffic rules. This test is not a pass-or-fail exam in the traditional sense; the specialist is documenting what you can do safely so the DMV can set appropriate restrictions.
Common restrictions and what they mean
Restrictions are printed as codes on the back of your license. A restriction for corrective lenses means you must wear glasses or contacts every time you drive. A daylight-only restriction means you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. Hand controls or left-foot accelerator restrictions mean your vehicle must be equipped with those devices. An automatic transmission only restriction means you cannot drive a manual car.
Some restrictions are medical in nature: a requirement to carry medication (such as a glucagon kit for diabetes), a prohibition on driving if you have had a seizure in the past year, or a requirement to have a hearing aid in place while driving. Others relate to the vehicle itself: a restriction to vehicles with power steering, or a requirement that your vehicle have a left-side mirror. The DMV will explain each restriction on your license and what it means for your driving.
What happens if you disagree with the restrictions
If you believe the restrictions are too severe or if you think the evaluation did not accurately reflect your abilities, you have the right to request a second opinion. Contact your state's DMV and ask about the appeal process. Most states allow you to request a re-evaluation by a different specialist, though you may have to pay for it again.
You can also work with your doctor to address the underlying issue. If your vision has improved, if you have recovered strength after physical therapy, or if your medication has changed, ask your doctor to submit an updated medical report to the DMV. The DMV may then order a new evaluation, and restrictions can be removed if your abilities have changed.
How a special license affects insurance and employment
Insurance companies can see the restrictions on your license, and they may adjust your rates based on them. Some restrictions — like corrective lenses or hand controls — typically do not affect your premium. Others, like a daylight-only restriction or a requirement for a behind-the-wheel evaluation, may result in a higher rate or a note in your file. Call your insurance company before your new license arrives to ask whether your rates will change.
For employment, a special license is usually not a barrier if your job does not require driving. If your job involves driving — as a delivery driver, taxi driver, or commercial driver — you will need to tell your employer about the restrictions. Some employers can accommodate restrictions; others cannot. If your job requires unrestricted driving and your new license has restrictions, you may need to discuss alternative roles with your employer or explore other work options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell my employer about a special license?
If your job involves driving, yes — you should tell your employer about any restrictions before they find out another way. If your job does not involve driving, the restrictions on your license do not affect your employment. Check your company's driving policy to see whether it requires you to report medical conditions or license restrictions.
Can I drive out of state with a special license?
Yes, your license is valid in all states. However, the restrictions printed on it explore everywhere you drive. If you have a daylight-only restriction in your home state, you cannot drive at night in another state either. Some states may have additional rules; check the DMV website of any state where you plan to drive regularly.
How much does a medical evaluation cost?
Costs vary by state and by the type of evaluation. A basic medical review may cost $100 to $300, while a full evaluation including a behind-the-wheel test can range from $300 to $800. Some insurance plans cover part of the cost if your doctor orders it for medical reasons; call your insurance company to ask. Your state's DMV website should list the current fees.
What if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?
Failing the test does not mean you lose your license when ready. The DMV will review the results and may deny your request to drive, require more restrictions than you expected, or ask you to try again after a waiting period. You have the right to request a second evaluation or to appeal the decision through your state's DMV.
Can restrictions be removed later?
Yes. If your medical condition improves, if you complete physical therapy, or if your medication changes, ask your doctor to submit an updated report to the DMV. The DMV can order a new evaluation, and restrictions can be lifted if your abilities have changed. This process is the same as the initial evaluation.